After finishing his discussion with his father, Mark headed back to find Prisley. On the way, he overheard a staff member say that a pregnant woman had risked her life to perform emergency aid on an elderly man. She had severe bleeding and was rushed to the hospital. Mark immediately realized that the woman was Prisley.Driving at breakneck speed to the hospital, Mark's thoughts raced uncontrollably. He couldn't shake the image of Prisley's white dress stained with blood, her face pale and helpless.He finally reached the hospital. Just as he was about to knock, he caught sight of Prisley and Heath inside, laughing joyfully. A sharp pain gripped his chest, as if thorns were tightening around his heart, cutting deeper with every breath.His worst fears were coming true.Although Prisley agreed to be his girlfriend and got along well with him, making an effort to accommodate and please him in bed, Mark still felt an inexplicable sense of distance.She wasnโt truly happy with him.Her alwa
Prisley was initially a bit confused, but she immediately recognized the elderly man as the one she had saved in the garden the previous night.Smiling warmly, she walked up to him and hugged him. A soft, gentle smile appeared on her face. She then turned to Heath, smiling, โHow did you know this gentleman was staying here?โHeath smiled back, a touch of respect in his voice. โMr. Robin Neeson has been a friend of mine for many years.โHe then turned and introduced her to the elderly man. โThis is Prisley Anderson, the person you've been wanting to meet.โRobin shook his head with a smile, correcting him, โOh no, I was your fatherโs friend, not yours. But Iโve always treated you like a son.โThey exchanged a knowing glance and shared a warm laugh, a sense of unspoken understanding passing between them.Robin looked at Prisley with affection and admiration in his eyes. โPrisley, I really can't thank you enough. If it werenโt for you, Iโd probably be in heaven now.โPrisleyโs smile remai
A few days later, Prisley returned to work at the company. Markโs attitude had changed; he no longer hid his relationship with Prisley. Everyone in the company knew about the couple, and Prisleyโs outstanding work ability added to their favorable impression of their relationship. The office was full of envy for this "perfect couple." In the workplace, colleagues tried to make things easier for Prisley, reducing her workload as much as possible. One day, Prisley and Mark went to the Voda headquarters for a meeting. Such meetings were held regularly. Prisley usually didnโt attend and let Mark go by himself. But since Prisley was hospitalized after saving someone, Mark became extremely worried about her. Even with other employees around, he couldn't relax.So, wherever he went, Mark would take Prisley along. That was why she now had to attend the headquarters meetings.The atmosphere of the meeting was quite relaxed. The three men from the Grant family were present. They were hu
"Mark, I want to transfer to the joint venture company. " Prisley asked.Mark was taken aback. He hadnโt expected her to bring this up and felt a bit annoyed.He frowned slightly, "Why? Did something happen this afternoon?""Nothing special, I just want to go," she replied casually, her eyes a bit uneasy.Mark stared into her eyes, his expression showing clear displeasure. His doubts grew stronger."Is it because of him?"The mention of the joint venture immediately made him think of Heath. Heath had gone out of his way to attend a low-level project meeting just for her. If she transferred, Mark was certain heโd be there every day too. That was something Mark couldnโt tolerate.Prisley suddenly recalled the unpleasant conversation in the break room earlier that day, and a wave of fear and disgust washed over her.She didnโt want to stir up trouble between Mark and Tim, especially since they seemed to get along fine on the surface. Besides, she had no proof of anything."No, itโs not be
Prisleyโs body stiffened, and her gaze turned unfocused.This was an awkward topic for her.Mark rarely mentioned his family around her, and she wasnโt interested in knowing about his relationship with Tim. Her interactions with Tim were limited to a walk they took together at a party, chatting for about half an hour, and the time they bumped into each other in the break room at headquarters.If there was any other connection, it would be through Timโs understanding of her from the documents, proposals, and plans she submitted. She was well aware that much of her work was under Timโs watch, so he had some knowledge of her.But Prisley knew almost nothing about Tim. More importantly, she had no interest in getting to know him.Mark seemed slightly displeased. โIs it because of Heath?โPrisley forced a smile, trying to ease the tension. โOf course not, Mark. He works at Warnerโs headquarters. Even if he occasionally comes to the project company, it wonโt be that often.โPrisley guessed M
Steve and several employees waited in the meeting room for Prisleyโs arrival. When she walked in, Steve greeted her with a big smile.Prisley managed a strained smile, her face showing signs of tension. She nodded slightly and responded curtly, then hurried to the conference table with a stack of files. A tall, slender man followed behind, entering the room leisurely.Prisley quickly composed herself and introduced the two men, โSteve, this is Tim Grant, the president of Voda Group.โโMr. Grant, this is Steve Graham, the head of Warnerโs operations here.โTim slightly lifted his chin, his gaze sweeping over Steve with a hint of arrogance. Steve felt a pang of irritation but maintained a polite smile and said, โMr. Grant, itโs good to finally see you in person. What brings you to our small company for a visit?โTim responded with a nonchalant smile, seemingly unbothered by the question. He casually took a seat, crossing his legs, and said, โJust a casual visit. Iโm interested in all of
Back to that morning, in the Warner Group headquarters' conference room, Heath was presiding over an important meeting.The atmosphere in the room was tense. All the executives sat upright, and every department head was on edge, sensing Heath's anger.Heath frowned, his face filled with displeasure and rage. He picked up a report and shot a sharp glance at the Director of Strategic Development sitting across from him. The director already felt something was wrong, his heart started racing, and a slight sweat broke out on his forehead.โThe plan looks great, but what about your execution? Three months have passed, and I've given you chance after chance. So, what do we have?โโI donโt see any significant progress!โ Heathโs voice was cold.The director swallowed nervously and said, โThe market environment was tougher than expectedโฆ uhโฆ we didnโt anticipate this. We've made some efforts, butโฆ we just need more timeโฆโโEnough! I donโt want to hear excuses! Iโm paying you a high enough salar
Filla's chest pressed against the glass, and the cold sent a shiver through her body.The cold glass and David's rough thrusts filled her with a deep sense of humiliation. The thought of people in the office building across the street seeing her in this state overwhelmed her with despair and shame.She cautiously asked David, "Can we move to the couch?"David yanked her hair roughly, jerking her head back. "Bitch, you're not the one giving orders here!""You'll do exactly as you're told, or you can get the hell out!""Pervert!" Filla cursed inwardly but had to suppress her anger, pretending to enjoy it as she let out a soft moan.Thinking about how Prisley had stolen the man who should have been hers, forcing her to rely on someone like David, Filla seethed with hatred.As she endured David's rough thrusts and his merciless groping of her breasts, Filla vowed, "Prisley, don't get too comfortable. I will take Heath back, and even if I can't have him, neither will you."David, seemed sat
Peter glanced at the screen and immediately understood his boss's intent. Not daring to delay, he quickly arranged a car and sped toward the scene, almost flooring the gas pedal the entire way.Heath appeared calm, but inside, It felt as if an invisible hand was gripping his heart, leaving him both anxious and flustered. He deeply regretted not assigning security personnel to Prisley. He couldnโt bear to imagine what he would do if Prisleyโs life slipped away right before his eyes.Heathโs limbs felt weak, his fingertips icy. Over the years, he had dealt with countless crises, always composed and decisive. Yet, the few moments of panic heโd experienced all seemed to revolve around Prisley.โPeter, get all the securities over here.โโYes, sir.โโAnd prepare a large amount of cash.โโYes, sir.โHeathโs mind raced, considering all possible contingency plans.When he arrived at the scene, the place was bustling with activity. The police had already cordoned off the area outside the cafรฉ, k
Spencer was about to say something when sudden commotion erupted outside the cafรฉ.A figure darted through the door.Spencer assumed it was someone in a rush to grab coffee. To avoid a collision, he instinctively pulled Prisley toward him.โCome here, donโt let them bump into you...โโSpencer,โ Prisley chuckled as before. She was all too familiar with this habit of his. Just as she found herself in Spencerโs arms, another hand yanked her away forcefully.โAhโ!โ Prisley cried out in panic.โCome here! Or youโll regret not listening!โ A raspy male voice shouted harshly in her ear. The grip was so strong that Prisley was thrown a few steps away, hitting the wall by the cafรฉ.โWhatโs going on?!โ Spencer reached out to pull her back, but the man grabbed Prisley by the neck, pressing something sharp and shiny against her throat.Spencer froze, his body stiffening on the spot.Everyone else in the cafรฉ panicked and bolted for the exit. โRun! Get out of here!โNo one dared linger. And within m
Early the next morning, Heath had to leave for a business trip. Prisley breathed a sigh of relief. She still wasnโt used to living with Heath 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.โIt canโt be him, right? No, it can't be.โ She felt uneasy but picked up her pace.The man was tall with long legs, walking quickly.Prisleyโs heavy body made it hard for her to keep up.โHeyโsir, waitโโ 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 didnโt know what to say.โI finally found you!โ They both spoke at the same time and hu
Heath and Prisley returned to the apartment, and a subtle sense of relief filled the air.Heath 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 didnโt resist, didnโt move at all. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Heath opened the door, and a few strong movers stood there, behind them were several large items.Heath was puzzled, but Prisley greeted them warmly. โOh, youโre here? Please, bring everything inside.โThe lead mover asked, โAre you Miss Anderson?โโYes, thatโs me,โ Prisley said cheerfully as she welcomed them in.โCould you sign for this?โPrisley quickly signed, her happiness clear from her expression. The large items were brought inside, and she led them to an empty room.Heath asked, โWhatโs all this? Itโs huge.โPrisley smiled faintly. โA bed.
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.The
"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 Heath 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.Heath 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 couldnโt 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 Heath, hoping to catch a hint of jealousy on his face. But Heath remained indifferent, only showing a trace of sarcasm.They all went their separate ways.As Heath and Prisley reached the car, Heath suddenly stopped. He turned and said coldly, "What? Disappointed I didn't g
โWith your immature look and still being wet behind the ears, you dared to compete with me for Prisley?โHeath 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 Heath, 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.โYouโre right, Heath. Compared to you, Iโm indeed quite immature,โ Mark said with a wry smile.โI finally understand that Iโm definitely not the type Prisley likes. So despite all her efforts, she still hasnโt fallen for me.โHe spoke with self-deprecation. Though he was addressing his past hurt, he showed no real sadness. Instead, he seemed to be stating an acce
"Mark, what's wrong? Are you speeding? Tell me where you are right now!"Prisleyโs face had gone pale with worry. She turned to Heath, desperate for help.After listening for a couple of seconds, Heath 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, Iโll listen to you."Not long after, the three of them were sitting in a restaurant.The restaurantโs 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.Prisley
After saying goodbye to Prisley at the hospital, Mark drove home with a heavy heart. He couldn't remember how he droveโthe 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 t