In front of her eyes was a bright dressing table mirror. Zoey looked at herself in the mirror, dressed in professional attire and with her hair tied up, and for a moment, she was stunned.
Looking around, she was in the room of the Harmon family. The room was very small and had been cluttered with miscellaneous items. It was simply renovated before she came back. Zoey raised her hand and placed it on her chest, as the sound of her heart beating rapidly echoed. She didn't die. Did she actually not die? "Zoey, have you finished tidying up? We agreed to meet at this time to go to the Candy Shop, don't be late." Ariana's voice sounded outside the door. Familiar attire, familiar words. Candy Shop? Wasn't that two years ago? Two years ago, Nelson found her and said that the Harmon family and the Maddox family had an engagement, and he hoped she would become his wife. She was full of excitement back then, after all, the man in front of her was her lifesaver. But Nelson had told her he wanted to marry her after achieving success, as he was under pressure at that time , it was mainly from the head of the Maddox family, Russell, and could not offer her the life she deserved. So they had agreed to an engagement. Nelson hoped that she could help him, and Zoey immediately agreed. And so, Nelson placed her next to Russell as his chief secretary. Over the next two years, she had stolen numerous secrets using her skills, ultimately paving the way for Nelson’s rise and Russell’s fall from grace. Zoey now realizes that Russell did not lack suspicion of her, but rather indulged in her behavior. As Zoey realized that she had been reborn two years ago, her eyes darkened. In her past life, she was used by others and did so many foolish things that caused harm to her true lifesaver. Her grandfather died tragically, her heart was dug out, and she even caused Russell to shoot himself. In this life, she would no longer be used by others! She wanted the scumbag and the bitch to receive the punishment they deserved! She had to repay Russell well! According to the timeline, tomorrow night is the engagement banquet. She had to gather the evidence before that. "Zoey?" Ariana's voice sounded again from outside the door, and Zoey shivered at the thought of what she had done in her past life. How long do you think you can pretend for! Zoey got up and opened the door, only to see Ariana wearing a beautiful knee-length dress, stepping on seven-inch high heels, and with exquisite makeup. "I felt a bit uncomfortable in my stomach, could you help me go and choose with Nelson?" "Me?" Ariana's eyes flickered with a hint of joy, which Zoey noticed. "Do we need to go to the hospital?" she asked, pretending to be concerned. "No need, just take a nap." "Okay then." Ariana nodded, barely able to hide the smile at the corner of her mouth. "So Nelson and I will go, and we'll take pictures for you to choose from later." "Okay." As Zoey watched Ariana's departing figure, the smile on her face instantly disappeared. She closed the door and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, watching as Ariana got into the black Rolls-Royce. The car did not drive towards the Candy Shop, but instead headed towards the outskirts in the opposite direction. Zoey chuckled and turned around to sit in front of the computer desk, opening her laptop. Her fingers flew across the keyboard. After finishing everything, she changed into sportswear, took out a small object from the suitcase, and left the house. On the bed of a suburban villa, two figures were entangled in a fierce struggle. "Nelson, who do you think was better, Zoey or me?" "Of course it was you, that disgusting bitch, I wouldn't even touch her." *** The two of them were whispering sweet nothings to each other, and when their emotions became intense, they let out a series of low growls. Zoey listened outside and almost vomited. In her past life, she already knew about this villa, but back then Nelson told her that it was used by the company for entertaining guests. Who would host banquets in the countryside? Sure enough, she guessed right. The people inside were still going on, while Zoey securely placed the tiny camera, the size of a soybean, in her hand and quickly left. In the evening, the family sat around the dining table. Ariana took out candies and peeled one for each person. "Zoey, was it delicious?" Zoey nodded, "It was delicious." Dahlia Baker glanced at Zoey with disdain and said, "You can't do anything right! Even picking wedding favors, your sister has to do it for you! Look at Ariana, not only is she the top designer at Born Beauty Fashion Company, but she's also a triple threat in the entertainment industry as a film, television, and music star. You're useless! I really don't know why Mr. Maddox chose you as his fiancée." Dahlia snorted coldly, "What advantages could she have?" "Zoey was kind and obedient." "Kind and obedient?" Dahlia laughed as if she had heard the biggest joke in the world. "Eight years ago, she was only fourteen and already going to bars to smoke and drink, hanging out with delinquents, and getting involved in scandalous affairs and abortions. How much public pressure did the Harmon family face back then? They were completely humiliated! You really have a short memory!" Matteo snorted, "Zoey said she didn't do it, so she didn't! How can you, as a mother, not trust your own daughter at all!" The old man seemed really angry, and Dahlia didn't argue anymore. She just glared at Zoey fiercely. The usually silent Jordan Harmon looked at Zoey and said earnestly, "No matter what you have done in the past, after we get engaged, you must become a good daughter-in-law of the Maddox family. The reputation of the Harmon family cannot be tarnished anymore." Dahlia couldn't help but retort, "The nature is hard to change, who knows what she has become during these eight years abroad? After getting engaged, you should learn more from Ariana on how to be a qualified socialite." Ariana defended, "Oh, Mom and Dad, please stop talking. Those are all rumors. I believe Zoey." Dahlia sneered, "I was just reminding her!" "Enough!" Matteo slammed his fork down. "The child is getting engaged tomorrow, aren't you done yet? You keep talking and I'm getting tired of it!" Zoey smiled faintly, "It's okay, mom and dad are right. I’ll learn from my sister.” Before going to bed, Zoey received a message on her phone. She glanced and saw a Line message from Nelson. "Zoey, is your stomach still hurting?" Zoey rolled her eyes and, thinking about what she had told herself in her past life, forced herself to reply, suppressing the disgust and discomfort in her heart. It didn't hurt anymore. That's good, are the candies delicious? "It was delicious, you and Ariana indeed have good taste." They're really birds of a feather, deserves each other! *[I’m glad you liked it. Tomorrow night, you’ll be my fiancée. I’m truly lucky.*] Oh no, your good fortune has just begun. Zoey scoffed lightly, "I was lucky too. See you tomorrow night." After replying, she thought about her past self, who despite having great talent, was easily manipulated by these two individuals. Just because of excessive trust, it led to blindness in the eyes and ignorance in the heart. In this lifetime, she would never repeat the same mistakes. "Ariana, there is a ring exchange ceremony tomorrow. Can you help me bring the ring up when the time comes?" she sent a message to Ariana. "Okay, no problem," Ariana replied. The Maddox family, Nelson set aside his phone. He took a sip of red wine and clicked his tongue, "This fool is completely wrapped around my finger now, she knows nothing about that she'd become my most advantageous pawn soon! Truly foolish to the core!" The engagement between the Maddox family and the Harmon family was arranged in the early years by Alonso Maddox and Matteo. Because of the incident at the bar, Zoey's reputation outside was very bad, which also affected the reputation of the Harmon family. The Maddox family never mentioned the engagement again, and the Harmon family was also too embarrassed to bring it up, until Nelson took the initiative to propose to Zoey from the Harmon family. In order to show his sincerity to Zoey, Nelson invited celebrities from all walks of life in Woodmerrow to the engagement banquet. At this moment, the banquet hall of River Hotel was filled with big shots. The men exchanged toasts while women mingled, showing off elegant attire. Zoey sat in the dressing room, sending messages. *[Play the video during the ring exchange. Got it?]* *[No problem, boss! Get ready for the show,*] replied Roland. Zoey took her phone, her lips curled into a smile, and the show was about to begin!The sound of knocking on the door was heard, and Ariana pushed the door open."Zoey, the engagement banquet has started, it's time for you to go on stage."Zoey looked at Ariana's swollen lips and understood in her heart.It was obvious that Ariana and Nelson were secretly involved with each other.In the past, she’d trusted them and hadn’t thought to question it. But now, every little detail was as clear as day.She smiled and said, "Okay."Zoey stood up and Ariana's face changed suddenly, "Zoey, did you change your dress?"Zoey was dressed in a white lace long dress, with silver flat shoes on her feet. Her dark, slightly curled hair fell to her waist, and her light makeup looked clean and gentle, like a fairy fallen to earth.“Doesn't it look good?” Zoey asked with a smile.Ariana tugged at her lips and said, "Good, it looks good. Nelson will definitely be amazed."Zoey glanced at her clenched palm and realized she was worried that she might seduce Nelson away.She patted Ariana's s
Alonso's mouth twitched, "Where do I go find it?"Zoey's gaze fell on Russell in the wheelchair and she said, "Since there is an engagement, it doesn't say who it has to be with. So, I want Russell!"Everyone shook their heads and pursed their lips.Just now Russell said he wasn't interested in women, isn't that asking for trouble!Moreover, although Russell held a high position and had an exquisite appearance, he was impotent. Marrying him would clearly mean living as a widow!Is Miss Harmon from the Harmon family out of her mind?The air seemed as if it had stopped flowing, unusually quiet.The entire banquet hall could only hear the sound of Russell lightly tapping the armrest of his wheelchair.Under the crystal chandelier, the man's pupils turned amber, as if they had merged with the snow, clear and beautiful, unlike those of a real person.Suddenly, his slender fingers paused, and he glanced at Zoey's delicate eyebrows, raising them slightly. His voice was cold and clean, "I agr
Zoey looked at the man's sharply defined face, from his eyebrows to his nose bridge, and then to those beautifully curved thin lips, all so perfect.She lifted her little face and her lips pressed against the man's lips.Her heart jumped uncontrollably, as if she had lived two lifetimes. This was her first kiss.She was innocent and quite inexperienced, extending her tiny tongue to lightly brush against the man's thin lips.The man started to breathe heavily, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. He wanted to reach out and support the back of the girl's head, but he withdrew his hand and let the girl do as she pleased.Troy, sitting in the driver's seat, glanced at the rearview mirror and was completely shocked by what he saw.The aloof and abstinent Russell unexpectedly succumbed to the advances of a dominant woman!He looked very enjoyable!Just that woman...Russell's cold gaze met Troy's prying eyes, causing the latter to quickly press the button and raise the partition.Inside of
Zoey grabbed Dahlia's wrist and said coldly, "I will not make any statement, and I will not accept any betrothal gift. You're disappointed in me, and I am equally disappointed in you! I will leave the Harmon family tonight!"She let go of Dahlia's hand and went straight up the stairs.Dahlia stumbled as she was pushed away, wanting to go after and ask, but she was pulled back by Matteo.He sternly said, "Treating your daughter as an object, do you even deserve to be a mother? Don't bother Zoey!"Dahlia hummed and stomped up the stairs, while Jordan flicked his cigarette butt and followed suit.Ariana timidly glanced at Matteo and got up to leave.Coming back from abroad, Zoey didn't bring much with her, and she didn't acquire any new items in the past half month either. Therefore, when she returned, she still had the same silver suitcase as when she left.The door was unlocked, Ariana walked up to Zoey, and she fiddled with her hands in front of her."Zoey, are you really leaving? I t
Half an hour later, a beam of bright light shone on Zoey.She raised her hand to shield her eyes, and as the lights went out, she slowly lowered her hand.Troy had already opened the car's back door and walked up to Zoey, gripping the handle of the suitcase."Mrs. Maddox, please get in the car."Zoey said thank you and then got into the car.She turned her head and smiled at the man, "Honey, nice to see you again!"The pure smile made Russell smile lightly, "I thought you were crying just now when I heard your voice."Zoey blinked. “Of course, I missed you so much it made me want to cry.”“Liar,” he replied, but his lips still curved into a slight smile.Zoey leaned forward and raised her bright little face, "Did my nose get longer?"Russell chuckled and said, "How do you feel?""That must not have happened, because I never lie," Zoey laughed.A faint scent of pear lingered around her, and Russell couldn’t help but swallow. “Sit properly.”Zoey let out a soft "oh" and leaned against t
Zoey scoffed lightly and sent a message directly to Roland Mendoza.[Expose.]In just five minutes, the phone screen was flooded with videos of what happened at the engagement banquet, as well as explicit photos and high-definition uncensored videos of Nelson and Ariana.It used to be spread within the upper class circles, but now it is spread across the entire internet.At one point, the official website of Born Beauty crashed, and there was a chorus of curses.[What a bullshit official announcement, it turns out that the affair was exposed, and they had no choice but to say they were engaged!][That Ariana was simply shameless, stealing her sister's fiancé and crying all the time. She did things that no decent person would do!][Ariana's innocent girl image was shattered this time, and she turned into a slutty woman!][The CEO of Born Beauty was an absolute scumbag! He even wanted to have two relationships at the same time!][Lock up the scumbag and the cheap woman quickly, so they
Russell also saw the news online and knew that most people who went to concerts were there for the drama.Zoey wouldn't miss such an exciting occasion.He chuckled lightly and said, "Stay put and wait for her.""Yes, Mr. Russell."After hanging up the phone, Russell thought for a moment and sent a message to Zoey: "Brent is waiting for you at the same place. When the concert is over, text me."At that moment, Zoey was walking towards the backstage, but the loud music prevented her from hearing the notification sound.The moment Ariana saw Zoey, her gloomy face instantly brightened up, "Zoey, you're here!"Zoey looked at Ariana, who was wearing a shiny performance costume, and smirked, "Since I promised you, of course I will come."Ariana handed the earpiece and headphones to Zoey and held her hand, "Zoey, thank you. I'm sorry, I will make it up to you in the future."Zoey nodded, "Okay!"“Then I’m going on stage now.”"Okay."As Ariana stepped onto the stage, Zoey tightly gripped the
Stephany returned to the audience and gave Ariana a thumbs up gesture.Ariana was full of confidence, "Next, I will sing 'The Perfect Couple'!"The music started playing, and Ariana raised the microphone to lip sync.Just "The Perfect Couple" turned into "Break Up," and then it turned into "Blue World."The band looked confused, all stopped there, because they didn't know what song to sing next.They had never encountered such a situation.Ariana couldn't keep up with the rhythm at all and could only reluctantly try to lip sync.She had no idea what the next song will be, so when the songs transitioned, the big screen displayed Ariana's facial expressions in an awkward manner.The whole venue fell into silence, with the sound of solo singing echoing through the night sky, without any accompaniment, only seeing Ariana performing quietly on stage.Suddenly, the singing abruptly stopped, and Ariana didn't have time to control her expression.The whole audience saw her mouth moving withou
Russell couldn't explain it this time, he raised his hand and pressed his forehead.To avoid suspicion, Troy directly transferred to Dalton's hospital when he arrived.When Dalton entered the ward and saw Layne, his heart was deeply shaken.This child looks exactly like Zoey, identical in every way.No wonder Russell recognized this ghostly-looking Zoey at first sight.The little one blinked his big eyes and sucked on a lollipop, "Uncle, you looked so handsome!"Dalton approached and asked Russell, "Is this your son?"Russell nodded and asked, "Are you handsome?"Yasmine was speechless."Looking handsome!" Dalton wanted to say, the male version of Zoey looks really good, even better than Russell, but he remembered Russell's advice not to mention Zoey's name in front of Yasmine. He wanted her to remember on her own, so he held back the rest of his words.He raised his hand and rubbed the little guy's head, "Does it
Yasmine glanced sideways and caught sight of Russell rushing towards her, momentarily stunned.She stood up from her seat and said, "How did you come?"When Russell passed by her, he raised his hand and gave the woman's shoulder a squeeze, "There won't be any problem."She said to the nurse, "I have the same blood type as my child, draw mine."The nurse asked, "Are you the child's father?"Yasmine exclaimed!The nurse looked surprised when she saw Yasmine and asked, "Is he the father of the child?"Yasmine was about to say no when she heard Russell say very confidently, "Yes!"The nurse pointed at Yasmine and asked, "And what about her?"Russell remained calm and composed as he uttered, "My mother-in-law has some opinions about me because I had an argument with her daughter."Yasmine was speechless.Russell raised an eyebrow and said, "Right, Mom? Layne needed a blood transfusion now, saving the child is th
Yasmine was initially startled, and then she began to struggle, but it was in vain.Russell was very skilled at using tricks to immobilize her."What did you want to do?"Russell smiled in his eyes and said, "I just wanted to ask you why you didn't take my pulse before giving me an injection."Yasmine did indeed forget about this matter, "It was my mistake, I apologize.""Do you have something on your mind?"Yasmine pursed her lips and denied, "No!""Are you still reminiscing about last night?" Russell had been thinking about keeping his distance from her after last night, but his body and mind couldn't help but want to get closer.He couldn't keep his distance!"I didn't!" Yasmine's voice involuntarily raised a few decibels.Russell saw that she was getting a little impatient, so he said, "Don't be angry, I let go."He slowly let go, and Yasmine pricked the needle.The needle was just about to stop
The next morning.Yasmine woke up and realized that Layne was not by her side.She heard the laughter of children outside the window, so she got out of bed and went to the window.Russell was watering the roses with Layne.Layne held the water hose with both hands, while Russell bent down and held his little hand to help him control the direction. They watched as the water splashed around, and Layne laughed heartily.Yasmine's lips curled slightly, and this scene was quite heartwarming.But the smile on her face gradually disappeared, none of these belonged to her, what was she expecting and longing for?She wanted to find out as soon as possible if the Huffman family's tragedy was related to Russell.After she finished washing up, she reapplied her previous makeup and went outside the villa to call Layne back.Children are easily dependent on and attached to people, so she wanted to keep Layne away from Russell in order
Russell's eyes were deep and dangerous as he stared at the man. "Who sent you?"The gaze was filled with a strong sense of danger, making the man's scalp tingle. He had no doubt that if he didn't tell the truth, Russell would kill him in the cruelest way possible.He confessed, "Derrick! Maddox is your Maddox, Derrick."Derrick?Russell had never heard this name before, but the surname Maddox was somewhat intriguing.He looked at the other four people and said, "Is that right?"The other four people also nodded repeatedly in agreement.Russell stood up and turned around to look at the two people still talking on the sofa, "I'm leaving, Derrick."Troy furrowed his brows, "This name sounds familiar to me. I think I've heard it somewhere before."Braeden rubbed his chin, "I feel like I've heard this name somewhere before."Russell took off his white gloves and said, "The rest is up to you guys, I'm going back first."
Russell glanced at him and said, "What's the excitement? Have you been single for too long that you become perverted at the sight of a woman?"Troy chuckled and quickly pursed his lips, lowering his head.Dalton's mind seemed to be working particularly fast. He cleared his throat and said, "Have you improved a bit and started returning to your sarcastic state?"Russell put his arm around the man's shoulder and led him up the steps, heading towards the entrance of the hospital.Yasmine glanced at Troy and asked, "Who is he?"Troy respectfully replied, "He was Mr. Russell's good friend Dalton, and this hospital was opened by him."Yasmine nodded, "So this is the standard for every male protagonist in a romance novel, a doctor friend?"Troy was speechless.Yasmine shrugged her shoulders and quickly followed.As he watched the woman enter the door, Troy burst into laughter, but as he laughed, tears welled up in his eyes.
Yasmine looked over suddenly, and the man stared ahead, gripping the steering wheel with both hands.His hands were slender, and his knuckles were distinct, just like a perfect piece of artwork.His profile was too outstanding, with contours that seemed to be outlined with charcoal, sharp and distinct.The protruding Adam's apple showcased the man's sexual tension, faintly exuding a wild scent.The dim yellow light of the streetlamp shone on his face, casting alternating shadows and highlights on his features, creating a sense of mystery.Russell glanced at her, "Did you really think so?"His voice sounded like it had been rubbed with sandpaper, with a low and magnetic tone, which was very pleasant to listen to.Yasmine stared at him, "Russell, weren't you loyal to your wife? Then why are you flirting with me?"Russell knew that he had upset her, so he stopped teasing her. "My wife wants me to live a good life."Yasmine
Yasmine didn't expect Layne to say such words. She trembled her eyelashes and held the little one's hand back."Layne, marriage between a man and a woman must be built on a foundation of love and affection. It is a sad thing for someone to become a substitute for the person who holds love in their heart, as no one can replace them."Layne nodded, "I understood."He hugged Yasmine and looked at her with blinking eyes. "Mom, actually I think you are also pitiful, not knowing who Layne's dad is. So Layne thinks it's better for you not to look for dad and just stay with uncle."He sighed, "I don't want to think anymore, my brain capacity is not enough, the adult world is really too complicated. Mom, why don't you give me a bath instead! Layne is going to sleep!""Okay."Yasmine took him into the bathroom and gave him a bath.After coming out, the little one climbed onto the dressing table and sat on the chair, swinging his little legs.
"Go back to Serene Manor?" Yasmine furrowed her brow. Derrick is now more dangerous than Russell, so going to Serene Manor is indeed a good idea, but it doesn't feel right.She cleared her throat and said, "Those people were chasing after you, what did Layne and I do?"Russell naturally guessed her thoughts, "Can't you cure me?"Yasmine lightly chuckled, "I saw you were quite normal now, maybe you didn't need any treatment after all.""That was because you were there." Russell and Yasmine's gazes collided in the rearview mirror.Yasmine averted her gaze and said, "I felt like your illness had improved for a month or two, so Layne and I would leave by then."Russell fell silent for a moment and then said, "Okay."Layne's eyes rolled around. One or two months, huh! Uncle better hurry up and become a father!Yasmine said, "Both Layne's and my belongings are at Rivulet Villa, we need to go and get them."Russell saw through