Kathryn had just arrived at the entrance of Skyline Group when her phone rang. She answered the phone call without checking the caller ID."Hello.""It's me," Susan's voice came through the phone.Kathryn immediately frowned. Her grip on her phone tightened. "What is it?""Grandma wants to meet you right now," Susan said coldly.There was no doubt that there was a natural opposition in their coexistence. Susan would still take Kathryn as her enemy even if Kathryn had done nothing.Kathryn believed she had effectively prevented Susan from getting involved with Chris. Yet, it wasn't actually her fault. She had been part of Krista's plan, after all. Susan couldn't be together with Chris even if she didn't exist.Emma, on the other hand, had been indifferent to Kathryn from the start, ever since she became aware of her existence. She acted as if Susan were her biological granddaughter and Kathryn was the one encroaching on Susan's status.Kathryn doubted Emma's intentions of wantin
Emma was furious at Kathryn's rebellious attitude. If it weren't for the urgent need to address the current issues faced by the Winchesters, she wouldn't have wanted to see her at all.She was infuriated that Kathryn was arrogant and rude, just like Charlotte.…Kathryn visited Jessica that day.Jessica didn't reject Kathryn's proposal. She agreed to meet Krista that afternoon at the designated location.Yet, before Kathryn left, she said, "Kathryn, I'll only be doing this once."Kathryn halted and turned around. Distress filled her eyes as she gazed back at Jessica. She felt a pang of anguish seeing Jessica's current cold and indifferent demeanor.Given the choice, Kathryn would have wanted time to freeze at the point of Matthew's divorce, especially for Jessica and Kelly. She would've wanted nothing to change. They wouldn't have discovered Byron's identity, and Jessica would have remained unaware of Krista as well.Kathryn believed it would be better if she took care of the
Emma couldn't comprehend how Chris could fall for Kathryn when she behaved in such a manner. She harbored resentment toward Chris for rejecting Susan and insisting on marrying someone so impolite."A country bumpkin, indeed. Such manners," Emma openly expressed her dissatisfaction.However, Kathryn remained indifferent and continued with her actions.Emma couldn't conceal the disgust in her eyes, especially when she heard the noises emanating from Kathryn's phone.Susan attempted to persuade Kathryn. "Grandma only has a few words to say. It won't take much of your time. Please, keep your phone."She understood that serious matters couldn't be discussed if Kathryn continued behaving this way."Can you finish in five minutes?""It'll take less than five minutes," Susan replied.Upon hearing that it could be finished within five minutes, Kathryn promptly turned off her phone. She then directed her attention toward Emma. "You can talk now."Despite her initial rage, Emma chose not
Kathryn frowned upon hearing Emma's assertive tone. Undeterred, Emma pressed on, "Your father relentlessly sought you out. Can you truly deny any connection to your family's concern for you?"Emma's voice turned more cutting as Kathryn maintained her silence.Kathryn, unable to respond to Emma's earlier inquiries, broke into laughter upon hearing Emma assert that Arthur had persistently pursued her and harbored affection for her."You're telling me that he loves me?""He never wavered in his quest to find you, Kathryn. He's your devoted father who cares deeply for you.""Ha! My father loves me? My father loves me?" Kathryn thought she had just heard the most amusing joke on Earth as she echoed Emma's statement."Would he have such a reaction when he found out about my existence if he truly loved me? Is that his idea of love?"Kathryn initially harbored deep disappointment in Arthur for how he had treated her. The father-daughter relationship left her disheartened.However, wi
Kathryn had already observed the shameless behavior of Emma and Arthur in the past, but she was now utterly astonished at the extent of their audacity.Her previous belief that people might exhibit kindness, especially when facing death, shattered. Instead of reflecting on his own mortality, Arthur's dying thoughts were solely focused on Susan's future, leaving Kathryn dumbfounded by their continued shamelessness.…Chris had just finished a meeting when Kathryn returned to the Albert Group. Noticing that Kathryn looked furious, he approached her. "Who made you mad? I thought you were meeting Jessica." He couldn't fathom that Kathryn's agitation was solely due to a meeting with Jessica.Kathryn sniffled upon seeing Chris; her red nose reflected her intense resentment. Without hesitation, Chris enveloped her in his arms. "What happened?""T-The Winchesters!" Kathryn was so enraged that she was even stuttering.Her fury had intensified during her journey back to the company, ca
Kathryn mumbled to herself, reflecting on the past. She couldn't shake the feeling that Krista had once provided a stronger sense of family than the Winchesters did now.Chris frowned. "Maybe because they're not nice to you?""Well, in that case, I should feel sad. But strangely, I feel nothing," Kathryn admitted, feeling as though she was entertaining a group of psychopaths."Could there be a mistake again?" Kathryn asked Chris with confusion. She wondered if there would be errors in DNA tests.What actually went wrong with her DNA test with Krista back then?Chris assured her that he had not tampered with the test report and Krista was not involved in manipulating the results. Despite this, Kathryn found the situation even more perplexing when it came to her DNA test with the Winchesters. The puzzling aspect was that the results were positive for both her DNA test with the Winchesters and the one with Krista.As Kathryn discussed the issue, Chris furrowed his brow. "I'm confi
Emma recognized that, given Benjamin's behavior, she and Susan wouldn't stand a chance if anything were to happen to Arthur. They would have brought Kathryn back into the family if they knew Benjamin would react aggressively. Susan shared similar thoughts, acknowledging that their impulsive actions had led to the current situation."Should we bring her home instead?" Susan suggested through gritted teeth. At this point, she was willing to disregard the potential consequences of Kathryn returning to the family. The strained relationship between Kathryn and the Winchesters had become a significant source of distress.They had called Benjamin yesterday. He didn't return home at all. They weren't able to meet him in person. They were completely on their own. It seemed like they were nothing to him anymore all of a sudden.Emma and Susan had been thinking about the matter. They believed that Kathryn was the reason why everything happened. They were certain that everything would be
Tally wondered if the Winchesters thought no one was by Kathryn's side."I'm only soft-hearted to certain people like you," Kathryn said.Tally fell silent. She was initially enraged. Yet, she immediately cooled down after listening to Kathryn's sweet remark."Hmph! At least you still have some conscience.""Don't worry. I won't back down on the matter with the Winchesters.""Well, promise me you won't back down even if Travis and Benjamin ask you about it."Tally was aware that Travis and Benjamin were quite nice to Kathryn. She knew Kathryn wouldn't agree to it even when Emma and Susan harassed her, but what if Travis and Benjamin asked Kathryn about it?Tally perceived the situation as exceedingly serious. She believed that if Kathryn were to pass the crossmatch test successfully but still refused to donate her kidney, it would put immense pressure on her. In Tally's view, Kathryn must avoid undergoing the crossmatch test at all costs.Kathyrn nodded. "Don't worry. Nobody
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.