'Can I really trust this person?'Standing under the sunlight, Hesper felt as if she was enveloped in a mist, unable to see the path ahead clearly. Nevertheless, she had made a promise to Rickard that she would cure Quincey no matter what. If Rickard wanted her to heal him, she would do everything in her power to treat him.When she turned around to go back to her room, she heard Renfrew's voice."Ren?" Ricklard nodded at Hesper when he saw her coming in and gestured to her to come closer. On the screen, Renfrew's adorable face appeared, and upon seeing Hesper, the smile on his face grew wider. "Mommy!"It had been a long time since she had seen Renfrew. Hesper gazed at Renfrew's face on the screen, feeling a sense of longing. She listened to Renfrew bragging about all the new things he had learned recently and expressing how much he missed his mommy and daddy."We'll be back very soon."Hesper looked at Renfrew with a touch of sadness. Rickard reached out and held Hesper's h
Upon hearing Juliette's voice, Hesper snapped back to attention and said, "Yesterday, when I saw this medicinal herb, I realized how rare it is. I've only come across it once in a medical book. I heard that this herb is intended for Grandpa, so I hastily came here to see if I could be of any assistance.""You know medicine?" Juliette asked, her voice thick with surprise. She did not anticipate that Hesper would be familiar with this particular herb. After all, only those from Leafdelle Island would be familiar with this herb. Even though it was used by many for life-saving purposes, it was a rare and precious herb.Hesper nodded. "My teacher is Professor Miles, so I've had the opportunity to come into contact with these rare medicinal herbs."'Professor Miles?'Juliette had heard of the name before, but she was not very familiar with him. Nevertheless, it was likely that the doctor was highly skilled, and she wondered how many more surprises Hesper would bring to them."Juliette,"
"Ms. Bernard, please restrain yourself," Hesper intervened, extending her hand to stand between Rickard and Delphine. Her gaze turned slightly cold, tinged with a hint of mockery. "If I recall correctly, we met yesterday. It seems Ms. Bernard has quite a poor memory.""This is called 'a day apart feels like an eternity'," Delphine said, her gaze never leaving Rickard. "Yesterday, I already conducted a thorough investigation. So, it turns out that Hesper isn't your wife after all. Since you only need a wife, I believe I can fulfill that role, right? I'm far more suitable than Hesper in many ways. After all, I'm the princess of the Bernards."Delphine's words had crossed Hesper's bottom line. In an instant, Hesper threw a punch, catching Delphine off guard. Although Delphine instinctively evaded the blow, the punch still landed on her cheekbone."Watch your words and show some respect," Hesper said coldly.Feeling the pain from the punch, Delphine winced and stared at Hesper with eye
Regardless of the circumstances, Rickard made a decision regarding the challenge posed by Quincety. If possible, Hesper did not wish to harm anyone either.There was a saying that went something like this: when you gaze into the abyss, the abyss also gazes into you. Hesper did not want to be someone who stared into the abyss, nor did she want to be stared at by the abyss. Her pursuit of medical knowledge was not meant for causing harm. If Professor Miles found out that she used the medical skills she learned from him to harm others, he would surely be disappointed.Seeing Hesper visibly relieved, Rickard knew he had made the right choice. She did not want to harm anyone."Let's go back," Hesper said after she snapped out of her thoughts. She still felt that Delphine's attitude earlier was off. She looked as if she was triggered by something she said. Unable to figure out why Delphine had been provoked, Hesper spent the journey back lost in thought, even ignoring Rickard who wa
Hesper was hiding something from him, and he had not figured it out yet. If she were to find out that he had been concealing something from her, she might decide to leave and pursue her own goal. This island was not as simple as it appeared on the surface, and if Hesper left him, Rickard could not guarantee her safety.Rickard: [Let's play by ear.]*On the other side, Hesper obtained permission from Lamarie and entered her residence. Unlike Lamarie herself, the small courtyard appeared warm and cozy. Perhaps it was because Lamarie had grown up here since childhood, and the decor had a touch of personal charm."Why have you come to see me?" Lamarie asked, warily observing Hesper. Seeing that she did not seem to have any ill intentions while taking in the courtyard, Lamarie sat on the swing in front of the yard, her eyes showing a hint of curiosity."No need to be too cautious. I came this time to discuss a potential collaboration with you," Hesper replied with clear eyes. "I belie
Seeing Hesper's sincere expression, Lamarie did not hesitate any further and directly agreed. "There are many complicated matters regarding the Bernards, but since you've come to me, something must have happened." Lamarie knew something must have happened since she had been in the Savatiers for such a long time."I will compile some information for you regarding the family. But first, recap the process of your conflicts with me." Lamarie nodded, and Hesper proceeded to recount the events that had taken place. After hearing it, Lamarie instantly grasped the situation."You really know how to hit her sore spot." Lamarie could not help but smile. Though like others, Lamarie would politely address Delphine as the "Princess Elphie," deep down, she could not stand this arrogant princess. Every time Delphine appeared, bad things were bound to happen."You must have seen Ermine at the auction, right? She acts like a nouveau riche, but in reality, she's a commoner from outside the isla
"I want to ask him a few questions. I want to see him. Can you make that happen?" A hesitated and did not speak. Hesper leaned back in her chair, appearing indifferent. "If you can't treat me sincerely, then I won't be able to do anything you tell me to do. This is a simple and easy-to-understand principle. I hope you are a smart person."A still remained silent. Hesper knew that although A was hesitating it was unlikely for him to quickly understand and reveal everything in a straightforward manner. She decided to shut down all of A's words."Come back to me when you've figured things out. I hope that next time I'll get a definite answer from you."With that said, Hesper stood up and left A's sight.That day's conversation with A went exactly as Hesper had expected. When she entered the room, she found Rickard standing by the window. From that angle, he could clearly see her sitting with A just now.It seemed that Rickard did not just walk by."Are you done with your work?" He
As Hesper stepped out of the courtyard, she took a deep breath to regain her composure. If Rickard had known all along about her hidden agenda and chose not to expose it, it meant that he was allowing her to do as she pleased. On this secluded island, there were still things that remained a mystery, and she was unaware of what Rickard had been concealing from her.She needed to remain calm. In this place, her influence and power were far inferior to Rickard's. If she were to leave him, it would pose a question of whether she could still establish herself on the island. Despite it already being September when she arrived, the island maintained a perpetual spring-like climate."Rickard, can I still trust you?" Hesper contemplated, her mind filled with uncertainty.*Rickard was unsure of what Hesper was currently thinking. Furrowing his brows, he glanced at the time, feeling somewhat worried. If Hesper truly decided not to return, should he go after her? But if he were to do
He had never anticipated that he would end up loving her so deeply.It could be said that amidst all the misunderstandings and complexities, their journey together had taken many winding paths."I wouldn't risk getting into trouble just to set off fireworks for someone I didn't even like," Rickard said, his voice gentle. "You dummy."His words were soft, but as Hesper listened to his explanation, she cleared her throat, and her eyes turned bloodshot. She had never imagined that the person she had loved so intensely in her youth had, at some point in their lives, secretly admired her.Hesper attempted to smile but ended up with teary eyes. Seeing this, Rickard reached out and affectionately ruffled her hair. "If it's going to make you cry, I won't say anything more."Hesper pursed her lips. "If you don't want to talk about it, then don't."Rickard, despite understanding her reluctance, couldn't help but reflect on the past and openly admitted to the emotions he had felt in his you
They were flooded with memories, and Hesper couldn't help but admit that she had been through so much with Rickard. Her eyes welled up with emotion.The livestream ended, as they couldn't maintain constant surveillance of their lives. Even though they hadn't gone home yet, the crew had left.In the past two days, people had gotten to know them quite well, so the crew decided to give them some alone time.Hesper sat in the passenger seat and stole a glance at Rickard. She couldn't help but say, "I never expected that the only time you were seen as making a mistake in Grandpa's eyes was because of me.""There are many things you don't know," he replied. Hesper raised an eyebrow and asked, "Like what? Tell me."Suddenly, Hesper recalled the countless times Rickard had looked at her. Yet, during those moments, Rickard had always had feelings for Juniper. She knew that was the reality, so she never expected that Rickard might have had the same strong feelings for her as she had for h
Hesper glanced at Rickard, who remained emotionless, but she still reached out to hold his hand.[This is tough to see. Both of Rickard's parents are no longer here… Sigh.][Hesper immediately checked on Rickard. If I were Rickard, I'd love her so much.]Ernest shook his head and remained silent as he flipped to the next page. Most of the pictures were of Hesper after that. She hadn't realized she had so many childhood photos. Julian appeared in some of them, too.Before everything went sour.Rickard didn't have many pictures. As he grew older, he became quieter.Most of them showed Hesper standing next to Julian, but there was something off about them.[Did you notice... In many of those pictures, Hesper was looking at Rickard, and in others, Rickard was looking at her.][Oh my god, is this puppy love? I had no idea!][I remember Rickard had another lover.]Hesper had noticed, too, but there was no need to remind people that Rickard used to hate her, so she dismissed it as a
Hesper and Rickard entered the room and awkwardly informed Ernest that everything had been live-streamed just now. Ernest was shocked, but upon hearing that it was something people do, he nodded."It's fine. There's nothing that others can't hear."Hesper pursed her lips and glanced at Rickard before saying, "We didn't expect the Summers to come and see you. You should move in with us so these people will leave you alone."If Ernest lived with them, no one would dare intrude because they represented power and influence.Who would dare challenge them?"I don't want to get involved in your life. Renfew and Renarie would keep you occupied enough."Hesper understood that he had already made up his mind not to live with them, so she didn't press the matter further.She could understand his concerns, as many things might become inconvenient. Besides, Ernest didn't want to disrupt their lives either."We'll be heading to Fredonia soon, so even though we have filming to do, we wanted t
So what if the cameras were still recording?"Was my son's life not as valuable as your son's?"If he had grasped this earlier, recent events might not have unfolded. Jade had a point.The live chat fell silent. Though they lacked the full backstory, they could deduce what had transpired in the past.[I heard Rickard lost his parents when he was a child. I feel sorry for him.][His parents died because of that incident. It's no surprise if he harbors resentment.][Truthfully, this old man has no shame. If my child were responsible for another child's death, I'd beg for forgiveness.]Everything unfolding before their eyes was purely coincidental, and no one had control over the situation. They could only watch and terminate the livestream immediately if anything escalated.Fortunately, Jade received a stern talking-to and refrained from discussing the matter further, but Mrs. Summers did not fare as well. Hesper and the others bore witness to her irrational behavior.[This is e
"We've known each other for years, Ernest. I saved your life once, and now your descendants want to take my son's life!"As they approached, Jade Summers was angrily berating Ernest before him. Hesper's countenance immediately turned frosty as she walked over to Ernest."You should conduct yourself more appropriately, Mr. Summers Sr."Jade was taken aback to see Hesper, but he composed himself, took a deep breath, and fixed her with a hatred-filled gaze."If it weren't for you, none of this would have happened. You're just a woman. Since when do you get a say in the Duval family matters?"In the 21st century, people were all for equality. Besides, Hesper was no ordinary or unintelligent woman. Naturally, she had a voice in these matters.The viewers were inundated with comments when they heard Jade's words, and the live chat exploded.[Who is this guy? He looks old but lacks respect.][What's the argument about?][I sense some drama.]Rickard walked over. Jade had thought he
[Didn't Hesper mention that Mr. Duval Sr. took care of her? Maybe she did grow up well.][I'm certain she did. Hesper doesn't strike me as someone who would tolerate mistreatment.]Hesper and Rickard were under constant surveillance throughout the journey, and they hadn't allowed Benji to accompany them. Rickard was behind the wheel, with Hesper in the passenger seat.During the drive, they remained silent, but to observers, it appeared as though they were in harmony.Upon arriving at the ancestral mansion, Hesper noticed other cars parked around and cast a curious glance at Rickard. Visitors to Ernest's home were a rarity."Sir, Ma'am, you're back," a young housekeeper greeted them. It was the same person who had assisted Wendy earlier, but they couldn't recall her name. Nevertheless, Hesper had faith in her.Noticing the housekeeper's troubled demeanor, Hesper deduced that the guest inside was likely unwelcome. However, she couldn't fathom who would disrupt Ernest's life. Given
Rickard noticed something in Hesper's expression, prompting him to ask, "Is there something else you haven't told me?"Being intimately familiar with each other wasn't always without its challenges. Hesper could never conceal anything from him.She sighed and replied, "It's nothing. Just that Pennleigh will also be on the list."Rickard fell silent.Hesper was aware that sometimes Rickard might not appear bothered, but Pennleigh's presence did bother him.Observing Hesper's awkward expression, Rickard lowered his gaze and suddenly took on a pitiful appearance, like a big dog caught in the rain.Yet, she knew he was merely putting on an act. Still, every time she saw him like that, she couldn't help but miss the Rickard who didn't engage in such playful antics. His character had undergone a change.Hesper found it amusing but didn't quite know how to express it. She sighed and added, "It's a fantastic opportunity. I know you'll let me go, right?"Rickard had no intention of inte
"Sullivan lied to her. He had her parents quietly killed. She found out after she turned her back on you."Benji lowered his gaze. "She was already dead when you came back. It was suicide."The conclusion lacked the weight necessary for such a betrayal. Hesper shut her eyes. The person she had trusted most was Renee. They had shared countless years together.Hesper acknowledged that their bond might not have been a genuine friendship. Renee had abandoned her when given the choice.However, Hesper had faced such situations before.Thankfully, there had been someone who had placed her first in their heart, reassuring her that she wasn't always relegated to being an option. Hesper stood in silence for a while before simply nodding.There was nothing she could do to aid Renee now. Renee had entered and departed alone, leaving no trace behind with Hesper.When the topic was broached, it weighed heavily on her heart. Hesper understood the situation but found herself at a loss for word