Despite his anger, Emerald remains calm."Mr. Florida, do I need to remind you why we broke up?" Emerald swallows the painful lump in her throat. "I didn’t make a scene when you cheated, and I didn’t argue when you blamed me for everything. I gave you enough dignity and did what was right for all three of us.""I gave you my heart and soul, but you’ve always been so distant. You didn’t even react when I cheated! Do you think you deserve my kindness? You’re heartless." Ethan’s voice is full of resentment.Emerald adjusts the strap of her bag and nudges a piece of broken glass with her foot."I even thought about marrying you, Ethan."Ethan was taken aback."I cooked for you. When I heard your mother had knee pain, I asked a doctor to prepare medicine. You said my home-cooked meals were left on the counter, and the ointment I made was thrown in the trash by your maid. 'It's enough that I love you. Why worry about trivial things like that?' you said."Emerald allowed herself to release t
"I've been used to these kinds of tactics ever since I was three years old. I guess I should thank you. You've proven to me once again that relationships based on equal status were wrong from the start.""After that, your family and the Valentines made an agreement, and the business flourished. But for someone like me, a simple person, all I need are three meals a day, a roof over my head, and enough to live on. So, Mr. Florida, let’s end this loveless relationship right here. Let it go."Emerald stepped away without hesitation. But before she could reach the door, Ethan, who had been silent for a while, spoke."Do you care about the orphanage?"Emerald froze, her hand resting on the doorknob, then slowly turned back to face Ethan."What do you know about the orphanage?"Ethan pulled down the collar of his shirt. The charisma and elegance he once carried were gone, replaced by a touch of slyness in his demeanor. He quickly grabbed some ice from the bucket, poured a strong drink into h
"People appreciate art, but if no one values it, it’s just a pile of waste paper! There are no real artists in this world. Rich people spend a fortune to buy art only to flaunt their wealth. Art without connections is worthless, so you’d be better off marrying a rich man instead of chasing some dream of being an artist!"But this painting had kept her up for more than half a month. Every brushstroke was the result of her hard work and dedication.Slowly, Emerald knelt down and carefully wiped the rain from the paper.A few specks of gold paint dust stuck to her hair. As she wiped it, her tears continued to fall. "It's fine, yeah..."She had worked so hard, but why was this still happening to her?Was Samantha’s mother right after all?"You and your mother are the same—shameless women. All you know how to do is spread your legs to seduce men. What else can you do? Lowly people should know their place. In our world, everything’s about climbing up."Silently, Emerald promised herself she
When she still lived with her mother, her biggest dream was to escape her control and have a place of her own. For the past few years, she’s been studying during the day and working late into the night, drawing to save enough money. She was like a bird slowly gathering twigs to build her own nest. Piece by piece, she shaped her apartment the way she wanted it. But now, reality was reminding her that the home she worked so hard to create was nothing more than someone else’s charity. When Alaric saw the sadness in her eyes, he didn’t say anything. He gently pulled Emerald into his arms and sat her down in the passenger seat. He also grabbed the painting, barely recognizable because of the rain. The anger had faded, and Emerald was slowly calming down. Her mind was starting to clear. When she glanced at the driver inside the car, she felt a deep sense of shame. Just moments ago, she had been so angry that she bit Alaric’s lip out of frustration. Was she going mad? Alaric ha
Alaric glanced at her, and his breath caught. In this situation, Emerald knew exactly what would happen next. She knew what tomorrow would bring. Rather than being forced to surrender to Ethan, she’d much rather it be Alaric. At least, in the entire month they had been together, Alaric had never disrespected her. Deep down, there was a sweetness she couldn’t deny. Her mother once said that for a woman with no background, there was only one way to a good life—marriage. Emerald believed her. The same hardened blood that ran in her mother flowed in her. She had worked hard to live according to her own desires, to prove to her mother that she had chosen the right path. But now, it seemed that fate was proving her mother right. She had lost this game. A woman like her, without family or status, had no chance to rise again after one failure. The apartment had sold for over a million yuan—just like Ethan said. After paying off her debt, she was now the woman people called a
Emerald wasn’t much of an eater, but on the table sat a plate of black gold beef and pine mushroom fried rice. She hadn’t eaten all day, and as soon as she smelled the food, she felt a sudden hunger, and her mouth began to water. She took a spoonful, and the taste exploded on her tongue. The matsutake was fresh, the beef tender, and the black truffle sauce added a distinctive flavor. Beside it was a can of chicken soup, which looked like it had been simmered for hours. It was light in appearance but rich in the natural flavors of the ingredients. People always said food could heal the heart. Emerald never believed that before, but now, she found herself convinced. For the first time in a long while, she didn’t feel so empty inside. Especially after finishing the chicken soup, she felt warmth spreading throughout her body. “It seems you like the chef at Mr. Corrigan’s house.” Emerald hadn’t realized Alaric had come so close. He had finished his bath much faster than she
While searching for clothes from the previous night, she wandered into the master bedroom and noticed a new row of wardrobes. Opening one, her eyes widened at the sight—an extensive collection of women's clothing.She pulled out a few pieces, unable to believe what she was seeing. Every garment, from undergarments to outerwear, fit her perfectly. The designs were simple yet elegant, made from soft, luxurious fabric. But the most striking were the blouses and dresses, each looking meticulously crafted.Emerald chose a white dress with a green floral pattern, soft and fresh-looking. It fit her like a glove—no more, no less, as if tailored precisely for her body. There was no way these clothes were made overnight.It hit her like a ton of bricks—during those nights together, Alaric had memorized her measurements, committing every detail to memory. Just like Ethan, Alaric had been planning for her all along.Emerald rushed to the orphanage, finding the place in utter chaos. A group of thu
Alaric calmly replied, "I did. These unknown individuals broke into the orphanage under the guise of Corrigan Holdings, maliciously destroyed property, and intentionally harmed others."The officer looked at the bloodied and bruised thugs. "So, there was a fight?"Alaric remained composed. "We’re all law-abiding citizens here. We don’t engage in illegal activities."The police officer glanced at the thugs. "And the blood on them?"Before Alaric could answer, the thug with the large gold chain clung to the officer’s leg."I fell and hurt myself! Please, sir, arrest me!"The man quickly got up and opened the door of the police car, waving eagerly at the chief, "Chief, let’s hurry this up!"The other thugs scrambled to follow, begging as they chased after the police car, "Sir, take us with you too!"The police officers stood there, dumbfounded. It was the first time they had seen people begging to be arrested."There’s too many of you. You won’t all fit in one car," the chief said, stil
At night, after Emerald had fallen asleep, she would secretly call her mother—until Alaric caught her in the act.At the shareholders' meeting, Alaric eliminated four people and uncovered the one who had been secretly buying up scattered shares.It was Griffin.In a final twist, Mr. Corrigan betrayed him, and Griffin realized too late that he had been played.Alaric regarded him with an icy stare. “Did you really think I’d invite you here for anything else?”He took slow, deliberate steps toward Griffin. “You wanted Teacher Greene to forget me. But in the end, she forgot you instead. You schemed and plotted, but did you ever consider that this would be the outcome?”Griffin let out a bitter laugh, his eyes filled with resentment. “Alaric, you’re unbelievably lucky. Fate favors you—again.”His voice turned sharp with frustration. “Why does it always have to be you?”Alaric’s expression remained unreadable. “I know you blame me. You think your father abandoned you and your son.”Griffin
Now that Alaric had decided to marry Emerald, he naturally had to address the issue of inheritance.He had promised that he wouldn’t let Emerald suffer any injustice.James was thrilled but hesitant to believe it. He looked up at her cautiously and asked, “Can I really call you that?”Emerald knew that despite his tough exterior, he was actually very sensitive.She crouched down, gently running her fingers through James’s hair. “Of course, if you want to.”Without hesitation, James threw himself into her arms. “I do! Of course, I do—Mom.”His tears fell onto her neck, and Emerald’s lips curved into a soft smile.I just got a son this big out of nowhere.James was so attached to her that even when they walked, he would hook his little fingers around hers.It all felt like a dream.When Emerald looked up, she noticed Jamilah standing on the terrace, silently watching her. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Jamilah quickly turned away.James sighed and explained, “Mom, my sister ha
"Get ready, that’s where we’re landing," Alaric whispered in her ear.As they descended, Emerald noticed the intricate details within the rose fields—windmills, charming fairy-tale cottages, and delicate pathways weaving through the flowers.It was the kind of place that would go viral the moment people saw it—a dreamlike destination straight out of a storybook.Under Alaric’s steady control, they landed smoothly on the soft grass. The moment Emerald unbuckled her harness, she threw her arms around him, holding him close.The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of roses, and amidst it all, she could hear the steady rhythm of his heartbeat."Emerald Greene, I will never let anything hurt you again. From now on, I will make sure you're happy—forever.""Mm. I believe you.""Wow! This is straight out of a movie!" Iris gasped, pinching Gio’s arm. "I must be dreaming—this kind of romance isn’t even this dramatic in films!"Gio winced. "Ow!""That hurt!""Of course, it hurts! You pinch
Iris, still stunned, turned to stare at him. "Wait… is he that rich? So rich that he could casually win the title of ‘Little Prince’ or something?""He is the one who is the one who is the one.""Brother, why didn’t you tell me he was this handsome?! He’s so young and fair-skinned—he looks like he stepped straight out of an anime! Not a trace of that tacky, nouveau riche vibe at all."Even Emerald was taken aback, though not nearly as much as Iris.Noticing that the young man wasn’t much older than herself, she stepped forward, bent down, and offered him a hand."Are you okay?" she asked.Yngrid grabbed her hand and stood up, flashing a bright, friendly smile. “Don’t worry! Second Sister-in-law, you’re so beautiful! So gentle! No wonder Second Brother has been thinking about you for years—he finally got you.”Alaric frowned, glancing at the knife embedded in the table. “How many times have I told you? Stop running around with a knife in your hand.”Yngrid looked utterly clueless. “But
Emerald was sharp enough to catch the implication. This man was clearly from the Corrigan, but how could he be Alaric’s second brother?Nancy smiled. "It’s a long story. Sister-in-law, come inside quickly. Gabbi has been preparing all morning to welcome you."Gio, who was usually the most lively among them, suddenly looked uncharacteristically serious and polite. "Sorry to trouble you, then."Nancy turned his gaze to the other guest. "Welcome. You must be Ms. Benitez."Iris straightened up, her usual playfulness replaced by a bit of nervousness. "That’s me. Hello, hello."As the group walked inside, Gio trailed behind, but Iris discreetly poked his waist. "Who is he? You seem a little scared of him."She had met Gio’s friends many times, but she had never seen him act this cautious.Gio lowered his voice. "You may not recognize him, but you’ve definitely heard of the Medical Research Institute."Iris froze. "You mean the world’s number one pharmaceutical company?"Her mind was spinnin
The sun shone brightly, and magpies chirped from the branches—a perfect day.Iris, already waiting downstairs, let out a low whistle. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. Interlocked fingers? Teacher Greene, Mr. Corrigan, could you two be any sweeter?”Caught off guard, Emerald instinctively tried to pull her hand away.But Alaric tightened his grip. “Don’t let go.”Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded. “Okay.”Iris was about to whistle again when Gio quickly clamped a hand over her mouth. “For the love of god, stop teasing them. My Alaric is the most patient guy—until he’s not.”Iris blinked. “Huh? But Mr. Corrigan seems so refined and gentlemanly.”Gio scoffed. “That’s just for women. When it comes to me, he’s got a double standard.”Clearly, Gio had endured Alaric’s ruthlessness one too many times. If Iris kept poking fun at him, Alaric would undoubtedly find a way to get back at them both.Completely oblivious, Iris had no idea what was happening. She tried to push Alaric into the front passenger seat,
"I won’t say things like that again," she murmured. "If I do, I’m not just belittling myself—I’m belittling your love, too.""That’s right." Alaric rubbed her head gently. "The past is heavy baggage. If you can, let it go. The future will be so much better."She smiled. "Your little Greene has finally grown up.""You have a daddy boyfriend, so you have to grow up."Emerald wrapped her arms around his neck, her voice soft. "Thank you… for teaching me how to love.""It’s my greatest honor to receive Teacher Greene’s love."Their eyes met, the space between them shrinking as they leaned in—Then Alaric’s phone rang.He exhaled sharply, turning it off without hesitation."Sorry. Let’s pick up where we left off."The caller was persistent. Emerald sighed, nudging Alaric playfully. "Go on, Mr. Busy."He had already spent so much time with her over the past two days, and she was more than content.But Alaric never returned after heading to his study. Emerald waited alone until eleven o’clock
At first, Emerald worried that Gio was just fooling around and that Iris would end up getting hurt. But later, through Alaric, she realized that Gio was genuinely working hard for their future.It was only then that Emerald recognized how extreme her past views had been—believing that marriage was a trap and love was nothing more than fleeting sweetness.Iris, in her simplicity, had understood something far earlier than she did: love is about two people growing together, striving toward a shared future.Even someone like Iris, who had spent years drifting through life, was now determined to change. And that alone was a good start.Gio had seen all kinds of people in his world, but it was Iris—pure and untainted, like a blank canvas—who truly captured his heart. She made him want to protect her.Now, Emerald could finally put her worries to rest.The so-called unreliable playboy hadn’t even touched Iris all this time. That fact alone proved he was someone she could trust."Ember, I'm n
Alaric stared coldly at the woman standing before him, utterly unfazed by her desperation."It doesn't matter who it is. I don’t owe you an explanation."Yngrid’s emotions spiraled out of control again, but before she could lash out, Winston’s expression darkened. The usual elegance in his demeanor vanished, replaced by an icy sharpness."Do you need me to remind you of your place?" he said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.Emerald watched the scene unfold, quickly deducing that Winston held Yngrid’s fate in his hands. Yngrid’s reluctance was obvious, but in the end, she had no choice but to submit.She took slow, deliberate steps toward Emerald. "Emerald… I’m sorry for what happened," she forced out. "I apologize."Emerald didn’t miss the unwillingness in Yngrid’s eyes. And to be honest, she had no desire to accept it.But she also knew that she had finally convinced Alaric to reconcile, and the partnership with the Santos had been secured. Yngrid’s presence here w