In the dimly lit room, Justin sat alone, his silhouette slumped, resembling an abandoned orphan. The computer screen emitted a faint glow, highlighting his desolate figure as he held the photo he had brought along. Amid the crowd in the image, Emily’s profile stood out—small yet unmistakable. It was so subtle that it could easily be overlooked, yet vivid enough to be etched into Justin’s mind with every detail of her face. The computer screen dimmed further due to inactivity, casting a softer light on Justin’s downturned face as he gazed at the photo. The surveillance room exuded an overwhelming loneliness. Meanwhile, in the private room at the Peninsula Restaurant, Haley had grown increasingly uneasy after seeing Justin at the amusement park. Unable to shake her concern, she reached out to Richard, who was in Merika State. She requested he hack into the surveillance system to delete all footage of her and her group. Coincidentally, Richard was testing a facial recognition
Helen avoided Haley’s gaze, her eyes darting away. Haley tilted her head, puzzled by her sister’s behavior. Back then, during their trip to the seaside villa, Helen had nudged Haley into the dance floor before sneaking off to the rocky shore, where she met Zac White. The two hit it off immediately, their personalities aligning effortlessly, and they exchanged contact information. At the time, she had no idea Zac was Justin’s closest friend. After leaving the villa, they continued to meet up casually, bonding over food and shared interests. Somewhere along the way, their dynamic shifted, becoming undeniably more intimate. Then came the night at Majestic Bar, where Helen and Haley gathered a group of young studs and were picking their favorites. What started as a fun evening ended with Helen and Zac unexpectedly winding up in bed together.It was only after that night she learned Zac and Justin weren’t just acquaintances but childhood best friends. When she tried to create
Helen scrolled through the endless messages from Zac, each one filled with questions and pleas:“Where are you staying now?“Why did you disappear without a word five years ago? Where have you been all this time?“Tell me where you are. I’ll come find you.“I went to your old place, and the landlord said you moved out.“Can’t you at least respond? I know I messed up, even though I don’t know how. Just tell me what I did wrong, and I’ll fix it! If nothing else, at least let me understand why!”Helen read through his messages, groaning as she flopped onto her bed. Frustrated, she pulled the blanket over her head, only to rip it off moments later, feeling suffocated. Her freshly washed hair ended up in a tangled mess as she ruffled it furiously. “Zac White, you’re so annoying!” she muttered to herself. “I should’ve just given you a fake number.” Unable to hold back her irritation, she grabbed her phone and typed a furious response. “Zac, you’re a total jerk. Messing around
Late at night, Bay Amusement Park had already closed. The manager and staff had all gone home, leaving only Justin and William guarding outside the surveillance room.William didn’t like seeing his boss so despondent. Glancing at his watch, it was already past 11 p.m. He stepped forward and knocked on the door. “Mr. Yates, it’s time to go home.”“Go home?”Justin let out a bitter, self-mocking laugh.Without Emily, did he even have a home?He sighed heavily, closed his eyes, and swallowed his bitterness.He was absolutely certain that the profile in the photo was Emily. He hadn’t mistaken her.But after searching through the surveillance footage all day, zooming in and meticulously examining every detail, he still hadn’t found the image of that profile from the photo.Was Emily avoiding him?Was she punishing him? If so, he was willing to accept it. But after the punishment, could she come back?Justin stood up from his chair.A loud thud echoed in the surveillance room. Wil
At Mistletoe Villa, Haley, Helen and Alex were exhausted after a full day out yesterday. They decided to spend the day resting at home. After breakfast, Helen made a video call back home. Since she had blocked Zac, her phone was no longer bombarded with his messages, and the world felt much quieter. The video connected, showing Evelyn’s side of the world, where it was nighttime, and they had just finished dinner. Sitting on the couch together, they greeted everyone before Helen turned to Wilfred. “Wilfred, we left in such a rush, and the art exhibition is missing a few paintings. Could you bring them over when you come?” “Of course,” Wilfred replied, his rich, cello-like voice carrying a distinct accent that was undeniably pleasant to hear. Haley tilted her head closer to the screen and added gratefully, “Thank you, Wilfred. I’ll send you the photos in a bit.” Every completed painting of hers was photographed and cataloged on her phone to help the gallery organize and
After Helen headed upstairs to her room, Haley stayed in the living room, sitting beside Alex and quietly listening to the brothers’ slightly childish conversation. Most of the talking came from Alex, while Chase occasionally chimed in with a word or two.Alex and Chase talked for quite a while before Haley checked the time. Knowing Chase had been spending a lot of time in front of the computer lately, she didn’t want him to strain his eyes—especially at his age. She ruffled Alex’s hair and gently said, “Your brother needs to rest. Let him go now, okay?”“Alright.” Alex obediently handed the tablet back to his mom and waved at the screen with a bright smile. “Goodnight, Chase!”“Goodnight,” Chase replied.Haley took the tablet and couldn’t help but give her eldest son a few motherly reminders. “Chase, don’t overwork yourself. Take care of your eyes, especially now while you’re still growing. And try to get to bed earlier at night.”“I know, Mom.” Chase’s reply was crisp and poli
She was the only one who wasn’t diligent.Turning on her heel, Helen headed back to her room. She changed into a dress, grabbed her bag, and without bothering to bring any bodyguard, drove herself to the spa.Meanwhile, Zac tossed his phone aside, his expression dejected. “I didn’t mean for it to come out like that,” he muttered to himself. Seeing Helen alive and knowing she was right here in Lincourt City should have been a relief, yet she still felt so out of reach. What should he do? He rubbed his temples in frustration. Matters of the heart were proving far more complicated than the medical world he excelled in. And then it hit him—Alex. That day, he had seen Alex and Helen together at the restaurant. Picking up his phone, he dialed Justin, hoping to get Alex’s contact information. “What do you need Alex’s number for?” Justin asked as he handed off a signed document to Sam. Sam silently took the documents, gave a slight nod, and left the office.Caught off g
Zac frowned. Now he finally understood where the misunderstanding had come from, but he didn’t even have a chance to explain.He pulled up Alex’s number, but just before dialing, his thumb hovered over the screen. He couldn’t act impulsively again. He needed to organize his thoughts and choose his words carefully.A knock on the office door interrupted his thoughts. “Come in,” he said.His assistant entered, holding a file. “Dr. White, this is Miss Xander’s medical examination report.”“So soon?” Zac was surprised.The assistant glanced at the clock. “Dr. White, you’re the one who set the rule that reports should be ready within two hours. Isn’t this what you wanted?”Zac glanced at the wall clock. Had he really spent two hours just sitting here, lost in thought?“Ahem, alright, hand it over,” Zac said, coughing lightly as he took the file. As the head of the department, it wouldn’t look good if his staff caught him slacking off during work hours.“Close the door on your way
However, Xena had always been used to getting her way, disregarding rules or consequences. Her trembling wasn’t out of fear of Haley but the dread of her threats being exposed for everyone to see. “This wretched woman—so this is where she was setting her trap!” she silently cursed.“Check the surveillance!” Mr. Gibson Sr. banged his cane decisively. As the head of the family, he had hoped this matter would be resolved with a simple apology from Xena. But given how far things had escalated, only clarity from the surveillance footage could restore order. Haley’s confidence made him wonder if everything she claimed was indeed true. He had spent a lifetime protecting his reputation. Now, in his twilight years, Xena was dragging his name through the mud. “This…” Mrs. Gibson hesitated, her eyes darting nervously. “The surveillance cameras… they’re broken.” Mr. Gibson Sr.’s sharp gaze turned toward her. Mrs. Gibson’s voice trembled as she stammered out an explanation. “They br
Once Justin had saved Haley's number, he didn’t persist in detaining her any longer and stepped aside, allowing her to leave.Haley opened the door and, to her surprise, found not only Wilfred waiting outside but also members of the Gibson family, including Mr. Gibson Sr.“Oh my, Miss Haley, you truly are stunning! That red gown suits you perfectly. It’s so elegant and radiant!” Mrs. Gibson stepped forward with a smile, reaching out as if to link arms with Haley.Haley sidestepped behind Wilfred, avoiding Mrs. Gibson’s touch. “Mrs. Gibson, save the compliments for now and focus on addressing this issue,” Haley said coldly, her irritation barely concealed. “My brother and I came to your home as guests to celebrate a birthday, yet we were met with threats, warnings, and outright hostility from your daughter. And then, to top it off, she spilled wine on me.“I must say, the way your family treats guests has truly been an eye-opener for me.”Even the most patient person would reach
Haley had no time to react.The moment Justin’s lips touched hers, a resounding slap echoed through the room.“Smack!” The sting burned across his face, but he didn’t let go. Instead, he pressed his lips even harder against hers—not out of lust, but from an overwhelming longing that had consumed him for five years.Justin’s soul trembled. The sheer emotion of their reunion defied words. Her garment bag and handbag lay forgotten on the floor. Haley’s hand was trapped in his grip, while her free hand repeatedly landed sharp slaps across his face. The crisp sound of each slap filled the room.Justin didn’t stop her. He neither resisted nor tried to control her.“Hit me,” Justin thought to himself.He deserved this—for abandoning her to face the earthquake alone in Ramsdale. It was his fault. If she needed to vent her anger, he would take it all.As long as she was alive. As long as she was still here.A single tear slid from Justin’s eye, traveling down his cheek be
Mrs. Gibson rushed over as soon as she saw her daughter causing trouble, eager to smooth things over. “Oh dear, how did the dress get ruined? Miss Haley, come upstairs with me to change into something clean. It’s not good for the other guests to see this. I’ve prepared several dresses just in case. You and Xena are about the same size. They should fit perfectly,” she said with a polite but slightly forced smile. “No need, Mrs. Gibson,” Wilfred responded coldly, his sharp tone leaving no room for argument. “We have our own backups.” He turned to Haley, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Head upstairs. I’ll have someone bring your dress.” Haley nodded, not saying much. When Wilfred spoke, she knew it was best to let him handle it. Still, a pang of regret passed through her. It was the dress Alex had picked for her that afternoon. Following Mrs. Gibson and the maid, Haley went up to the third floor. Once inside the room, she waited for a while before the maid knock
Haley had just taken a few steps forward when Xena grabbed her arm roughly from behind. “Stop right there!” Xena barked angrily, her voice sharp and accusing, as though convinced Haley was about to report her behavior. The force of Xena’s tug caused Haley’s forward momentum to halt abruptly. At the same time, a chilling sensation ran down her back. It was the wine. Xena’s other hand, which had been holding a glass of red wine, had jerked with the motion, spilling the deep crimson liquid all over Haley’s back. The dark wine streamed down the pale champagne-colored fabric of Haley’s dress, leaving an unmistakable stain. Some of the droplets even splashed into her hair. Across the room, Justin had been quietly trailing behind Haley, watching her from a distance, careful not to startle her. When he saw the scene unfold, his expression darkened. He immediately stepped forward, but just as he moved, his phone vibrated in his jacket pocket. “Mr. Yates, we’ve swept the ent
Xena took a step forward, her focus fixed entirely on Wilfred. Naturally, she noticed his protective gesture of holding Haley by the waist. “That shameless vixen!” Xena fumed inwardly. “She’s even trying to seduce her own brother. What a disgrace!”“Well, you sly Yates boy! So you wanted to make a grand entrance, huh? Hahaha!” Mr. Gibson Sr. clapped his hands and laughed heartily. The celebration was clearly putting him in high spirits, with all the powerful attendees giving him the respect he felt was due. Justin withdrew his lingering gaze from Haley’s waist and replied to Mr. Gibson Sr. with calm detachment. “Just a bit of timing, that’s all.” While outwardly maintaining his composure and engaging in polite conversation, his mind was completely preoccupied with the presence of Haley standing nearby. *As the birthday toasts concluded, the guests began to scatter, mingling and networking throughout the room. Haley stepped off the stage and pulled Wilfred aside t
Haley wouldn’t let a private matter with Xena cause a scene at a public event. Nor would she waste her energy on someone like Xena, who didn’t even register as a threat in her eyes. Xena, on the other hand, glanced at Haley. Her smile faltered, her expression unreadable. She gave a stiff nod, saying nothing. “My granddaughter is excellent in every way, but she’s a bit too mischievous,” Mr. Gibson Sr. said with a chuckle. Turning to Wilfred, he added, “While you’re in Haven State, perhaps you could help me keep her in line.” Wilfred offered a polite smile. “Miss Gibson is refined and intelligent, with your personal guidance from a young age. How could she possibly be mischievous?” Mr. Gibson Sr. burst into hearty laughter. “You certainly know how to flatter! Xena, take advantage of this time to learn a thing or two from Wilfred.” “Yes, Grandpa,” Xena replied softly, sneaking a glance at Wilfred, her cheeks flushed with shyness. Wilfred’s response was neutral, his expre
Justin returned to the banquet hall, his tall, athletic figure standing just outside the crowd. His head was lowered slightly, and a faint sense of dejection seemed to hang around him. Emily Yates. Her name repeated endlessly in his mind, like a mantra he couldn’t escape. He had been so close—twice now. He had almost found her. The birthday celebration was already underway, and guests had gathered near the stage. Justin lifted his head, about to move forward, when his eyes caught sight of a figure in the distance.He froze. Narrowing his sharp eyes, he stared intently, confirming again and again what he was seeing. The noise around him faded into silence. The only thing he could see was the woman standing on the stage. Emily!It was her. The very person who haunted his dreams, night after night. She was there, right in front of him. Alive. Emily Yates wasn’t dead. The lights from above illuminated her figure, casting a soft glow that seemed to make her
Haley walked straight to Wilfred’s side, saying nothing about Xena’s warning or even mentioning her. “You’re back? I didn’t see you earlier and was about to go look for you. It’s almost time to wish Mr. Gibson Sr. a happy birthday,” Wilfred said with a warm smile, nodding as he looked at her.“I was just taking a walk in the garden. The flowers there are beautiful,” Haley explained. Wilfred glanced out the floor-to-ceiling windows toward the garden. “If you like them, I’ll have them planted at Mistletoe for you.” He made a mental note of the flowers’ appearance and type—anything for his sister. “No need for that. We’re not here often. But if they could be planted at home, that would be even better,” Haley replied, referring to their estate in Merika State. “Alright, we’ll have them planted at home,” Wilfred agreed easily. At that moment, Mr. Gibson Sr. entered the banquet hall, supported by his son and daughter-in-law as he made his way to the stage. Dressed in a tai