Jessica hadn't foreseen the news reaching Kelly's schoolmates so soon. While she believed they would learn about it eventually, their hurtful comments were nevertheless astonishing. Jessica put down her fork. She approached Kelly and embraced her in her arms. She wanted to explain. Yet, no words of explanation escaped her lips. She could only apologize. "I'm sorry."She knew she had disappointed Kelly. At this point, Kelly was still in the dark about the entire situation. "Mommy.""I'm sorry, Kelly. I'm so useless. It's all my fault."At that moment, Jessica contemplated suicide. She had always understood the destructive power of gossip. Experiencing it firsthand had made her truly grasp its impact.Ever since Matthew had presented her with the DNA test report, she felt like her life had descended into total darkness. It was Kelly who provided her with the strength to persevere during this period.Since Matthew wasn't Kelly's father, Jessica was the only family Kelly had.
However, Jessica had underestimated the power of ruthlessness.The Quintons now held her in absolute contempt. How could they even remember the love they once had for Kelly? "Oh, you realize now that most of Kelly's schoolmates live in our neighborhood? You're embarrassed about it now, then?"Jessica didn't know what to reply. She felt suffocated as she listened to him. Matthew continued before she could say anything. "I'll sue you, Jessica Michaels. Just wait for it."With that, he promptly hung up. Jessica was too stunned to speak. Her mind went blank. She couldn't believe that the Quintons were going to sue her.Her heart was in her throat. She hadn't anticipated that things would persist even after the divorce.…Kathryn had just finished her dinner. Chris had gone to the study to attend to some work. Upon reaching her room, Kathryn received a phone call from Jessica. Jessica was crying profusely. "Kathryn, I really don't know what to do anymore. I don't think Kelly c
"It's okay," Kathryn reassured, shaking her head.Jessica had always been someone who disliked burdening others. She wouldn't have called Kathryn if her emotions hadn't become overwhelming. Jessica lowered her head. Tears kept streaming down her cheeks."What happened to Kelly at school?" Kathryn inquired.She knew that Jessica's greatest distress was rooted in what had transpired with Kelly. After all, she was Kelly's mother. Kelly held a special and invaluable place in Jessica's heart."Ms. Bellum called me today …"Jessica recounted everything to Kathryn, including the phone call with Annie and what Kelly had told her after they came home from school.It was undeniable that a child's words could, in many cases, wield a more potent power to harm. Furthermore, a child's capacity to withstand such situations was somewhat limited. Kelly had signed up for the parent-child performance because she wanted to put a stop to the rumors under such circumstances. It was just that she
Chris didn't drive Kathryn straight home. Instead, he took her to a bustling main street. It was the hour when the street was teeming with the most activities.Kathryn could smell the aroma of various foods even before she arrived on the street. Her appetite was so stimulated that her mouth began to water.When Chris parked the car on the main street, Kathryn finally snapped out of her reverie. She looked at him and asked, "Why are we here?""To eat.""You're hungry?"Chris affectionately ruffled her hair. "Yeah."He had noticed that Kathryn hadn't eaten much that evening. She also hadn't had much of an appetite recently.He had read articles about pregnancy, which mentioned that pregnant women often experienced peculiar cravings. They would suddenly long for foods that were typically restricted during pregnancy. However, as they couldn't indulge in those cravings, they would frequently think about them, leading to a diminished appetite.Chris remembered that Kathryn used to
Henry continued speaking before Tally had a chance to vent her anger. "Don't worry. Mr. Hunt will take care of everything for you.""Huh?"Did Henry just say that Markus would handle everything, including her engagement with Victor, on her behalf? Tally was bewildered. Henry noticed how confused she looked. He didn't expect that Tally failed to grasp his meaning. Suddenly, it dawned on him why Markus was always so infuriated.It wasn't because Markus hadn't made things clear enough. It was because Tally was too slow on the uptake. Henry couldn't fathom how she had managed to be the top performer in the department.Henry facepalmed. "Why couldn't you have just asked for Mr. Hunt's help in the first place?""I did. This was his idea," Tally retorted resentfully.She had indeed sought Victor for help because of Markus' suggestion. He had told her everything would be resolved if she married someone powerful enough to speak to Chris. She had even spent the whole night considering
Henry took off his glasses and wiped them. He continued, "There will be more trouble ahead if you don't break off your engagement with Mr. Glenn."The corner of Tally's mouth twitched slightly. More trouble ahead? She was already at her wits' end with the troubles she was dealing with. The thought of even more problems weighed heavily on her."Is it from Mr. Hunt?" Tally had an epiphany. She suddenly felt suffocated more than ever.She couldn't believe what Henry had just told her. Markus should have made things clear back then. It was impossible for her to break off the engagement now.Tally was certain Victor would think she was merely toying with him if she were to call off the engagement now. She couldn't allow that to happen. If Victor got that impression, she would be dead meat.Henry eventually left.Tally stood in the darkness, feeling numb. After a while, she spat, "That darn psychopath!"It was Markus who had suggested she marry someone. What was he trying to d
Tally put her phone inside her bag and went out.…Victor was dressed in a sophisticated smoke-grey two-piece suit with gold-framed glasses. Despite his stylish attire, there was an air of villainy about him that was impossible to hide.A meaningful smile graced his lips when he saw Tally. "It seems you haven't fully woken up yet."He examined Tally from head to toe."Huh? Is there something wrong with my makeup?" Tally asked, touching her face.Victor's gaze eventually fell on her feet. His smile grew wider.Tally sensed that something was amiss and looked downward. Her mind went blank when she noticed that she was wearing mismatched heels.She was certain that this wouldn't have happened if it weren't that she was too infuriated by Markus' actions. She blushed instantly. "Oh, sorry. Give me a second." She turned away and hurried back home before Victor could react.Tally was cursing. She finally realized why people kept giving her strange looks when she was in the elevator
Markus glared at Henry. "I'll call him immediately," Henry said hurriedly. He knew that Markus was beyond infuriated, and there was no chance of persuading Tally at this point. However, he questioned the wisdom of publicly turning against the Glenns.After some contemplation, he decided not to call Victor directly. Instead, he headed to Byron's office.Hunt Corporation was currently under the control of both Markus and Byron. They were in charge of their own divisions. Henry thought that Markus' decision to turn against the Glenns would affect the company. After careful consideration, he decided to inform Byron about it before dialing Victor's number.Holding a cigarette between his fingers, Byron paused momentarily when he heard Markus wanted to take over the Opulent Garden project from the Glenns. "What's his reason?"The Hunts had always been on friendly terms with the Glenns. There had been no conflicts between the two families that would necessitate such a hostile stan