However, the events had unfolded, and there was no changing that. What choices did Krista have at this point?Krista pleaded, "Kat, promise me you won't tell her who I am. I will handle the situation with Byron."Unexpectedly, Jessica and Byron sealed a deal in record time, catching Krista off guard. She had a clear understanding of Byron's motives for collaborating with Jessica. After all these years, the truth had finally surfaced. The Hunt family would never let her go."Okay, I got it," Kathryn said forbearingly. Nonetheless, she still believed that Jessica had the right to know. Krista added, "I know what you are worried about. Don't worry. I will handle it."Even though Krista promised to handle the situation, Kathryn remained unconvinced in the midst of such chaos.However, she needed to respect both Jessica and Krista. Given Krista's resistance to Jessica discovering her true identity, Kathryn decided not to disclose it to Jessica."Know that Jessica is an individua
Kathryn observed Jessica's intense hatred and chose to be straightforward about it—Kelly was Byron's daughter.However, there was a clandestine plan between Byron and Jessica unfolding at that very moment.The lively juice bar surroundings contrasted sharply with the sudden silence that enveloped Jessica upon hearing this revelation.Jessica's eyes narrowed as she stared at Kathryn blankly, demanding clarification. "What did you say?"Kathryn reiterated, "Byron is Kelly's father, and he is well aware of it."While Byron was privy to all the information, Jessica remained in the dark.Jessica grappled with confusion, unable to comprehend why Byron would make a deal with her without her awareness of the full situation.Jessica wondered if her ears were playing tricks on her. Still, Kathryn's emphasis on the topic cut through her like a knife, instantly snapping her mind into sober clarity.Kathryn asked, "Do you understand what I said?"Kathryn's words were crystal clear, plain f
When Jessica arrived at Byron's office, Jonathan immediately sensed that something was amiss from her expression. Hastily, he informed her, "Mr. Byron is about to head into a meeting. It's best not to disturb him."Being perceptive, Jonathan could discern from Jessica's demeanor that her presence might lead to trouble. Hence, he wished for her to compose herself before taking any action.Disregarding Jonathan's advice, Jessica proceeded to open Byron's office door, much to Jonathan's dismay. "You..." he began, his shock evident.Byron, engrossed in reading a document, reacted displeasedly when the door slammed shut. He glanced up, eyebrows furrowed, as he took in Jessica's appearance. Coldly, he remarked, "Have you forgotten basic manners after falling ill?"Jonathan felt a sense of fear upon detecting the danger in Byron's tone. Nevertheless, Jessica remained unfazed.Observing her actions, Byron instructed, "You are now working from the lowest level. Get back to work.""You are
Jessica's aversion to the word "mother" was only surpassed by the repulsion she felt toward Byron for his actions. With a visible struggle to control her breath, she handed him the phone, issuing a command, "Bring Kelly back to Sunshine Bay, and I will proceed with the deal."In that critical moment, Jessica prioritized her daughter over Krista without hesitation. However, the revelation that Krista was her mother brought not joy but rather a profound mix of hatred and disgust.Meeting Jessica's unwavering gaze, Byron briefly glanced and then looked down, stating, "You know you have to make a choice."Through gritted teeth, Jessica vowed, "I will proceed with the deal, even without Kelly."Her tone left no room for doubt—she harbored intense animosity toward Krista.Following her meeting with Kathryn, an indomitable fire of loathing for Byron flared up within Jessica. Her current mindset remained an enigma, as she presented an outwardly composed demeanor while negotiating the deal
Jonathan intended to inquire whether Byron was interested in meeting Krista. However, observing Byron's behavior, he swallowed his words right back.Subsequently, Jonathan departed, leaving Byron alone in his office. The initial chill within him gradually transformed into a stifling feeling of sorrow.…Jessica left the Skyline Group and went straight to the airport. Kathryn's phone lit up with Jessica's incoming call, and she swiftly answered, "Jessica.""Kat, please help me one last time."Kathryn and Krista were together when Jessica's call came through. Frowning, Kathryn responded to Jessica's request, "You know I've got your back, always. Why the need to make it sound like this is the last time you'll ask for help?"Kathryn felt a twinge of hurt when she heard that this would be the last time Jessica asked for help. She couldn't quite pinpoint why, but she sensed Jessica's effort to avoid seeking assistance from her. Despite Jessica's attempt at independence, Kathryn belie
Krista was teary-eyed.Jessica no longer had her usual gentle demeanor. Instead, an icy and perilous air surrounded her, proving both intimidating and suffocating.Kathryn, who knew Jessica like the back of her hand, ached at the drastic change."Jessica." Kathryn walked to Jessica and took her hand."What is she doing here?" Jessica inquired, her tone chilling to the bone.Her indifference cut through Krista like a sharp blade, leaving her heart in agony.Kathryn looked at Krista. Despite Krista's trembling resolve, she stood at a distance, unsure whether to approach.Kathryn suggested, "Let's find Kelly for now."The top priority at that moment was confirming Kelly's presence in the country.Upon hearing Kathryn's words, Jessica remained silent, withdrawing her gaze before turning away.Kathryn swiftly followed her.Krista stood still, staring at the retreating figures of Kathryn and Jessica, overwhelmed by a newfound sense of hopelessness.It dawned on her that karma w
Jessica's face was as pale as a ghost. Anyone could tell how much she was suffering. Kathryn ached for her. "I think…""Kat, both you and Kelly mean the world to me. Now, Kelly is in her father's hands. I hope you will live well, okay?"Kathryn felt a pang at how Jessica expressed the significance of their relationship.As Krista approached, her heart wrenched as she overheard Jessica's words. For Jessica, Kathryn and Kelly were the most important people, leaving no room for anyone else.Jessica added, "Well, you know, some people just don't love their children. Like her!" She glanced pointedly at Krista as she spoke.Kathryn and Krista were rendered speechless. They struggled to steady their breaths. Before they could regain their composure, Jessica uttered, "We are related by blood, aren't we?"The bustling airport instantly fell into pin-drop silence. Krista glanced at Jessica, her breath catching as she struggled to compose herself. Shock constricted her eyes.Kathryn'
Regardless of Krista's disposition, it would have no impact on the situation. She nearly took Jessica's life, and Kelly ended up in a vegetative state due to her actions."You should know what she would do in times like these," Kathryn added.Krista nodded. "I know I deserve this. I should bear the consequences of my actions."Krista knew Jessica would side with Byron against her.…Upon returning to the Skyline Group, Jessica regained her composure, seamlessly slipping back into her work routine.Although Jessica seemed composed, there was a discernible change in her demeanor, indicating a certain level of emotional detachment.When Jonathan noticed Jessica had returned, he went to her. "You're back.""Yes." Jessica nodded."Mr. Byron wants to see you in his office," Jonathan informed her. Jessica took hold of her glass of water, and upon hearing Jonathan's words, her grip on the glass tightened. A noticeable chill emanated from her.In a split second, she regained her com
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.