As the elevator doors slid open, Joanna saw Heather standing outside. She was slightly surprised but stepped out nonetheless, greeting her with a smile.
"Long time no see! When did you return to the country?"
Heather was momentarily taken aback, her expression freezing for a second before a faint smile tugged at her lips. "I've been back for a while. But you—why didn't you let anyone know when you came back?"
Joanna flashed a radiant smile, her teeth gleaming like pearls. "I prefer peace and quiet. Why? Is someone sick? Or are you?" She eyed Heather inquisitively, her luscious red lips resembling the petals of a fresh rose.
Heather's heart clenched, and she quickly averted her gaze, focusing instead on Joanna's forehead. "A friend is sick, so I came to visit."
"Alright, then. Go take care of it. Goodbye!" Joanna waved decisively, turned, and started to walk away.
Instinctively, Heather reached out and grabbed Joanna's hand.
"Joa
Chloe had spent the day resting in the hospital. In the afternoon, the gynecologist examined her again and said with a smile, "You've managed to keep it, but you must be careful in the future, or you won't be as lucky next time."Chloe's face turned bright red in embarrassment, and she apologized, "I definitely won't let this happen again, I didn't know before…""Still saying you didn't know? You're the most careless person I've ever seen! If the child knew, they'd definitely be angry!""Yes, yes, you're right. I'll be more careful," Chloe replied meekly, feeling like a child being scolded.She understood that the doctor genuinely cared about her and was concerned for her health."I see that your husband cares a lot about you. Why are you hiding the child from him? He seems like a smart guy. I just worry, how long can you keep this secret?"Although she worked in the hospital, the doctor had seen enough people to understand. Earlier t
Around ten o'clock, Grace brought a late-night snack to Joanna's room. Joanna was engrossed in a book. Without looking up, she gave a casual instruction, "Just leave it there."She continued reading, but after a while, she noticed Grace hadn't left. Reluctantly, she looked up. "Grace, do you... need something?""Uh—no, nothing. I just wanted to have a word with you," Grace said nervously, her hands clasped together."Oh? Go ahead," Joanna raised an eyebrow. Sensing Grace's unease, she tried to reassure her, "No need to be nervous. Just say what's on your mind.""Alright, alright," Grace smiled, her face brightening at Joanna's approachable demeanor. Joanna's kindness and gentleness always made her feel at ease. "Joanna, now that you're back... are you really not planning to reconcile with Lionel?"Grace had overheard Joanna's earlier remarks, and they had left her feeling anxious, like a cat on a hot tin roof."Grace, that's none of your business!" Joanna's face darkened, and she soun
After a moment of warmth, Lionel tried to call a doctor for her, but Chloe grabbed the phone and refused to let go.She wasn't joking. If he really found another doctor for her, wouldn't her pregnancy be exposed?"Come on, give me the phone. I just want to arrange a doctor for you, I mean no harm," Lionel coaxed Chloe gently in his arms."I know! But when I said three months, it was just a hypothetical. I don't actually have any illness. It's just a common gynecological inflammation that any woman might have. The doctor said I just need to rest for a month at most! I don't like making a big deal out of nothing!"Well, once she said that, she could only keep the pregnancy hidden from Lionel for a month."Alright... fine." He had already consulted the attending physician, and this was how she had explained it to him. For now, he'd listen to Chloe.Seeing Lionel agree, Chloe finally felt relieved. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately.They kissed for a long ti
"You took quite a while this time. I've been waiting for you," Earl said, taking a sip of his tea as his eyes continuously studied Joanna.She had blossomed even more beautifully!Elegant and graceful, with impeccable manners and a sharp mind, Joanna embodied all the virtues of a perfect wife. She was the ideal candidate to be Lionel's wife."I'm sorry, Grandfather. I didn't mean for it to take so long, but..." Joanna trailed off, her tone apologetic as she peeled an orange and offered it to Earl."I understand. You've endured a lot," Earl replied, shooting Lionel a sidelong glance.If only Lionel weren't so stubborn—cold and unyielding like a rock—ignoring Joanna to the point of driving her away. By now, Earl thought, he might have already been holding a great-grandson!Three years ago, Joanna had broken off the engagement, causing quite a scandal and tarnishing their family's reputation. But the fault wasn't entirely hers; their family had their share of the blame, so there wasn't m
Lionel was tapping away on his keyboard when a sudden knock sounded at the door.His brows furrowed as he glanced briefly in the direction of the door, letting out a cold snort. "Come in!""Lion..." Joanna's soft voice called out as she stepped into the room. Lionel didn't move, not even sparing her a glance from the corner of his eye. He didn't need to see her; the faint fragrance lingering in the air was enough for him to know it was Joanna."If you have something to say, spit it out and leave. I'm busy!" His handsome face was taut, as if Joanna standing before him was nothing more than a complete stranger.Joanna bit her lip, her rosy lips turning a bruised purple under the pressure. Her large, watery eyes blinked rapidly, filled with grievance."Lion... do you really hate me that much?" she asked, unwilling to back down, her voice trembling with frustration. How could he ignore her so thoroughly? Was she really so unworthy that Lionel wouldn't even spare her a glance?Lionel's lip
"Do you two know each other?" Florence asked through a mouthful of food, her words slightly muffled as she glanced back and forth between the man and Chloe.Their expressions couldn't have been more telling—one looked pale as if seeing a venomous snake, while the other seemed overwhelmed, as if holding back a flood of emotions with no outlet."I, we…" Chloe stammered, her lips trembling as she struggled to respond."We've known each other for a long time!" Amos interjected swiftly, cutting her off."Huh, you do look familiar," Florence said, squinting at Amos as if trying to place him. She didn't pry further into their relationship but suddenly smacked the table as realization struck. "Oh, right! You're the CEO of Lumina, aren't you? I've been seeing you all over the media lately!""That's correct! Amos Morgan, at your service. Good evening, Miss Williams," Amos said with a courteous bow, though his gaze was fixed on Chloe.Chlo
Amos's antics left Chloe with little appetite. Naturally, if Chloe wasn't eating, Florence lost her enthusiasm too. They decided to pay the bill and leave, abandoning a table full of delicacies.What a waste of a feast.As they strolled aimlessly, they found themselves near the hospital."Should we drop by to see Geoffrey? I wonder if his leg's healing well enough for him to walk," Chloe suggested. Florence eagerly nodded. "Agreed."In truth, Florence wasn't feeling particularly charitable toward Geoffrey. She was just bored and figured a little verbal sparring with him might liven up the day.When they arrived at Geoffrey's VIP hospital room, they immediately noticed several men in black suits stationed outside the door. Clearly, a prominent member of the Windley family was inside."I think… we should skip this," Chloe hesitated. With Geoffrey's family present, it didn't feel appropriate to intrude.She was well aware of Geoff
After bidding Geoffrey farewell, she hurried home.Meanwhile, after Chloe left, Ray emerged from the hospital's corner, flanked by several men in black suits. He stared intently at Chloe's retreating figure until she disappeared from sight.Taking out his phone, he made a call and said coldly, "I order you to never contact her again!"Hanging up abruptly, he climbed into a sleek black business car that roared away."Father..." Geoffrey's face turned pale with anger as he stood nearby, gripping his phone tightly before furiously throwing it out the window. When had his father started meddling in his affairs again? In the past, no matter who he was with, his father never cared. So why now?***The Williams ResidenceAt that moment, Lionel was fuming silently, lounging on the sofa and playing games on his phone.During lunch, his seat had been deliberately arranged next to Joanna's—his grandfather's doing, no doubt. His grandfather had casually reminded him to serve Joanna food, to take
After sobbing for a while, Joanna gradually quieted down.Grace sighed and said, "Joanna, you know Lionel's temper. Try to be more tolerant and don't argue with him. You're about to get married soon. The last thing you want is to sour your relationship. Just imagine the people who would laugh behind your back!"Her murky gaze flicked toward the staircase, filled with resentment and disdain. If it weren't for that woman getting in the way, Joanna and Lionel would have reconciled long ago."Hmph!"Grace withdrew her gaze, only to meet Florence's questioning eyes. A shiver ran down her spine. She quickly suppressed her dark expression and changed the subject, saying, "Let's eat."Letting go of Joanna, Grace hurried into the kitchen.She had let her emotions get the better of her and accidentally said too much. As a housekeeper, it was never her place to comment on her employers' affairs.Thank goodness Lionel hadn't overheard! But Floren
"Joanna! Go ahead and insult and mock me all you want! Do you think this will erase what happened between us? Don't kid yourself! Lionel won't believe you! He won't marry you willingly! No man would love a woman who betrayed him. And Lionel—he cherishes Chloe!"Heather's eyes glinted coldly as a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips."You—you!" Joanna, who had been full of arrogant bravado moments earlier, suddenly faltered, her expression turning ashen. But she wasn't someone easily pushed around. Within mere seconds, she straightened her back and sneered with renewed defiance."Heather, you're just jealous! Lionel knows perfectly well that everything between you and me was just an act to irritate him. He won't believe a word of it. Besides, he has other women, too! If I don't mind, why should he? The key point is, his grandfather supports me, and so does his father. Whether Lionel likes it or not, he will marry me! He has no choice. As for you, do
The car wove deftly through the traffic, its agile movements drawing startled gasps and the sharp screech of brakes as it sped by.Geoffrey's sharp eyes, as cold and cutting as blades, remained fixed ahead. His trembling hands and reddened eyes betrayed the turmoil simmering beneath the calm demeanor he had shown in front of his father moments earlier.Yes, Chloe was already with Lionel. She was nothing more than an unattainable longing for him, a bittersweet yearning buried deep in his heart. Yet today, even that fragile dream had been cruelly shattered!The woman he had cherished, the one he had dreamt of for sleepless nights, had, in a blink of an eye, become his sister. The bitter irony gnawed at his soul like a cruel joke.He had loved her for so long, rejected countless others, and anchored all his hopes on the one woman he thought he could have. But fate, in the form of his own father's indiscretions, had crushed his dreams underfoot.Should
"Flora and Beck are my biological children, while you... you're the child of my sister and Ray. My sister and I were twins..." Donna continued, saying everything that had been buried for so long. At least, this way, Chloe wouldn't suffer as much."Back then, your mother wasn't accepted by Ray's family. Ray married the daughter of a wealthy family. Your mother was pregnant with you, so she had to leave. Later, she died giving birth to you. Your father—no, I should say your uncle—raised you and Flora as twins..."Donna's words kept coming, and Chloe collapsed into Lionel's arms, her eyes dull, her expression frozen.Her mother wasn't her mother, her father wasn't her father!Ha!So, she really was an illegitimate child—a true mistake! Not only that, she was a disaster! She caused her mother's death and even led to the death of the man who had raised her for over twenty years! She was nothing but a burden!Trembling, Chloe ope
"Lion..." From a distance, Chloe saw Lionel running towards her, and without hesitation, she threw herself into his arms."Baby, what's wrong?" Lionel was alarmed when he saw Chloe's pale face and the tremors running through her body. He quickly swept her into his arms."Lion, my father is Manfred!" Gripping the sleeve of Lionel's shirt, Chloe's eyes were bloodshot."I know!" Lionel quickly lifted her into the car and held her gently in his arms. "Baby, what's going on?"It was clear that she had been shaken by something."I'm telling you, my dad is Manfred! Manfred!" Chloe wailed, shaking Lionel's arm as tears rolled down her cheeks."I know! I know! Your dad is Manfred! I knew that already!" Lionel spoke softly, his gaze growing deep with understanding.Because of Flora's involvement, Lionel had known about Chloe's family situation for some time. He knew Chloe's biggest concern was her father. It was because of her father that she h
"Chloe, let's find a place to talk,"Geoffrey's father suddenly softened his previously stern expression. His face radiated kindness, and the way he called Chloe's name now carried a touch of familial warmth.Chloe blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Oh...okay."His sudden change in demeanor was so abrupt that she struggled to keep up with the shift.Especially the way he looked at her—with a mixture of excitement and tenderness—caused ten question marks to pop up in her mind.They found a nearby café along the street, and Chloe couldn't shake the sensation of Geoffrey's father's constant, scrutinizing gaze on her."Chloe…"Ray took a small sip of his coffee. His intense yet affectionate eyes never wavered from her face.It was as though he was gazing at someone he cherished deeply—like a long-lost daughter."Sir, if you have something to say, just say it directly."Chloe lowered her ga
"Now, you!" Lionel, who held Chloe in his arms as though she were the most precious treasure, suddenly darkened his expression. Gripping her chin and tilting it upward, his tone became dangerously low as he said through clenched teeth, "If you ever dare hide something from me again, just wait and see what I'll do to you!"Though his voice sounded harsh and his expression fierce, the tenderness and deep affection in his narrow eyes gave him away."Got it!" Chloe grinned mischievously, the warmth spreading in her chest as she looked at his scowling face.She could tell—Lionel truly loved her. He genuinely cared for her and their child.Her heart swelled with gratitude. What had she ever done to deserve such devotion from a man like Lionel? He was noble, almost godlike, and yet wild and untamed.She felt so blessed.Fate hadn't abandoned her after all. It had taken away one worthless man only to deliver someone infinitely better—Lio
"Lion...you...know?" Chloe asked weakly.She had planned to tell him last night, but when Joanna knocked on the door to say that Florence had an accident, she completely forgot about it."You still dare to say that?!" Lionel replied, his tone a bit angry. "You hid something this big from your husband? You have some nerve!""At first, I was going to hide it because I was angry," Chloe admitted. "But then I wanted to tell you. It's just that Joanna interrupted me, so I never had the chance." She pouted and leaned her face against his, almost like a child seeking affection."I really want to scold you for being so disobedient..." Lionel raised his hand, but instantly, it gently lowered to caress Chloe's face. He was so careful now, especially since she was pregnant. He couldn't bring himself to hurt her, not even with a finger."Lion, you're going to be a dad. Are you happy?" Chloe lifted her head and studied his face, trying to find some clue about h
Lionel's Office"Sir..."Barton handed a file to Lionel. "This is the information you requested. It's all been thoroughly investigated."Lionel took the file and photographs, glancing at them briefly before his expression darkened.Amos?!How could it be Amos?"Damn it!"Who gave him the nerve to do this? Doesn't he know that the Lumina Group depends entirely on K Group?If it weren't for him handing Lumina that order, this new general manager wouldn't have had any achievements to speak of."Withdraw all investments from Lumina immediately! As for the new project, change to another media company.""Yes, Sir."Barton turned to leave."Wait!"Lionel called, stopping Barton just before he reached the door. "I want you to investigate Amos thoroughly!"She shouldn't have had any involvement with him, so how did he get obsessed with her?Suddenly, Lionel remembered an odd encounter at a banq