Liam's car headed straight for the headquarters. Not long after Alec's call ended, William called him repeatedly."Where are you?""Going back to the office.""Come to the hospital first! Your mother is back in the ICU!"Liam frowned and slammed on the brakes, "Haven't you had enough? My mother isn't really ill, is she?"He had suspected as much before.At the hospital, his father hadn't seemed very anxious. It felt like he spent more time watching him than worrying about the situation.Liam had seen his father's genuine distress when his mother's life was truly at risk, so he couldn't be fooled.William sighed on the other end, "It's real this time. Come quickly! I can video call you right now.""..."With his father saying that, Liam knew it was likely true.But he still hesitated before softly acknowledging and then hung up the phone.When he arrived at the hospital, indeed, his father was pacing anxiously outside the emergency room.Seeing his son, William hurried over, "Liam, your
William pressed his lips together, choosing not to continue speaking. That silence spoke volumes.At that moment, William began to believe that Suzy was not with his son for money, but what did it matter? She was not the one Grace had chosen for her son, and nothing could change that....Suzy selected a quiet gravesite for Melissa, nestled in a secluded corner, providing her mother with a serene spot free from any disruptions.After settling matters at the hospital, Melissa's body was kept at the funeral home, awaiting burial after the funeral service.Wendy had taken time off to be there. Seeing Suzy's stoic expression, she felt an overwhelming wave of heartbreak that left her struggling to catch her breath. Suzy, haven't you eaten anything? I'll ask my cousin to bring you something. Try to eat a little."Suzy turned her head stiffly and forced a comforting smile. "I'm fine, thank you for being here with me, Wendy, and Jeffrey. I'm sorry for the inconvenience.""At a time like this,
Just as Wendy was about to say something more, Suzy's phone suddenly rang.They all thought it was Liam, and Suzy was even ready to hang up, but when she saw the number on the screen, she realized it wasn't him.Pausing for a second, she pressed the answer button.A voice came through, unfamiliar yet hauntingly unforgettable to Suzy."Your mom died?"It was Victor, her father."How did you know?" Suzy asked instinctively, before realizing Sophia must have told him, "Are you happy now?""How could you say such a thing? Despite everything, we were once married. Where are you? I'll come visit your mom.""No need!" Suzy's voice was sharp, cutting through the wind that whistled through the empty cemetery, sounding even more piercing, "I'm warning you, don't disturb her again, or else—"Victor chuckled disdainfully. "Or what? What standing do you have to yell at me here? Wasn't it just because you clung to a rich man before? I will always be your father, and you carry my bloodline!""If I co
Wendy's words caught Suzy off guard.Her mind involuntarily replayed Victor's words."The only family you have left in this world is just me...""Just me..." she repeated his last words.No! She still had the child in her womb!Suzy suddenly looked up, her eyes meeting Wendy's.The wind rustled with a whispering sound.For once, Wendy seemed to grasp the situation quickly. She cleared her throat, "You're not thinking of—""I won't let Liam know," Suzy said softly, yet her tone was resolute."That's not okay! Do you know how hard it is to be a single mother?" Wendy had a relative who was a single mother, and she knew too well the hardships. Besides... Suzy should understand because her own mother was just like that."I know.""Then why—"Wendy was cut off mid-sentence as Jeffrey, who had been standing silently by their side, covered her mouth. "Suzy, whether you want to keep the baby or not, it's your choice. Just make sure it's what you want.""Never mind, I didn’t really mean what I
"Oh..." Wendy finally realized. "But she just said never mind! No, I have to go persuade her."Wendy, always quick to act when she knew something needed to be done, was ready to jump into action.Jeffrey, feeling helpless, quickly grabbed her arm."Don't go just yet! We need to take this slowly. She's emotionally unstable right now. Anyway, she'll definitely need someone to accompany her to the hospital, and right now, no one else is available but you or me. We still have time to change her mind.""Right." Wendy nodded, then looked at Jeffrey with a newfound respect. "Are you really prepared to accept Suzy when she’s carrying Liam's child?"Jeff gave a wry smile. "Do I have a choice? Suzy has never accepted me."It had always been a one-sided affair for him."Sigh." Wendy sighed, then added with a dry tone. "She's just really afraid of burdening others... She's had it so tough."...In the car, Suzy wasn't sure if she was asleep or awake.It was that feeling of suddenly having no hopes
"He agreed?!" Wendy's eyes widened in shock.She had thought Liam would not agree so easily.Suzy remained silent, and just as Wendy was about to start chattering, Jeffrey timely intervened, "Then I'll take you back, Suzy. You two have a good talk, just don't hurt yourself... and the baby inside you."He said this deliberately to gauge Suzy's reaction.If she had casually mentioned wanting to keep the child earlier, she wouldn't have cared much for the baby's safety and would remain indifferent. But if she truly harbored a desire to keep it, even if just a fleeting thought, she would subconsciously agree.The air seemed to freeze for a moment, those few seconds felt like centuries.Suzy slowly raised her head, her voice hoarse, almost unrecognizable, "Can I... keep the child..."Wouldn't that mean she was truly following in her mother's footsteps?She didn't even know what to do next. Keep the child, and then what?"Of course, you can. Then you'll have a blood relative in this world!"
Upon hearing the sound, Liam suddenly lifted his handsome face to look at her.His suit was already terribly wrinkled, his shirt buttons torn off and scattered. His once deep and dark eyes were now bloodshot, resembling a fierce beast lurking in the depths of a long-hidden night, oppressive and sharp, suffocating."You lied to me, didn't you?" Suzy frowned. "What?" "You weren't sincerely choosing Jeffrey, were you? You were just angry, weren't you?" She withdrew her hand abruptly, masking all the emotions that cared for him, pretending to be impatient. "Mr. Park, I thought you were someone who could easily move on, but it seems you're just another person who enjoys complicating things! Unfortunately, I'm not interested in continuing this game any longer—mmph!"Before Suzy could finish her words, Liam kissed her aggressively.He swallowed all the remaining words from her mouth, the ones he didn't want to hear.Liam's kiss was urgent, devoid of desire or technique, but carried a rust
Suzy took a few steps back, grabbed the shirt from the sofa, put it on, and was ready to head out."The one who should leave is me, this is your house." Suzy’s nails dug deep into her flesh to restrain herself from giving anything away. "I’ll be staying at Wendy’s place for the next few days, and I will properly hand over my work before resigning. Call me when your wedding preparations are complete.""Suzy, I’ve told you, I have a thing about cleanliness.""...So?""We’re not divorced yet, you’re still my wife, this is your home. Are you planning to have an affair with Jeffrey while staying at Wendy’s house?"Suzy blinked, clearly not having considered all this.It seemed he really cared about her relationship with Jeffrey, even thinking she’d meet up with him when she mentioned staying at Wendy’s place.Liam took a deep breath and spoke hoarsely, "I’ll be on a business trip for the next few days. I won’t be home, so just stay here."His words sounded more like a command.He instantly
This statement could easily be misunderstood.Noticing the sudden defensiveness in Suzy's eyes, Liam softened his tone, abandoning his aggressive stance and returning to his usual gentlemanly warmth."It's just a dinner.""And then you'll let me see B7?""Yes."Suzy had no other options.She crossed the street to Jeffrey's car and tapped on the window.Before she could speak, Jeffrey anxiously said, "Suzy, I can't reach B7 anymore!""Liam took him.""...Then I'll go confront Liam!"Suzy quickly stopped him. "He's been acting strangely today. Don't provoke him! Confronting Liam head-on isn't wise. You should go home. I'll handle him.""You want me to leave you alone with Liam? He just—""Jeff, I'm so close to the truth! I can't afford any setbacks.""But if Liam finds out why you're meeting B7, he'll definitely intercept the evidence! Do you really think he'll choose you over his parents?"Of course not.Even Suzy understood that Liam would likely protect his parents.As their son, it w
Suzy remembered the last time she heard him say those words was when Melissa insisted she bring a boyfriend to the hospital.His tone then was just like now—gentle, heartfelt, as if he wanted to drown her in his affection…Unfortunately, the first time, she didn't trust his love.And this second time… she couldn't believe he would turn against his own family."Liam, you won't want to know the truth.""I do." Liam gently cradled her face, his eyes firm and unwavering. "Suzy, tell me."He didn't want Suzy to push him away whenever something happened. He didn't want to be left to investigate everything on his own. He wanted to be her support, to hear her out, whether it was bitterness, grievances, or anger, and then face it together.Countless possibilities flashed through Suzy's mind, and finally, as if waking from a dream, she pushed Liam forcefully."The truth is, I hate you, and I hate everyone in your family. I want you to stay away from me! I've fallen in love with Jeffrey and—"Her
Suzy couldn’t bring herself to continue. After tasting the blood, she stopped biting and merely struggled, unable to bear hurting him again.It wasn't until Jeffrey came over and punched Liam on the shoulder that he finally stepped back from Suzy. Liam staggered a few steps, just barely managing to regain his balance as Jeffrey, consumed by anger, readied himself to strike again.Seeing this, Suzy quickly intervened to stop Jeffrey."Jeff, don't! Don't fight!"He halted his fist just in time, looking at Suzy.Her lips were visibly red and slightly bloody, showing how intense Liam's kiss had been.It was clear this was a deliberate display."Suzy, he bullied you!""No, he didn't! Jeff, go back to the car. I'll come to you in a moment!"Suzy couldn't let them actually start fighting because Jeffrey was no match for Liam.Whether in strength or background..."Suzy!"Jeffrey, feeling infuriated, looked up at Liam standing a short distance from Suzy.Liam wiped the blood from his lips with
Previously, Liam hadn't continued investigating the death of Suzy's mother because he believed Suzy and Jeffrey were happily together. As an outsider, he thought intervening would only make Suzy resent him more.At that time, he truly wanted to let go of Suzy, start over, and completely say goodbye to the past.Based on these reasons, Liam didn't pursue the matter.But clearly, he was wrong—terribly wrong!He had taken 99 steps toward Suzy, only to halt just shy of the hundredth!...Unaware of all this, Suzy was busy organizing her materials, eagerly anticipating her meeting with Jeffrey to see B7 after work.Having finally managed to contact this elusive network hacker, she couldn't afford to miss the opportunity.Even if Liam canceled her entire month's salary, she had to go tonight.It had taken her four years of earning and saving money and seeking contacts to reach B7.She needed the restored surveillance footage to uncover the truth about her mother's death. She knew she had onl
Liam's voice carried a hint of helplessness, starkly contrasting his usual demeanor.Seeing him like this, Arthur felt a pang of discomfort. After some thought, he tentatively reached out and grasped a few of Liam's fingers.Liam's eyes shot up to meet his.What did this gesture mean?Arthur was acknowledging what Liam had just said!He was confirming Liam's suspicions.When Liam spoke again, his throat felt tight, and his voice trembled. "She... she's really your mother, isn't she?"Arthur instinctively wanted to play dumb, but he knew that his acting skills couldn't fool Liam. Moreover, the sadness and disappointment in Liam's eyes seemed genuine.After a few seconds of contemplation, Arthur decided to stop resisting. "You mustn't tell her I told you."Liam's entire body stiffened. Despite all his suspicions, hearing the truth confirmed left him shocked and speechless.Suzy... she had given him a child...No!Not just one!"You have a sister too, and she's my child as well?"Arthur
Liam furrowed his brows and turned to face her directly, their gazes locking."I am not lying to you."His eyes were so intense, so sincere as if they were trying to draw Suzy in completely!She began to regret bringing up this conversation with Liam, realizing she was now in a situation she couldn't easily escape.Suzy cleared her throat, feigning calmness, and averted her gaze. "Mr. Park, let's talk about work.""Alright, let's talk about work," Liam agreed readily. "You're working overtime today.""Liam—"Suzy was so angry she was grinding her teeth. "What exactly do you want? You said you hated me when we divorced. What, has the high and mighty Mr. Park decided to go back on his word and, after being dumped once, still intends to shamelessly pursue me?"Her words must have stung, as Liam's handsome face paled, and a hint of rationality returned to his eyes.He had been thrown off balance by Jeffrey's phone call.Hearing Suzy so affectionately tell Jeffrey to pick her up after work
Seeing Arthur like this, Suzy knew she had to play along. "Mr. Park, I'll wait outside then. Let's not upset the child."She expected some reaction from Liam, but he merely nodded. "Alright."Suzy turned and left Easter Bay, feeling increasingly uneasy about Liam's attitude, though she couldn't pinpoint exactly why.If he brought her to see Arthur to test her, why hadn't he done anything suspicious? He had gone straight to the kitchen to cook upon arriving home!What hidden trap could she have missed?With a restless heart, Suzy waited in the car for a while before seeing Liam come out of the house carrying a paper bag.Once in the car, he handed the bag to Suzy."I packed this for you.""No need, skipping one meal won't hurt me. I'll eat after work."Liam glanced at her, his thin lips moving slightly. "You'll be working late tonight, I’ll triple your pay."Hearing about overtime, Suzy quickly protested, "I can't tonight, I have plans!"Jeffrey had finally helped her arrange a meeting
"...I-I don't know what you're talking about!"Liam leaned down, his handsome face getting close to hers. "Then what do you mean by ‘leave bite marks’?"Suzy immediately averted her gaze, pretending to be calm. "Are you saying that you and your wife are in a sexless marriage? We're both adults; do I really need to spell it out?""Heh." Liam suddenly laughed. "You're blushing."Suzy was at a loss for words.She looked at the man in front of her as if she didn't recognize him anymore!When did Liam become so shameless?"Since you're already out of the car, come in and have something to eat."After saying that, Liam didn't give her a chance to refuse and walked away.Suzy stood there for a few seconds, took a deep breath, and then followed him.She could only hope that Arthur wouldn’t give anything away when he saw her......As soon as the door opened, she saw Arthur lounging on the sofa, playing with his computer.He knew his "lunch" had arrived as soon as he heard the noise! Slipping o
She realized Liam had a calculated plan for bringing her back to Park Group. On day one, he was already rushing to take her to see Arthur to test her!Recognizing this, Suzy reminded herself to be cautious around this man; who knew where the traps might be?She hoped that when she saw Arthur, she wouldn't give anything away!And... she also wanted to see her son, at least to know how he was doing!"You don't seem surprised that I have a son," Liam suddenly said.Suzy quickly snapped back to reality, shrugged, and acted indifferent. "Should I be surprised? We've been divorced for over four years. You're a normal man. Getting remarried and having children is normal, right?""I announced my marriage this year.""Oh, congratulations!"She had no desire to continue this conversation.Nor did she want to discuss Liam's new wife! That would remind her of the bite marks on his shoulder!"I thought you might be curious."Suzy forced a professional smile. "Mr. Park, we're here for work! This isn