"What are you doing?" Tally asked."Tally, I don't think we can keep it a secret any longer!" Kathryn said.Was she trying to get a lighter punishment in return for admitting the truth? That was possible for someone else, maybe. But Chris? No way!"We don't even know what's going on yet. Don't rush to admit it," Tally said."He's going to see it sooner or later! I think it's better if I take the first step and confess my crimes." Kathryn had said confess, not admit.Tally angrily poked her forehead. "Do you think Mr. Albert's a saint?""No!" Kathryn shook her head."Have you ever seen him forgive someone else?" Tally asked again."No!" Forgiveness wasn't a thing that existed in Chris' world. Confessing her crimes and getting busted would lead to the same results. Kathryn now felt so conflicted that she started tearing up. She felt like … she was going mad."If you know that, then why are you still going to confess?""But we can't keep it a secret anymore! Mr. Hunt already
They didn't know if Chris suspected Kathryn right now. Tally and Kathryn looked at the current situation again. They decided they would deny involvement in anything that night in Northvale!Even if Chris suspected something, Kathryn couldn't admit to anything until he had solid proof. Even if he tortured her.Kathryn had worked so hard to settle down in Harborlean. She couldn't let Chris drive her out.After Tally left, Kathryn waited for Chris to return like a prisoner on death row. But when noon came around, it wasn't Chris who came but the Albert family.The one who showed up was Chris' stepmother, Krista Preston! Her fingers were slender, and her nails were painted red. She looked like the perfect mix of seductive beauty and elegance.Krista took out a check and put it on the coffee table before pushing it toward Kathryn with a cold look. "You're a smart woman, Ms. Michaels. You know what I mean, don't you?"Kathryn's face fell. She may be very timid in front of Chris, but Kr
However, she was afraid since benefits were involved. For example, she had been afraid of the teachers at school. She was scared she would do something wrong. Then, she'd be expelled. If she were, she wouldn't be able to fulfill her grandmother's wishes.At the Albert Group, she was afraid of Chris. This was because she'd bought a place in Harborlean and owed the bank a great sum.She was afraid of being jobless, of offending Chris, and not being able to make it in the city anymore. Because of these ties of benefit, she was so afraid and careful. And though Krista was Franco's wife, she had no direct connection to Kathryn! Krista was so angry that she quickly rose. She shot an evil look at Kathryn and said, "So you're saying you won't take the easy way out?""Ms. Preston, there's no need to threaten me." Kathryn opened her eyes and looked at Krista, unaffected.Krista's expression turned colder the more Kathryn called her "Ms. Preston." She badly wanted to teach this disrespe
After hanging up, Chris looked at the security footage on his computer. He forgot all about Kathryn telling off Krista. He didn't even believe it.On the screen was the security footage. The image was peaceful, so quiet that it was creepy. After Kathryn brought him back, no one else entered. And no one else came back out either!The more Chris watched, the darker his gaze became. He picked up the phone and dialed a number. The call was quickly picked up. "Sir!""Spread the news about the wedding." Coldness flashed in Chris' eyes. Some people's dreams were about to be completely crushed.Right then, in Rexton Manor, Kathryn felt cold all over. She pulled the blanket tighter around herself.The housekeeper, Mrs. Hopkins, had already arrived. She finished cleaning up the house. Now, she was making grilled fish in the kitchen.The fragrant smell drifted over, making Kathryn's mouth water.Mrs. Hopkins came out with a food container Kathryn had brought from Jessica's. She ask
Chris said, "Get rid of her. If you don't do a better job with your staff next time, you can leave too!"With that said, he hung up. The phone fell heavily on the dining table, shocking Kathryn so much that the food nearly fell out of her mouth. Jessica's cooking had always been great, but now, Kathryn felt like she was eating plastic!It was really true that a high salary was difficult to earn. Now, she didn't dare to look at Chris. She was scared that just looking over at him would draw his rage. Mrs. Hopkins quickly received the butler's call. Terrified, she went to a corner to answer it. "Mr. Lowe."Kathryn didn't know what was said, but Mrs. Hopkins kept apologizing. Then, she left immediately, not even daring to look at Chris. Soon, only Chris and Kathryn were left in the place. And Kathryn was still so scared she wanted to disappear. Seeing how wary she was, Chris said, "Stop eating!"Kathryn was so timid. There was no reason for Krista to complain about her to F
Kathryn felt proud when her place was mentioned. She felt like she didn't waste all that time she spent being thrifty. She nodded. "Yes, I bought it last year. I just got the keys last month."Now, she had to make the money to renovate it!Chris looked at her childish face. He saw how she lit up when talking about her place. He could tell how much she loved it. No wonder she could fight back against Krista despite being so timid. Chris drummed his fingers on the dining table. At the same time, Kathryn's heart started beating faster. His tone was so hard to decipher. Kathryn couldn't figure out what he wanted at all, especially with the footage still worrying her.Was Chris going to ask or not? Shouldn't he do it fast and get it over with?Kathryn felt immensely pained!Chris laughed when he saw how nervous she was. "What are you so worried about?""Me? Nothing!" Kathryn looked up. But when she met his sharp gaze, she ducked her head again. She didn't dare to look at him.Chr
But when she faced Chris' questioning, Kathryn found she didn't feel calm. She felt even worse, especially when she looked at his sharp gaze. "I-I …" What could she say?Right then, Kathryn forgot everything Tally had told her in her nervousness. She couldn't remember what Tally said about denying everything.She couldn't even talk with the way Chris stared at her.Chris asked, "What? Speak!" His words were even colder now. The danger in them made Kathryn realize she would be doomed if she admitted to it.It was just too scary! Kathryn was so scared that she trembled all over. "I-I went out.""When?""After two and a half hours!" "What time!"Kathryn was speechless. What time? What time had it been? She was done for!All this time, she and Tally had been thinking about how she could deny it. They never imagined that Chris would question her in such detail. He was even asking the exact time now!How was she going to answer now?Kathryn was overcome with nerves. She l
Right then, Kathryn felt completely helpless. All she could think was that she shouldn't just tell lies as she wanted. Her memories got muddled when she thought of what had really happened versus her lies. When she looked into Chris' eyes and saw how insistent he was on getting an answer, she wanted to cry. She took a deep breath and answered, "Three times!"Markus was a smart person as well. If he was suspicious, he would definitely ask such detailed questions. Three times in two hours … That was about right, right? At least, that was what Kathryn thought. After she said that, Chris' gaze became more dangerous. To herself, Kathryn said, "Shit!" Could she have answered wrongly? Had he really compared answers with Markus before coming home today? Kathryn felt her scalp tingling. Now, she really didn't know what to do anymore. She could have admitted to it from the beginning. She couldn't handle Chris at all.Just as she gritted her teeth and prepared to come clean, Chris l
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.