Krista pondered and took out a card from her bag. She then handed it to Kathryn."What's this?" Kathryn asked."There's one million dollars here. Please give this to Jessica for me." Krista thought she had been thoughtless about it, after all. Jessica hadn't had a good life ever since she had gotten married to Matthew. She didn't really have a job either after she got divorced. Jessica even had to take care of Kelly. Krista was convinced that she lacked sufficient funds.Kathryn frowned.Krista thrust the card into her hand. "You're a smart woman. I know you'll figure out how to give this to her."Kathryn looked at the card in her hand and eventually nodded. "Alright."She thought it wouldn't be a big deal to take Krista's money as she had to make amends with Jessica, after all.Krista was slightly relieved when Kathryn accepted her card.Nobody knew how she managed to get through recently. She had been hoping that she was the one lying on the hospital bed instead whenever
Jessica once only wanted to live a calm and peaceful life with Kelly. That was why she had been working hard and trying her best to care for Kelly after her divorce.Yet, her peace was eventually shattered when it was discovered that Kelly wasn't Matthew's daughter. It had led to a series of problems.Kelly was driven into depression because of the prejudice of the society. She had even gotten into a vegetative state, and here she was, lying unconscious before them. Jessica's once simple wishes had transformed into deep-seated hatred."What desires do you have, then? Tell me. I'll help you…""Kathryn!" Jessica fiercely interrupted Kathryn before she could finish what she intended to say.Kathryn was stunned.Jessica stared right back at Kathryn. Kathryn saw the fierceness in her eyes when their gazes met.The formerly gentle and weary gaze in Jessica's eyes unexpectedly revealed a touch of untamed spirit.The sudden shift in Jessica's behavior left Kathryn feeling stifled.
Jessica displayed unprecedented stubbornness, leaving Kathryn perplexed about what Byron might have done to instill such determination in her.Krista had been waiting outside all the time. Immediately after leaving Sunshine Bay, Kathryn entered the car. Krista wasted no time inquiring, "How did it go? Why did she want to work? Did you give her the money?"Krista seemed somewhat naïve about the situation, assuming that Jessica's desire to work was solely driven by financial need. She thought that by providing the money, Jessica could dedicate her focus to healing without the added urgency of returning to work. Kathryn furrowed her brows as she glanced at Krista. "She's going back to work at Skyline Group.""What?"Krista felt a sudden suffocation upon hearing Kathryn's words. She knew that Jessica had worked at Skyline Group.However, Jessica was unaware of Byron's identity as Kelly's father.With a perplexed look, Krista turned to Kathryn. "Is it necessary for her to go to wo
The mistakes Krista made led to repercussions she couldn't escape. In the past, she engaged in various nefarious activities without a care in the world. Unopposed by anyone, she never contemplated the possibility of facing consequences. It was surprising to witness a woman of her strength now open to accepting any judgment that might come her way."Did you say that Byron knows that Kelly is his daughter?"Kathryn nodded. "Yes."Krista's eyes regained focus with a newfound clarity, yet a merciless glint remained. Byron's audacity in getting engaged to another woman despite knowing Kelly was his daughter left her incredulous.Fury surged within Krista upon learning of Byron's deal with Jessica, securing her continued presence at his side. What was he trying to do?It became unmistakably clear that Byron's intentions were anything but pure.Krista took a deep breath. "Alright, I've got it. I'll deal with it."Krista didn't delve into the specifics of her plan, but now she underst
Tally lapsed into silence, realizing the seriousness of the matter had left her own mind in disarray. She suddenly grasped why Kathryn was on the brink of tears in her panic.Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Tally admitted that she, too, might feel an urge to cry. The sheer absurdity of the entire ordeal left her utterly astounded."What about Byron, then? Does he know Krista is Jessica's mother?""I have no idea."Tally lapsed into silence once more. Given the complicated and unclear nature of the situation, Tally thought it was understandable that Kathryn might not be fully informed. In such a tangled web, determining Byron's true intentions in making a deal with Jessica seemed challenging.However, with Byron attempting to bring Jessica back into his fold after getting engaged to Cindy, Tally was convinced that Byron's intentions were far from simple, especially considering Jessica's prior employment at Skyline Group.Tally contemplated briefly before suggestin
After discussing the issue with Tally, Kathryn gained clarity on what to do and felt a sense of calm. Her anxiety had dissipated.Simultaneously, just as Tally had managed to calm Kathryn, her landline rang with Markus on the line. Amidst still processing her emotions, Tally promptly answered the call, prompted by the absence of a caller ID. "Hello.""You've got two days."Upon hearing Markus' words, Tally was instantly infuriated. "What?""Apologize to Yvonne."Tally was left speechless, unable to fathom Markus's audacity. He seemed unwilling to move past the issue. She might have engaged in an argument in the past, but her current rage led her to end the call.Irina saw Tally with a long face when she entered her office. "Did something happen with Mrs. Albert?"Irina sensed a unique turmoil within Tally, which only Kathryn could evoke.Kathryn had the knack for leaving Tally speechless with fury. If anyone else had provoked her, Tally would most likely have exploded. "No,"
Tally's chest heaved with intensity, the surge of anger momentarily robbing her of words."Answer me. Is it true?" Markus' tone held a growing threat.Had they been face to face, Tally couldn't help but think he might have strangled her right then and there."What does it even matter?""Tally Johnson!""Victor is my fiancé. Who are you to interfere? Shouldn't you be worrying about your cousin instead? I've clearly underestimated your family. You're all psychopaths. Not a single decent person among you. Your family is rotten to the core!" Tally cursed vehemently.Irina's lips twitched in surprise, observing Tally's complete loss of composure and her careless choice of words.Tally was utterly disappointed. "Apologize, you say? Well, who should be apologizing here? My father is still in the hospital, and your cousin came to me and physically attacked me. Are you suggesting I should apologize? Is this how the Hunts are raised? Are you all dumbasses?"Irina found herself in shock.
Overwhelmed by fury, Tally violently slammed the landline handset and marched out of her office.Irina, quick to notice Tally's temper, hurriedly grabbed her by the arm. "Where are you going?""I'm going to kill him!" Tally couldn't contain her frustration any longer. Markus' behavior had pushed her to the limit, and she felt an overwhelming urge to confront him head-on."Considering you're not exactly a heavyweight in the muscle department, are you sure you want to take him on?"Tally fell silent, her anger intensifying at Irina's remark. Despite the frustration, she found herself at a loss, unsure of how to proceed.Irina observed Tally's lost demeanor, saying, "I think you should inform Mr. Glenn about this."Tally pondered whether involving Victor would be a good idea. Having seen Victor's approach to problem-solving before, she knew he'd opt for the most ruthless methods, settling everything swiftly and mercilessly, often leaving her with little room to react. She was conv
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.