Krista felt even more disgusted to see Kelly's miserable state. "You country bumpkins are just gross!"Kelly held back her tears and refused to meet her eyes.Krista looked at the time. Although she really disliked Kelly, she didn't want to starve her. She even ordered a hamburger for her.When the food arrived, Kelly simply looked at the hamburger without eating it.Krista barked, "Eat it!""Mommy said I shouldn't eat this too much.""For God's sake, I'm not giving you anything else. If you don't want to eat this, go ahead and starve!" Krista yelled.Kelly simply stood where she was, sniffling her nose.Krista vented all her anger toward Kathryn at Kelly. Not only was she verbally abusive, but she also attacked her.Kelly's arm was bruised from her torture, but Krista still wasn't satisfied. She even told the trembling Kelly, "I advise you to listen to my orders. I may kill you if you upset me."Her words made Kelly tremble, and her face turned ashen. At this moment, Krista'
Kathryn stammered, "I-I'm fine. Where's Chris?"Tara answered, "Mr. Albert is in his office."Kathryn nodded and walked to Chris' office.When the people in the secretarial department saw Kathryn crying, they all looked at each other. She just had her baby not long ago, but she looked miserable. As expected, it wasn't easy being part of a wealthy family.Everyone in the company knew the Alberts didn't accept Kathryn at all. Although rumors on the Internet said that she was the daughter of the Winchesters, the Winchesters didn't intend to let her return to their ranks. So, she was in an awkward position at the moment.The moment Kathryn entered the office, Tara glared at everyone."Are you guys done being busybodies? Do you want to get fired and live in the streets?" Her stern tone made those who wanted to watch Kathryn make a fool out of herself turn away.When Kathryn entered the office, Chris stood up when he saw her. Before he could even move, she ran toward him and dashed in
Byron did a thorough search in Harborlean and found all the properties related to Krista. However, he still couldn't find Kelly.Chris helped him in his search as well. When Travis called, Chris told him, "We probably can't go to Island Bay tomorrow.""Why?" Travis' tone turned serious.Hearing his tone, Chris knew that he had misunderstood. After all, Kathryn had always been relatively distant toward the Winchesters. But that wasn't the issue. Right now, she didn't have the energy to deal with the Winchesters. All her attention was on Jessica.After what happened last night, Travis thought Kathryn had formed an unsavory opinion about the Winchesters.Not wanting Travis to misunderstand, Chris explained, "Something has happened. Krista has taken Jessica's daughter away. Kathryn is overwhelmed, so she definitely can't make it tomorrow.""Krista took away Jessica's daughter?""Yeah!" Chris replied.There was only silence on the other end of the phone. Then, Travis said, "I go
"Hah! Do I look like a saint to you, Chris? You want me to treat a hostage kindly?"Chris tightened his grip on the phone, a cold glint appearing in his gaze.Before he could say anything, Krista continued, "She has a mental illness, you say? So, she must be afraid of being alone and in the dark, right?""What did you do to her?" Chris raised his voice.Krista scoffed, "Oh, nothing. I just left her alone in a house with some food and water.""Krista!" Chris snarled. He couldn't believe this woman was this vicious. Kelly was just a child, but she actually left her alone in a house. Was her heart made of stone?That wasn't the correct description. Krista didn't have a heart at all!Krista laughed, "If you want to get that girl out of her predicament, we'll have to see how much you love her as her uncle. Or …"She paused. Then, she cackled, "Or how much you love her aunt!"After saying that, she hung up.Chris felt numb when he heard the dial tone.Since Krista was at home, S
Tally was right. Kathryn used to be Chris' assistant, so she knew the capabilities of his people. But even so, she was still worried."I know Kelly will be fine, but I'm worried Krista will abuse her. You know she has serious mental issues because of what happened at school, and she even tried to kill herself …" Kathryn couldn't bring herself to continue."I don't think her life will be in danger. After all, Krista wants to use Kelly to negotiate about the Baydem Group. There's no way she'll kill her."That being said, it was still possible for that crazy bitch to abuse Kelly. In particular, if they didn't reach an agreement, she might even—Kathryn became extremely nervous when she remembered what Krista had done to deal with her back then.Upon hearing her words, Tally was agitated. "You're right. That crazy bitch is capable of abuse."Thinking of this, Tally was about to snap. Why on earth did they have to meet a crazy bitch like her? She caused such a worrying situation."Bu
There was no way so many people couldn't find a girl in one night.Victor said, "Yeah. Tell Mrs. Albert not to be so worried. Many people are helping her!"He was implying that Kathryn should stop troubling his fiancée. He knew Kathryn could hear his voice on the phone and hoped she could understand him.However, Kathryn's anxiety had taken over her rationality, so she couldn't understand the implications of his words.Tally, on the other hand, understood him. She yelled, "Quit yapping! I'm not going home tonight. Goodbye!"She hung up the phone when she was done. Then, she looked down at Kathryn. "Don't worry. You heard Victor. Tons of people are looking for Kelly. She'll be fine."It was good enough that Chris and the Winchester family had sent their people to look for Kelly, so why was Byron doing the same?Tally couldn't help but fall into deep thought. But after glancing at Kathryn, who wasn't in a good mood, she didn't say a word.Meanwhile, Victor was about to snap when
Krista had lost everything because of Kathryn. For a long while, she had Kathryn in the palm of her hand. Now, though? Kathryn was still very much treasured, even without Krista around.On the other hand, Krista no longer had the Baydem Group. She also no longer had the Alberts. She had spent her entire life striving for those two seemingly impossible things. Meanwhile, Kathryn easily attained them.How could Krista not hate her? She wanted to destroy Kathryn and everyone who shielded her. She wanted nothing more than to crush Benjamin. That would teach him to lay a finger on Krista's things.Right then, there was a reply from the phone. "Mr. Benjamin said that he would make sure you're in before he does." Krista clutched the phone tighter. Her breathing quickened."Tell me his terms.""He wants you to bring Ms. Jessica's daughter to Sunshine Bay. Do that, and Phineas will be returned safely."Krista gritted her teeth angrily at Benjamin's term.Kelly's return hinged on Krist
Kelly paled further at Krista's words, and she trembled harder.Krista ignored the girl. Instead, she stalked off to the side to discuss the location of the hostage exchange. She had no choice but to compromise for Phineas' sake."Likewise. If you so much as lay a hand on Kelly, I'll make sure that Phineas pays for it on the spot," Benjamin replied."Hah, as if I'll dare to do that! I hope Kathryn won't let you down, what with everyone revolving around her," Kathryn said mockingly.They continued to exchange words. Occasionally, they would give the other a warning. Krista radiated a dangerous air as she curtly spoke to Benjamin. Most children would cry, but Kelly didn't dare to.At last, Krista snarled, "So, you're the only one who's allowed to hurt Phineas? Fine, Benjamin. I already lost everything due to that girl. I'm dragging them both down with me, even if I die!"Just as Krista said that, she heard a loud thud behind her. She reflexively turned around, but Kelly was nowhe
After leaving the Hunt residence, Tally made her way directly to Victor's company.Worried she might lose her way, Drew had been waiting downstairs in anticipation of her arrival.When Tally saw Victor, her face lit up with joy."You should've seen Mr. Hunt Senior's expression earlier. He looked like he wanted to eat me alive." Tally couldn't help but laugh.Victor reached for her hand as they sat down on the couch together. "Were you scared?" he asked.As Tally sat down, she casually looked back and noticed a framed photograph on Victor's desk.Out of curiosity, she picked it up and examined it. But with just one glance, she froze in surprise."When... when was this taken?" she asked. Her shock was evident as she turned to Victor.The picture was taken back when they were at Beverly Peak, during his hospital stay after being bitten by a wolf.She remembered looking after him until she herself fell asleep.In the picture, her eyes were closed, her expression peaceful.Victor
What made it even more absurd was that Elijah bought into it, too.Tally couldn't believe Elijah couldn't see through Markus' façade. He actually bought into Markus' excuse that his behavior was all because of her.And now he was acting like he'd rather die than leave her."Fucking hell," Tally muttered inwardly. She wondered who came up with this messed-up plan for Markus.Clearly, Tally couldn't quite grasp how Markus' mental state could deteriorate like this. However, given his history of going insane, this outrageous plan didn't seem entirely implausible.He was perfectly fine when he was with Albert Group, so how did he end up like this back at Skyline Group?Tally just couldn't figure it out.Elijah shot her a sharp look, gritting his teeth as he said, "You, leave!"Zane hesitated, saying, "Sir, but…""Just let her leave!" Elijah insisted.Elijah's words were punctuated by short, hurried breaths.Tally nodded, saying, "Mr. Hunt Senior, you're indeed the more rational o
Elijah and Zane glanced at each other. Then, their stares turned sharper as they both fixed their eyes on Tally.Tally swallowed nervously. "Why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something wrong?""You're not even married to Victor, so why are you calling yourself a married woman?" Elijah snapped, his anger evident.Tally remained silent.Observing Elijah's furious expression, she nonchalantly rummaged through her bag, retrieving the marriage certificate and wedding invitation.Then, she handed them over to Zane.Zane took the documents and swiftly flipped them open. His eyes widened in disbelief as he read through them.He promptly handed both documents over to Elijah.As Elijah took them and examined them, his expression darkened significantly upon seeing Tally and Victor's marriage certificate.He was shocked when he saw that their wedding date was today, along with the printed timestamp.In that instant, Elijah's breathing grew heavier.He glared at Tally with an
Tally was completely baffled by what was happening."I've been straightforward about my feelings for him," Tally complained under her breath.From her perspective, if something were to happen to Markus now, she shouldn't be blamed solely for her decision to get married. Victor nodded, saying, "Yeah, I know."Victor had always been aware of this. By now, Markus had become such a puzzle that Victor couldn't quite figure him out.Considering how clear Tally had always been about her feelings toward Markus, it was puzzling how he got himself involved in this mess.This time, Victor didn't accompany Tally to the Hunt Residence. He believed she could handle the Hunt family on her own.The atmosphere at the Hunt residence was incredibly tense at the moment.The moment Tally stepped inside, she could practically feel the frost coming off Elijah. His gaze seemed to pierce right through her.Zane's tone was far from pleasant as he said, "Um, take a look at this."With that, he passed
Tally was pretty happy a moment ago. But now, she was all worked up talking about the Hunts.Earlier on the road, Tally filled Victor in on the phone call she received from the Hunt residence.Victor's lips twitched as he heard the news. "So Markus left a suicide note and vanished?""Exactly. Can you believe the trouble he's stirring up now?" Tally shook her head incredulously.Tally was utterly exasperated with Markus by now. It had been a while since this whole thing started.She had to admit, these days had been incredibly "fulfilling" for her. It was so fulfilling that it almost left her reeling.And it wasn't just Tally struggling to keep up. Even Victor had been taken aback by how things were unfolding.He shot Tally a look of disbelief. "So you're going to the Hunt residence now?""Yeah, I'm going. I want those Hunts to know that I'm officially yours. Let's see if they have more shameless tricks up their sleeves."When it came to describing the Hunts, Tally summed it up
Tally was beginning to see where Markus got his persistent nature from. It ran in the family. It was as the saying went—like father, like son.No sooner had she ended the call, the phone rang again.Tally took a deep breath, reminding herself that today was supposed to be a happy day, not one filled with annoyance.But dealing with these people…After giving it some thought, she hesitantly answered, "Zane!""Ms. Johnson, you might want to come over to the Hunt residence."Tally asked, "What's going on now?"She was almost out of patience with these people.Zane explained, "Mr. Markus left behind a suicide note."Tally's expression froze in disbelief.A suicide note? Tally couldn't comprehend what was happening. She wondered if Markus was pulling another one of his stunts.It had only been less than an hour since Elijah arranged his marriage, and now he went ahead and left a suicide note."Where is he?" Tally raised an eyebrow.With everything happening so quickly, it all f
Looking at her identification papers, Tally let out a sigh of relief.Fortunately, Tally had some knowledge of her father's habits. Otherwise, guessing the password for the safe, which belonged to her comatose father, would have been a daunting task.When Irina called, Tally answered, "Hey, Irina.""Guess what? Markus is engaged!""What?" Tally was shocked.Irina shared her surprise."This time, it seems Mr. Hunt Senior might genuinely have it out for you. We haven't even made a move, and suddenly they're announcing Markus and Sarah's engagement.""Sarah?" Tally was even more surprised.It was only today that they found out who had been secretly admiring Markus. Before they could even step in, Elijah had taken the initiative.It seemed like all these years, Elijah appeared unconcerned, but he actually knew everything.But if he was dead set on hating her, then so be it. Tally couldn't care less.On the other hand, if Elijah truly desired for her and Markus to be together all
Elijah said, "Very well, then."Thinking about his troublesome son, Elijah wondered how he hadn't noticed Markus' extremity in his romantic pursuits before.Elijah was so angry that he couldn't catch his breath.Giving Markus a fierce look, he tried to hold back. Despite that, he couldn't resist putting in one final word, "No matter how much you want to be with Tally, I won't allow it."This time, there was no room for negotiation.At Elijah's words, Markus' eyes turned cold. "I'm afraid you have no say in this.""You..." Elijah's breath hitched as he heard Markus' retort. In a fit of rage, he grabbed a teacup and hurled it toward him.At that moment, Elijah felt an overwhelming urge to lash out at Markus.Elijah insisted, "Regardless of your decision, you and Sarah are officially engaged starting today."His tone was unusually firm.At this point, Elijah wasn't asking for Markus' opinion. He was simply informing him.Regarding Tally becoming Elijah's daughter-in-law, Elijah
Kathryn was confused when Jessica suddenly shoved her into the car and promptly closed the door. With her hand still gripping the door handle, Kathryn looked up at Jessica and suggested, "Uh, how about dinner tonight?"Upon hearing Kathryn's dinner suggestion, Jessica paused before nodding and responding, "Let's talk about it later. I'll give you a call."Jessica seemed really busy, and Kathryn could tell from the way she talked that she was in a rush.Kathryn couldn't help but feel for Jessica as she watched her close the car door and hurried off toward the nearby office building, waving goodbye as she went.Kathryn found herself wondering who Jessica was in such a rush to meet.Kathryn couldn't resist stealing a glance back as the car pulled away. In that brief moment, Kathryn's heart skipped a beat as she saw Jessica walking alongside Lloyd. They were heading toward the glass doors of the building.Before Kathryn could double-check what she saw, the car had already turned.