The next morning, Nanette got up with her bag and was ready to leave, but Miriam stopped her."Mrs. Hanson, breakfast has been prepared for you. Mr. Hanson asked me to make sure you eat before you leave.""Thank you, but I'll pass."Nanette tried to walk past her, but Miriam turned and blocked her way again.Pouting, she said, "Mr. Hanson insisted that you eat before leaving."Nanette originally did not want to argue with Miriam. She got her salary from the Hansons and had to deal with Sterling's moods. However, Nanette's patience did not result in a peaceful coexistence.Instead, it only made Miriam more confident that she could bully Nanette. With their impending divorce, Nanette felt no need to accommodate Miriam any longer.She stared at her with a cold smirk. "Miriam, please serve breakfast, including the gourmet honey."Nanette knew if she did not eat, Miriam would benefit from it.Previously, Miriam would play mind games, pretending to forget the honey as she knew Nanet
Nanette simply focused on her meal. After quickly finishing, she pushed her plate to the center of the table and asked, "Mr. Hanson, are you satisfied?"Sterling shot her a glance, eyeing the plate she pushed over. He offered a serious critique, "There's still some honey left, and you're not allowed to leave the sandwich behind. You're as thin as a monkey."Does the Hanson family lack money for your meals? Or do you plan to wait until Grandma's birthday to complain about how I've been treating you?"Ivanka's mother, Iris Fletcher, was the Zegarra family's matriarch. She disapproved of how Ivanka and Sterling treated her and always stood up for Nanette whenever they met.Even if they had not seen each other for some time, Iris would call and invite Nanette over for a meal. Hearing Sterling's sharp words, Nanette shot him a disdainful look before finishing the honey.Then, she picked up the remaining sandwich in front of her and stuffed it into her mouth. Just as she was about to
It was not that Sterling was giving Nanette any special treatment. She just knew that his inherent gentlemanly nature prevented him from being physically aggressive with women. At most, he would use his words to wound, saying a few heart-stabbing remarks.Nanette and Harvey walked side by side to a restaurant. Nanette noticed the bruise on Harvey's nose and felt a twinge of guilt."Harvey, I'm sorry about last night. You got dragged into it. But why did you suddenly come back? Isn't there still a month until your break?"Harvey gazed gently at the woman he had not seen in three years, feeling a mix of emotions. Time truly was a merciless and heartless beast; it had silently changed the lives of many people in just a short span.The woman he cherished in his heart had married someone else within just two months of his departure!What infuriated him even more was that he regarded her as a treasure while Sterling treated her as if she were worthless!"Harvey?" Nanette called his nam
"I studied finance. Making money through investments is my foundation. If I can't even earn a little money to improve my life, why would Lynch Group hire me? Only a silly little fool like you would worry too much and send me money every now and then."As Harvey spoke, he reached to pinch her nose like when they were kids, but Nanette cleverly dodged him.After what happened last night, Nanette realized they were no longer children. Many of the gestures from their childhood were inappropriate for them now."Don't pinch my nose. Thankfully, it's not fake. Otherwise, you would've distorted it when we were kids."Harvey chuckled. "Your nose was a bit flat when you were younger. You should be glad I loved pinching it. That's why your nose looks good now."His implication was clear; Nanette's current upturned nose was a result of his playful pinches.Thinking back to their childhood, a twinge of sadness crossed Nanette's heart. Although they only had a few good meals each year at the o
When Nanette Wood arrived at the Jewel Club, everyone there had already enjoyed several rounds of drinks. The spacious private room was buzzing with laughter and chatter.Sterling Hanson, who was seated at the main table, wore a calm expression. Due to the alcohol, a faint flush adorned his cheeks. He had loosened a couple of buttons on his exquisite shirt, leaving the collar slightly open in a relaxed manner.His usually icy gaze softened as he glanced down at the woman beside him.After a moment, his eyes seemed to carry a hint of amusement as they swept over Nanette. They radiated an endless chill."Sterling, could you peel the shrimp for me?"With a slightly indulgent look, Sterling accepted the shrimp that Isla Lynch handed him with his long, slender fingers.Nanette's gaze involuntarily drifted to him. She had never seen him peel shrimp so delicately before. Although she was Sterling's wife of three years, she only saw him a few times each year.Taking a deep breath, Nanet
The man's strong arms wrapped around Nanette as he pulled her into the house, pressing her firmly against the door.Before Nanette could react, his lips crashed onto hers, and he relentlessly ravaged her lips. His fiery kisses greedily trailed down to her neck, as if he aimed to unleash all the pent-up anger within him.His warm hands tore at her collar, and he gazed at her collarbone for a few seconds before his lips descended again. He gave her no chance to breathe.He was so fast and fierce that Nanette found herself completely defenseless against him.Sterling kissed her with urgency. The smell of smoke and alcohol on him overwhelmed her, leaving her no escape. Before she could process what was happening, she became lost in the chaos of desire. The air was thick with the smell of liquor.Gradually, she softened, abandoning the resistance she had felt moments earlier.The sudden pain jolted Nanette back to reality, and she gasped out the words, "Sterling, you're hurting me."
Although what happened last night was normal for them, Nanette still had her dignity. She could not expose her wounds in front of a mistress!Enduring the pain, she straightened her back and walked with composure."I'm sorry for the interruption, Nanette. I've been experiencing severe abdominal pain, so I booked an appointment with you early this morning. I didn't expect you to be on leave at the last minute. I must've caused you trouble."Isla's sweet, soft voice carried an undertone of restraint. Her brows were furrowed together, and her small face appeared pitiful."I'm a gynecologist, so abdominal pain should..."Before Nanette could finish, Harley scoffed. "What a delicate little lady. To think Mr. Hanson would personally bring her here for period cramps."Isla's face flushed instantly the moment she heard Harley's words. As she looked down, she could not resist glancing at Sterling. Her embarrassment was evident."Nanette, please don't misunderstand. I went to bring breakf
Sterling answered her with disdain, "Go take a shower. You smell like disinfectant.""I'm injured, so I can't shower."Nanette refused to hide the truth from him. Why should she bear everything alone?Sterling glanced at her coolly, the corners of his eyes holding a meaningful glint.Nanette bit her lip. Disregarding everything else, she slowly began to unbutton her clothes in front of him."Are you trying to seduce me? I didn't drink today, so I won't touch you."His throat bobbed as he watched her movements, but he still continued to make cutting remarks that dripped with sarcasm.Nanette remained silent. Her gaze was cold as she focused on him, and she continued to undress. There was no hint of shyness or unease on her face; instead, she radiated determination and resolve.Once she was left in only her underwear, she suddenly spoke up, "Open your eyes and take a clear look at me, Sterling!"Her pale body stood before him, the bruises on her fair skin glaringly visible.The