After five days of being in a coma, Rickard finally woke up.All inspections showed that Rickard’s condition was very stable. Benji could finally sit down and catch a breather.While Rickard was unconscious, he had to continue to run the company. Otherwise, if the news were to spread through the entire city or even the whole country, the company would crumble into pure chaos.“How is Hesper doing? Has she woken up?”The first thing that he did after opening his eyes was to ask about Hesper’s condition, which was within Benji’s expectations. So, he reported everything that had happened to Hesper over the past few days to Rickard.Knowing that Julie went to Hesper and made a huge fuss again, Rickard rubbed his eyebrows wearily and asked, “Where is she now?”Benji cleared his throat and remained silent.“What happened?”Facing Rickard’s suspicious gaze, Benji lowered his head and said truthfully, “Ms. Lane abducted Madam Duval from the hospital and sent someone to the Duvals’ resi
‘However, it’s useless to hold onto the past.’Hesper’s wound would not scab and recover. The doctor was so infuriated with her that he ignored her identity and almost pointed to her nose and started reprimanding her.In order to help maintain the doctor’s blood pressure, Hesper decided to take good care of her injuries and promised that she would not move around again.During this period, Isaac saw Rickard standing at the door of Hesper’s ward several times. He did not know what he was thinking about, but he did not open the door and enter.Naturally, Isaac would not hide such matters from Hesper. After all, he had already told her what Rickard asked him not to say the other day, let alone such a trivial matter.“...Just let him be.”Hesper had been wondering.‘He was so proactive before the accident took place, so why didn’ he show up after he woke up from his coma? It turns out that he snuck over to my ward from time to time just to have a look, but he doesn’t have the guts t
Before Zikmund came to the hospital with the documents that Rickard wanted, he still could not help but laugh at Rickard on the phone.“Bro, when was the last time you put yourself in such a messy situation?”Zikmund only dared to do so because of Rickard’s physical condition and the fact that they were only talking to each other over the phone; there was no way that he could do anything to him. That was why he was leaning against the couch and laughing his heart out at this very moment.“Bro, look at you. When Hesper was your wife, all you did was ignore her. Now that she no longer wants anything to do with you, you in turn want to court her instead. Or should I say that you’re a true man? You only want a woman who doesn’t want to be with you.”Rickard listened to Zikmund’s ridicule with an expressionless face and then replied indifferently, “I wonder if he’s dismissed the idea.”“Rickard Duval! You can’t even take mockery heads on now, can you?”Rickard turned over a page and s
“Forget it, I’m not comfortable with letting Ren stay with the Duvals.” She couldn’t help but feel worried when she thought about Julie and Sophia. “I should let Ren stay at my place. At least he wouldn’t get bullied.”“No.” Rickard immediately rejected the idea and looked at Hesper curiously. He hadn’t thought of what to say, so he just tilted his head. “But… mom, I’d be bored at home alone. Just let me come here. I’ll be fine!” Ren tugged at Hesper’s wrist as he hinted at Rickard. That was when Rickard noticed that Renfrew had the ability to change the tides. Hesper only cared about Renfrew’s safety, but it was logical. Renfrew could think for himself, so it would be boring for him to be alone. She was just a vague concept to Renfrew in the past, a mother who didn’t take care of her own child. How could she blame Renfrew for missing her?Hesper started feeling guilty when she thought of that. “Alright then, but you need to be vigilant and remember to disinfect when you ge
Hesper was recovering and could now get off the bed and walk around. The doctors said that she had a strong body but didn’t know that Hesper was just used to getting treatment because her body had gone through a lot. When she left the Duval Family, she was hurt from head to toe and there were multiple sequelae. Women’s bodies were at their weakest after giving birth, but Hesper was tortured continuously, and there were the side effects of jumping off a building. Even when Matthew asked famous doctors from all over the world for help, her body was never fully healed. “I’ve given you a full body checkup and realized that there’s a metal plate on your knee. Even though you’ve recovered quite well, it must hurt when it rains or when it’s cold.”The doctor looked at the report and didn’t expect her to have so many injuries at her age. “What is more deadly is that this isn’t a long-term solution. When your knee cap gives way to the friction, you might not be able to stand anymore.”
When the doctor told him that Hesper’s leg wouldn’t fully recover, he didn’t feel anything except a little guilt. He never sought help from the best doctor for her. “I’ll find a way to help her.” Life at the hospital was just sleeping, working, and watching something to pass the time. Ever since Hesper became part of the Lane family, she didn’t have much leisure time, so she was getting bored of this. Rickard took half of her room, which made the already small room more claustrophobic. She turned and saw Renfrew playing with his phone, so she turned around and unlocked her phone. Hesper took a design course in college and it was the major she chose because she was interested in it. However, because she was pregnant with Renfrew and subsequently married Rickard, she didn’t manage to graduate and had to drop out. Later when Matthew arranged for her to go study abroad at an Ivy League College, she mentioned her previous education. She did quite well in school. Firstly becaus
Renfrew was trying to finish the homework that Ms. Myriade left for him. She gave him a lot this time and it was a lot harder than the ones before. He was able to finish the previous ones easily, but this time, he was stuck. Ms. Myriade: The footage that I hacked previously was recovered. If someone remembers this, they’ll investigate it. Ms. Myriade: My identity can’t be exposed, but your parents aren’t people that you can just lie to. I’ll have to let you learn some simple functions so you can hack into surveillance. Someone found out what they did? Renfrew’s chubby face looked so serious. Ms. Myriad helped him a lot, so he can’t let her identity be exposed, or he might not be able to meet her in the future!Ren: I’ll do my best!The three spend the time in silence together. Renee took Renfrew home at night but didn’t look at Rickard in a friendly way. “Safe journey,” Hesper said as she tidied up Renfrew’s collar. “Listen to Aunt Renee and no ice cream tonight.”“Alright
He had crossed the line. Rickard’s hand froze in mid-air, then he took it back. “I’m sorry.” Hesper didn’t speak, so Rickard continued. “I’m fine with sending him to school, but we need to ask Ren if he’s fine with it.”It was fine to ask Ren’s opinion because Hesper respected his opinion. Whether he went or not would be up to him. She wouldn’t make the decision for him even though she was his mother. “Alright, we’ll speak to him tomorrow.”Hesper looked tired, so Rickard didn’t say more. “I’m leaving now, rest well.”The next day when Renfrew got there, Hesper and Rickard brought up the topic. “Do you not want me around anymore?” Renfrew thought that Hesper wanted to send him to boarding school, so he gave her puppy eyes. “I’ll be good. I ate half a scoop of ice cream last night but I won’t do it again. Please don’t send me away!”Hesper was surprised at the confession. She told him to not have more ice cream because the season was changing and he might just catch a cold
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