Only one thought came to Susan's mind. "I'm screwed!"The words "evaluation center" kept ringing in her head.Her father knew about it. Her brother, Benjamin, knew about it too. Susan wondered whether this was why Benjamin's attitude toward her had changed.Maybe he had long known that she had tampered with the sample he had brought home.Susan's lips were pale. She looked at Arthur sadly. "Why are you asking my driver to come, Dad? To confront me? If you have anything to say, say it to my face! I won't lie to you. I'm upset at your distrust toward me.""Will you tell me the truth if I ask you?""When have I ever lied to you?" The pain was evident on Susan's face. She played the part of the victim.Arthur felt terrible as he looked at how pitiful she was. She was the apple of his eye—his obedient and docile daughter.He hoped nothing Benjamin had said was true!However, he had to clear things up.Carrying the identity of an adoptive daughter was often a sensitive topic. His r
As Susan and her driver exchanged glances, Susan's heart was about to leap out of her chest. "You can't trust what he says, Benjamin, Dad.""Explain yourself!" Benjamin scolded the driver coldly."Mrs. Winchester Senior and Ms. Winchester came looking for me," the driver said.Benjamin and Arthur were rendered speechless.The driver had explicitly mentioned that Emma and Susan had gone looking for him. Benjamin and Arthur exchanged glances. Arthur felt his heart palpitating wildly. He thought about the possibility of Susan using the people around Emma to involve Emma in this.Yet, both Susan and Emma had gone to this driver. It meant that both of them had had a hand in this.Benjamin and Arthur could understand why Susan didn't want them to find the real Winchester daughter.But they were perplexed by Emma's intentions."Dad!"Arthur frailly grabbed onto the table. At that moment, Susan instinctively wanted to head toward him.Yet Arthur beckoned her away. "Don't come nea
Before he could explain himself, Emma continued harshly, "You've spent years looking for this daughter like she was a treasure. She is nothing but a bastard child. We don't even know who her mother is.""Enough!"Arthur was utterly triggered by what Emma said. He looked at Emma ferociously. "She's already dead. Can't you let her rest in peace?""She's dead? She deserved it. Death doesn't erase the sins she had committed.""I've said it before. That child is mine. She is innocent!" Arthur had never been so stubborn before. His behavior now showed the pain he had been burdened with for many years.Every time he thought about it, pain, self-blame, and guilt consumed him.Benjamin felt uneasy all over. He looked at Arthur, then glanced at Emma. Something in the depths of his heart completely shattered.Arthur spoke up before Emma could say anything else. "If you're sure that the child isn't mine, why did you switch the samples?"Upon hearing that, Benjamin looked at Emma. His eyes
When Benjamin had found out the samples had been tampered with, he had immediately thought of Susan. He might not have seen how overjoyed Emma was. Yet he didn't believe Emma would tamper with the samples.It was her actual granddaughter, for crying out loud!However, Benjamin couldn't believe the words that had come out of Emma's mouth tonight. …Benjamin arrived at Island Bay an hour later. Evelyn was a great cook and had prepared supper. Benjamin could smell the aroma of the delicious food the moment he walked in.However, it was a shame that he had lost his appetite.When Evelyn saw him, she got up elegantly and addressed him gently, "Benjamin."Evelyn was someone Travis had gotten through "special" means.Benjamin had assumed she was promiscuous and of low standards. Yet, she was nothing like that. She had a gentle face. Her eyes were calm, without a hint of lust. From one glance, Benjamin understood why Travis had married her.She had something he wanted."I though
Travis lowered his head when he heard that. A cold glint flickered in his eyes.Benjamin continued, "Also, Grandma and Mom …"Benjamin's breath became uneven as he thought about everything Emma had said earlier.He had thought that his family lived in harmony and bliss. Now, it seemed like he knew nothing at all.As he mentioned Emma and his mother, the glint in Travis' eyes grew colder."You knew everything all along, didn't you, Travis?" Benjamin asked anxiously when he saw how silent Travis was. Even if Travis didn't respond, he knew that Travis was aware of everything.Otherwise, it wouldn't explain why he hadn't returned home since their mother's passing.He was too devastated."I suspect that Grandma had a hand in our mother's and sister's misfortune back then.""You're right."Travis' response left Benjamin so shocked that he had no words. His breathing staggered.He looked at Travis in disbelief. "You …""Don't you believe me?"Benjamin couldn't believe his ears.
Travis put his wine glass down. Then, he looked at Benjamin. "Are you sure you want to know?""Why are you asking me that? Do I not have the right to know?""Then, do you know what it all means?" Travis' tone turned sharper.Words failed Benjamin. He had no clue what it all meant.The incident with Emma had happened too suddenly. His mind was in a mess.He couldn't believe Emma had something to do with his mother's death and his sister's disappearance.Yet Travis nodded. At that moment, he had no choice but to believe it. Travis looked at Benjamin. An inexplicably deep yet hesitant look rested in his eyes."Travis!" Benjamin urged him again.Travis filled his glass with wine and finished it again.Benjamin felt suffocated as he looked at Travis. "Tell me. Who is Susan?""She's Arthur's illegitimate daughter."Benjamin was gobsmacked. The air in the room became incredibly still.He looked at Travis blankly. The sound of them breathing was the only sound in the room. "No.
Travis was clueless and didn't understand why Emma loved Susan so much. There must have been a reasonable explanation for this.Yet, it was all pointless to him. The Winchesters had nothing to do with him anymore.Benjamin looked at Travis as he turned cold again. He asked anxiously, "Why are you telling this now? All these years, I …"Benjamin could no longer continue. He recalled the days he had showered his love on Susan. Those memories entered his mind like a rushing wind. Every year, he had treated her like a princess on her birthday, carefully choosing her presents and buying everything for her. He had been just like his mother, giving all his love to Susan.Yet, things had taken a huge turn. The truth came too suddenly. Benjamin couldn't accept everything that happened. He couldn't understand why Travis only chose to tell him now. Travis scoffed. "Why should I tell you? So that you can rebel against Arthur? He doesn't have a hold on you!""Then, you just left me
Susan was in Emma's arms. When she saw Benjamin at the door, her eyes reddened with tears. She shouted in pain, "Benjamin!"Emma only looked toward the door when Susan called for Benjamin. When she saw Benjamin, the gentle look on her face instantly vanished. As Susan looked at Benjamin, tears streamed down her face. "I didn't do it, Benjamin," she said, as if she had been wronged. Emma pushed Susan out of her embrace and composed herself.Then, she looked at Benjamin seriously. "I've already asked Bruce. It was your grandmother, Chloe's, doing."Benjamin laughed sarcastically. Emma's face turned ugly as she looked at how Benjamin reacted. Before she could continue, Benjamin said, "You're full of excuses."Chloe hadn't returned to Harborlean for many years. She had never given in to Susan's flattery.He had only gone to Island Bay for a short while. Now, Emma chose to welcome him back by blaming everything on Chloe.Travis had been right. The Winchesters were revolting.
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.