The next day, Heather went to the office, leaving Prisley bored and wandering around every corner of the mansion.She knew the servants were watching her, reporting back to Heather at every turn.Her task was to familiarize herself with everything here.Heather's mansion is very spacious and luxurious, spanning four floors above ground and two below ground.The design featured clean geometric lines, stylish yet grand, perfectly complementing his personality.Prisley walked and looked around, mapping out the layout of each functional area.Outside on the ground floor, there was a large swimming pool, just under the windows on the other side of the villa.Prisley gazed at the shimmering water in the pool, a slight smile crossing her lips.Heather had just finished a quick meeting and returned to his office, feeling annoyed. Steve followed in curiously.In the past, Heather would have delegated such boring meetings to Prisley, but now he had to attend himself. Peter and the other assist
“What is she doing?! Her room is on the third floor!”Heather quickly dialed another number.“Sam, did you see the surveillance?” His tone was icy.“Yes, sir, we’re on our way,” Sam replied, panting heavily, clearly running.“Protect her, don’t let her get hurt!” Heather growled through gritted teeth.Steve's eyes widened, his mouth half-open. “Are you... are you keeping Prisley locked up? Is she trying to escape?”Heather's face was dark, and he remained silent.“Heather, she’s going to hate you for this. Trust me, I know her,” Steve continued to buzz around him.“You know her personality, right? She’s too strong-willed to give in easily. The more you suppress her, the more stubborn she’ll become…”“Shut up! You talked too much!” Heather finally snapped at Steve.Heather pressed the intercom button on his desk. “Tell Peter to prepare the car. I need to go home immediately.”“This is none of your business, get out,” he said curtly to Steve.Heather was beginning to sweat lightly. Pris
Heather felt like a dagger had stabbed his heart. His voice trembled.“Hey, were... you asleep? Why didn’t you answer me?” He tried to sound calm.Prisley lay there like an empty shell, not moving an inch, her eyes unblinking.Heather felt his heart wither like a dry flower. It looked beautiful but was no longer lively. He had her body with him, but her heart was gone, leaving him with an empty shell.He slumped on the bed, pulling Prisley up and holding her close.“Prisley, please say something. Don’t scare me like this,” his voice shook.“I know it was wrong to lock you up. I’ll take you out for a walk now. You can go out whenever you want, anywhere you like. Just don’t be like this. It scares me... I don’t want to lose you...”Prisley didn’t respond, didn’t even move a bit. Her eyes were unfocused and half-open, her body limp and lifeless in Heather’s arms.Heather pulled out his phone in panic and wanted to call. “Prisley, are you feeling unwell? I’ll get a doctor.”On second thou
Prisley knew Heather was insane. It seemed her only option was to die by his side. She felt frustrated but had no other choice. So, she decided to become a living dead.From then on, Prisley stopped talking. When the maids brought food, she took a few bites and then had them take it away. After eating, she locked herself in the room and slept. She knew Heather had installed cameras in her room, so even if she couldn't sleep, she still lay there with her eyes closed.The long hours of work and constant fear had taken a toll on her mental state. With enough sleep, her mind seemed to become more active."Emma, how was her appetite today?" Heather routinely asked the maid."Miss Anderson ate very little, just like yesterday." Emma repliedHeather sighed deeply."Sir... there's something I think I should tell you," Emma knew Heather's temper well."Go ahead.""The food Miss Anderson eats each day is only half of the healthy amount. If this continues...""I know." Heather felt a wave of irr
With a loud splash, Prisley fell into the swimming pool, sending up a tall spray of water.She floundered in the water, panicking, unable to find her swimming rhythm. She choked on water as she struggled to stay afloat.After being cooped up indoors for so long, her limbs were weak. She barely managed to swim. Prisley splashed her way to the edge of the pool.Heather's eyes were burning with anxiety. He wanted to rush over to help Prislye, but Steve held him back, pressing him against the car."Let her go. Or you'll only make her hate you more."Heather struggled. "No! I can't watch her like this. Why can't I save her?""She can do it. Trust her," Steve said calmly."Let time heal everything. If she really cares about you, she'll come back to you.""If she doesn't, you can't force it."Heather struggled for a few seconds, watching Prisley flounder in the water.He picked up the security radio and told the guards, "Don't stop her. Let her go wherever she wants." His voice was heavy and
"Prisley! Is that you?" Mark exclaimed.Prisley brushed her messy hair back, her smile wide. She hadn't felt this happy in a long time.Mark rushed forward and hugged her tightly. "Where did you go? I heard about Kenzell. I regret leaving you there."Mark felt a bittersweet pain of having found something he had lost."I looked everywhere for you. Where have you been? Please, don't leave again." Mark's voice was choked. His eyes felt hot.Prisley looked more worn out than before, frail and sickly. Mark glanced at her and hugged her again.Prisley's long-suppressed emotions were suddenly stirred up. "I'm not leaving. I'm staying right here."Her eyes were wet. She didn't want to cry but felt a deep sense of safety with Mark.Mark called his assistant. "Cancel the meeting.""But boss, I've confirmed it just now.""Do I need to teach you how to do it? I said cancel it!" Mark snapped, then turned back to Prisley with a gentle look."I'm so glad you came. What can I do for you?" he asked."
The waitress walked into the restroom, took off her uniform, and hid her phone in her bra. After calming her breath, she pushed the door open and stepped out.It was Jennifer.She looked around, ensuring no one saw her, then left amidst the nightclub's noise.After running a long distance, Jennifer sent the video out and called Prisley.Mark had already prepared a new phone for Prisley, placing it by her bed. Jennifer's call woke her up."Jennifer? It's so late. Sorry, I can't go out with you tonight," Prisley mumbled groggily. Fortunately, her fatigue had greatly lessened."Prisley, aren't you with your boss? I just went to the nightclub, and guess who I saw?"Prisley was still not fully awake. "Another handsome guy? Jennifer, you always...""Your boss! He and another man had four scantily dressed Bunnies in the VIP room, hot and explicit."Prisley sat up abruptly from the bed, instantly wide awake. But she didn't know how to react."Prisley, are you there?" Jennifer asked."What did
"Mark, can I work at your company?" Prisley asked.“Of course you can!” Mark was overjoyed. He had dreamed of this day for a long time. The day when Prisley would work with him.There was always a saying in the industry that Heather Rynn had a very capable female assistant who handled everything for him.When they were in Tulsa, Mark had seen her competence firsthand. She managed to take down an entire corruption ring by herself and uncovered David's scheme against Heather.Mark hugged Prisley tightly like a treasure: ""I'm looking forward to working with you, but not now, Prisley. Can you rest a few more days? Let the doctor assess your condition first."Prisley nodded obediently.Mark gently stroked her long hair, "You've really blown me away. I never imagined I'd actually get you to come work at the company."Prisley hadn't felt this kind of peace for a long time. She nestled into Mark's embrace, greedily feeling his warmth and tenderness.She had also asked herself, should she just
Early the next morning, Heather had to leave for a business trip. Prisley breathed a sigh of relief. She still wasn’t used to living with Heather in the apartment. It was nice to have some space for a while.That day, she was wandering around a boutique in the shopping mall when she suddenly saw a figure pass by outside the store.Prisley froze. Without thinking, she ran out.But the man had already walked far away.“It can’t be him, right? No, it can't be.” She felt uneasy but picked up her pace.The man was tall with long legs, walking quickly.Prisley’s heavy body made it hard for her to keep up.“Hey—sir, wait—” She shouted when she realized she was about to lose him.It seemed the man heard her. He stopped and turned around."Spencer! It really is you!" Prisley gasped, covering her mouth. Her legs felt weak, and she almost collapsed.Spencer quickly rushed over to steady her, so overwhelmed that he didn’t know what to say.“I finally found you!” They both spoke at the same time a
Heather and Prisley returned to the apartment, and a subtle sense of relief filled the air.Heather smiled as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders. He opened his arms and pulled Prisley into a hug, pressing her forehead gently against his warm chest. In that moment, it felt like he was holding something precious he had almost lost, and it made him cherish her even more.Prisley didn’t resist, didn’t move at all. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Heather opened the door, and a few strong movers stood there, behind them were several large items.Heather was puzzled, but Prisley greeted them warmly. “Oh, you’re here? Please, bring everything inside.”The lead mover asked, “Are you Miss Anderson?”“Yes, that’s me,” Prisley said cheerfully as she welcomed them in.“Could you sign for this?”Prisley quickly signed, her happiness clear from her expression. The large items were brought inside, and she led them to an empty room.Heather asked, “What’s all this? It’s huge.”Prisley smiled faintl
Mark and his father walked into the study.Old Grant said, "Son, all these years, I haven't interfered much, letting you choose your own path.""You could study if you wanted, or travel if you preferred. But now, I have to think about your future."Mark asked quietly, "What"s wrong, Dad?" He had a feeling something was off. His father"s usually kind face was now serious, like when he was in a business meeting."My heart is getting worse. Even though I look fine on the outside, I know my own condition.""It could stop beating at any moment. I don't know if it will be tomorrow, next month, or next year. So, I have to make arrangements now."Mark interrupted anxiously, "What did the doctors say? There are so many treatments available. This isn't a big issue, Dad. Don't be so pessimistic."Mark had originally come home thinking only about getting some benefits from his father, maybe some shares or money. But hearing his father speak like this, he suddenly felt like the sky was falling.Th
"Dad, what's up?" Mark said, holding his phone, sounding casual.His father's gentle voice came through the line, "You haven't been home for dinner in a while. Your mom wants to see you."Mark gave Heather and Prisley a wink, pretending to be relaxed. "I miss you too. I'll come home tonight. Nothing's more important than you."He hung up, and the smile on his face vanished.Heather signaled that he was leaving. Before heading out, he reminded Mark, "Don't forget what's right and what's not."Mark nodded, "Don't worry, I'll be a great actor."Prisley couldn’t help but smile as she watched his playful, slightly mischievous demeanor. "Mark, I'm glad you're back to your old self. That's the you I like."She shot a glance at Heather, hoping to catch a hint of jealousy on his face. But Heather remained indifferent, only showing a trace of sarcasm.They all went their separate ways.As Heather and Prisley reached the car, Heather suddenly stopped. He turned and said coldly, "What? Disappoint
Chapter 107: Becoming Friends“With your immature look and still being wet behind the ears, you dared to compete with me for Prisley?”Heather said, half-joking, half-contemptuously. His tone held a touch of mockery, and a smirk curved his lips. He lounged on the sofa, casually tapping the edge of his wine glass with his fingers, casting a dismissive glance at Mark.Prisley, sitting next to Heather, gave him a gentle elbow jab. She shot him a disapproving look and then gave him a subtle wink, signaling him to ease up on Mark.To their surprise, Mark was momentarily stunned but then smiled calmly. His eyes showed a trace of self-deprecation but mostly relief.“You’re right, Heather. Compared to you, I’m indeed quite immature,” Mark said with a wry smile.“I finally understand that I’m definitely not the type Prisley likes. So despite all her efforts, she still hasn’t fallen for me.”He spoke with self-deprecation. Though he was addressing his past hurt, he showed no real sadness. In
"Mark, what's wrong? Are you speeding? Tell me where you are right now!"Prisley’s face had gone pale with worry. She turned to Heather, desperate for help.After listening for a couple of seconds, Heather immediately grasped the situation with Mark. He grabbed the phone from Prisley and said, "Mark, whatever's going on, you need to stay calm. Prisley is really worried about you. You don't want to cause an accident and make her even more upset, do you?"The roar of a car engine came through the phone. Mark answered with a chocked voice, "Okay, I’ll listen to you."Not long after, the three of them were sitting in a restaurant.The restaurant’s lighting was soft and warm, but the atmosphere between them was exceptionally heavy.Mark sat in the corner of the table, his gaze distant.He looked utterly defeated, with bruises from a fight on his face, completely lacking his usual charm and confidence. Prisley had seen Mark anxious and smug before, but never this defeated and at a loss.Pri
After saying goodbye to Prisley at the hospital, Mark drove home with a heavy heart. He couldn't remember how he drove—the dim streetlights and shadows on the road were all that filled his mind. It felt like the whole world had lost its color.Only when he instinctively hit the brakes did he realize he was already parked in his driveway.Inside his mansion, the silence made the space feel even more empty and cold. With one person missing, the house felt like a hollow shell, and even the air seemed thin.Mark walked unsteadily into the bedroom that was once filled with laughter and warmth. Prisley's presence was everywhere. Her book was still open on the nightstand, a few of her clothes casually draped over the chair. On the wall hung a portrait she had painted of him, so detailed, so lifelike. But the bed across from it was now empty.Mark approached the bed, hesitated for a moment, and then collapsed onto it, exhausted. The faint scent of her perfume still lingered on the sheets. He
The kitchen was filled with the rich smell of beef, the oil sizzling quietly on the hot pan. The shelves had new spices lined up, neatly organized. Heather was focused, carefully watching the steak as it cooked.Over his casual clothes, he wore a white apron.His commanding presence wasn't diminished at all by the casual outfit. Instead, it added a touch of warmth and kindness. It was a side of him Prisley had never seen before, something she couldn't even imagine.Prisley's eyes widened in surprise as she stared at Heather like he was from another planet. "Heather? Are you... cooking steak?"Heather turned around, a soft smile playing on his lips.Heather said to the man on the video call, "Alright, that's it for today," and then ended the call."Need any help?" Prisley asked, stepping closer to the counter.Heather waved a long finger to indicate he didn't, then turned back to what he was doing.Prisley could only stand there waiting.Heather finally switched off the stove, plated th
“Awake?” Heather asked, his voice still carrying a hint of sleepiness.Prisley nodded woodenly, responding with a faint sound.She wasn’t used to such morning—too intimate, too tender. Heather had rarely stayed over at her place before, let alone waking up with her in his arms until dawn.On the rare occasions he did stay over, he would leave the apartment early, as if staying even a moment longer made him uncomfortable.It made sense. Back then, he was just infatuated with her body.Prisley tried to get up, but as she moved, Heather’s arm tightened around her.“It’s still early. Stay a little longer. It’s the weekend,” he said with a warm smile in his voice.Prisley didn’t really want to wake up that early. She just didn’t want to be so close to Heather. The intimacy made her uneasy. If there were an “boundary” in the bed, she might have been able to sleep a bit longer.She gave an awkward smile, trying to sound casual. “It’s just… I want to move around a bit. The weather is so nice