"I'm sorry, Mr. York. It was my fault today for not intervening in time, causing you discomfort. I'll make sure to avoid such occurrences in the future." Nina quickly apologized, fearing his anger might escalate into a big issue.She apologized promptly and didn't argue back, prompting Nash to comment again, "You realize your mistake quickly. Now, let me ask you, was it in the interest of the company or personal reasons?"Her actions just now were indeed driven by personal feelings. She might have felt upset, but she remained silent.Nina responded, "Of course, it's in the interest of the company. As long as I serve as your secretary, I must be accountable for my actions. Mr. York, you can dock my salary, I won't complain." Mr. York was suddenly speechless, visibly displeased. Yet, he couldn't pinpoint any fault. And he didn't bother to do so.Mr. York pursed his lips, his expression darkening instantly. He released her, distancing himself as if their conversation had never happe
She looked up and saw Quincy opening the car door, shaking her gently. She sat up, asking, "What's wrong?""Mr. York drank a lot today and still can't wake up," Quincy explained. Quickly glancing over, she saw Nash sleeping in the same position as before, leaning against the seat back, breathing steadily, showing no signs of waking up. Perhaps he had drunk too much and was a bit exhausted. But this was rare for him. In her memory, he never got drunk and fell into a deep sleep like this.Realizing they had already arrived at the doorstep, she said, "I'll have someone help him back inside. Quincy, it's already late, you should go home and rest first," Nina instantly sobered up. Quincy nodded. "Okay, take good care of Mr. York." Nina got out of the car and hurried inside to call the helpers to help carry Nash in.Once they got him to the bedroom and laid him on the bed, Nina felt like she had used up all her strength. She looked at the man on the bed who hadn't woken up yet, took o
Nina quickly wiped away the tears from her face, trying to appear normal, then turned to him, saying, "You've had quite a bit to drink today. You should lie down and rest." Nash, not mistaken, furrowed his brows slightly and asked again, "Were you crying just now?"Nina instinctively lowered her head and replied, "Got something in my eyes." "Why were you crying?" he asked. He rarely saw her shed tears, and when she did, it meant she was really upset. Nina's gaze shifted to him, hesitating for a moment before she asked, "When I was cleaning you up earlier, I noticed many wounds on your body. I never noticed them before. I didn't realize you had so many injuries." He paused, realizing her tears were shed for him, and asked, "Are you worried about me?" His words caught Nina off guard, leaving her feeling empty yet accelerated, as if her deeply buried secret was about to be revealed. "I've never seen so many wounds on a person before. It must have been very painful when you got
It was as if he had let down his guard in front of her. She knew it would be like this. His sturdy back also bore wounds, scars crisscrossing it, giving it a fierce appearance, leaving marks of imperfection on that flawless figure. Nina looked at his broad back, knowing his capacity now to shoulder the responsibilities of the York family, but who would imagine the weight his shoulders bore. Her hand gently touched his back, causing Nash's body to stiffen for a moment. His gaze deep, he didn't reject her touch, only his hoarse voice telling her, "It doesn't hurt anymore."Each scar pierced Nina's heart. She remained silent, but her fists clenched tightly. He was unwilling to bring it up, perhaps these scars were memories Nash preferred not to revisit, including the time with her. Nina pursed her lips, took a few steps back, and withdrew her hand. She realized there were still secrets about Nash she didn't know. She even speculated that he used to be "Zac," not Nash. Zoe had
Such words left Nina somewhat shocked; she had never imagined hearing them from his mouth. His kisses started gently but grew increasingly forceful, imbued with his possessiveness, leaving Nina feeling dazed. When she felt a chill as he undid her nightgown, the piercing coldness snapped her back to reality. She glanced at her abdomen, her heart skipping a beat, then forcefully pushed Nash away, "No!"Nash, who had been deeply engrossed, snapped out of it with her forceful push. Seeing Nina's drastic reaction and sensing her resistance to his touch, he felt a mix of astonishment and displeasure. His eyes, previously filled with desire, immediately cooled, lips pursed as he coldly questioned, "Are you guarding yourself for Scott, or for Zac?"Her strong reaction and rejection of his touch could only mean one thing—she was guarding herself for the man she truly loved. Nina's hand instinctively rested on her belly; there was a child growing inside her. She couldn't afford to be r
After finishing the last bite, Nina set down her fork. She knew that Sally had long harbored resentment. Nash had defied Sally several times for her, making Sally increasingly disdainful of her. Nina stood up and locked eyes with Sally. "Mom, you never really wanted me to have Nash's child, did you?" Her sudden statement caught Sally off guard, and she quickly composed herself. "What are you talking about?" Nina continued, "You've always wanted Miranda to step in. How could you possibly want me to have Nash's child? You know he would never touch me. Giving me those herbal teas, claiming my womb was 'uncooperative,' was just an excuse to belittle me." Her words laid it all out, and Sally stopped pretending. "As long as you know. How could our York family's child carry your blood?" With a hint of pride, Sally sat down arrogantly. "Nash's affection is reserved for Miranda. Of course, he wouldn't touch you. If it weren't for Grandpa's poor judgement, he would've been with her long
The words made Nash stop in his tracks, turning back to look at Quincy. "Which woman?" Quincy, as the messenger, felt like he had a knife to his throat. How did this married couple end up like this? The wife had to help her husband find a one-night stand while the husband kept their marriage hidden from the public. However, there seemed to be feelings involved. He couldn't understand. But caught in the middle like a sandwich cookie, he lived each day on edge."It's... the woman you had a one-night stand with." Quincy felt Nash's displeasure just by uttering those words. Nash was still unhappy about Nina's rejection yesterday, and she already brought another woman to him today. Was she so eager? Did she want to push him away so badly that she'd be satisfied if he took an interest in another woman? Nash's displeased face turned extremely cold and unwelcoming, but he remained composed, saying coldly, "Got it, let her wait!"When Nina returned and hadn't even set her bag do
Nina looked at Linda. She was so confident it was herself and Nina almost believed it. However, Quincy was here, and there was work to handle. She didn't have time to respond and could only back away. Three hours passed, and Nina had not returned. However, at this moment, the meeting room doors opened. As the attendees dispersed, Nash emerged from the meeting room. Quincy stood to the side, saying, "Mr. York, the lounge." Nash furrowed his brows, his expression cold. He glanced at his watch and couldn't help but sneer, thinking they sure could hold out. He turned and headed for the lounge. At this point, only Linda was in the lounge. She stiffened when she heard the door open, seeing no one else was there, she lay on the couch for a while. Nash entered the room and saw a girl lying on the couch. His gaze swept around, not finding Nina, and he stepped forward. With one hand in his pocket, he stopped in front of the girl, his expression icy as he scrutinized her in silence. L
Vera forced an awkward smile at Hunter before quickly retreating back into the bathroom to change. Hunter, watching her leave, couldn't help but smirk. “You’re really living the good life, huh?” he teased. “Didn’t expect you to have such luck.” Caleb rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested. “Enough with the nonsense. Why are you here? And who exactly were you talking about over the phone?” He didn’t want to entertain pointless banter, especially not about women. If he was being honest, even he couldn’t fully explain his feelings toward Luna. He wasn’t sure what was left between them—was it love, or just the remnants of something that had long turned sour? That pitiful look in her eyes earlier had shaken him. For a fleeting moment, he had wanted to pull her into his arms, to comfort her like he used to. But after so many years of being humiliated and pushed aside, he had forgotten how to even speak to her anymore. So instead, he did what was easiest—he change
Hunter spoke casually, his tone light. “Just someone, that’s all. Do you really need all these details?” Caleb was now certain of his suspicion. “Hunter, did you forget what I do for a living? I’m a doctor. If you’re asking me about this, I need to get a clear picture before I can give you an answer.” Hunter exhaled lightly. “That’s fair, but some things can’t be diagnosed right away.” Based on the information Yelena provided earlier, Hunter was only speculating about Liam. But Caleb was an expert in this area, so he specifically called to ask him.Still, explaining everything over the phone wasn’t going to work. “Forget it,” Hunter said. “This isn’t something I can explain over a call. Where are you? I’ll come over.” Caleb hesitated for a moment before glancing at Vera, who was still beside him. In the end, he gave Hunter the address to his villa. Hunter chuckled. “Haha. I’m surprised. You actually do go home to rest.” Caleb ignored the jab and tossed his p
“Call me Liam.” Before Yelena could finish speaking, Liam cut her off with a sharp, angry voice. She quickly nodded and corrected herself. “Liam, don’t worry. I’ll do exactly as you say. I’ll be good. I won’t make you angry again.” But Liam didn’t care. With a violent shove, he threw her to the ground. Yelena barely had time to brace herself before hitting the cold floor hard, pain radiating through her limbs. Liam, however, just looked down at her with a twisted grin, laughing like she was nothing more than a ridiculous joke. “You’d better learn fast,” he sneered. “And leave your hand broken for a few days—feel the pain properly.” “Alright.” Her voice was quiet, submissive. But Liam wasn’t listening. Without another glance, he turned and walked away. As she watched his retreating figure, Yelena felt a deep sense of dread rise in her throat. Liam wasn’t human. He was something far worse. Her future with him would be nothing short of hell.
Yelena had made her stance clear—her loyalty was with Hunter. But instead of being convinced, Hunter let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You sure your loyalty is to me? Or is it just to money?” His words hit like a slap. Yelena stiffened, feeling the sting of humiliation. It was true. When she had been desperate, with nowhere left to turn, she had thrown herself at Hunter, begging him for help. If she had any other choice, if she hadn’t been pushed into a corner, she would have never given up her pride like that. Lowering her gaze, she spoke with measured calmness. “Mr. Hall, you gave me two hundred thousand dollars. You helped me when no one else did. That makes you my benefactor. And loyalty to one’s benefactor… that’s only right.” She didn’t dare meet his eyes, but her voice was firm. Hunter studied her for a moment before scoffing. “Enough with the useless talk.” His voice was cold and dismissive. “Just go back to Liam’s side and do what you’re suppose
Yelena needed to tell Hunter about this. But before she could finish, Hunter’s cold voice cut through her thoughts. She lowered her head. “This is just how I normally dress. I didn’t deliberately choose my outfit to seduce you, Mr. Hunter. Besides, your brother isn’t even interested in me.” She hesitated before adding, “That two hundred thousand…” Hunter narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to say?” Seeing his growing impatience, Yelena clenched her fists, still looking down. “I mean exactly what I said. Any normal man wouldn’t turn down a woman who willingly throws herself at him. That night, Liam clearly said he would take me somewhere else… but when we got there, he never touched me. Ever since then, he treats me like I don’t even exist—like I’m nothing but air.” Hunter’s expression darkened instantly. “Are you implying something?” The implication in Yelena’s words was clear. She had just suggested that any normal man wouldn’t refuse a willing woman.
Vera, as a bystander, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for Luna. But if she felt that way, how much worse must it be for Caleb—the man who had loved Luna for years? His pain was unimaginable. Yet, despite the hurt clawing at his chest, Caleb remained cold and unmoved. He didn’t let go. He didn’t waver at Luna’s tearful pleas. Instead, his voice was indifferent as he spoke. “Luna, women always say that late affection is the cheapest thing of all. But the same goes for men—I don’t love you the way I used to. You should go back to Simon.” And as if to drive the knife even deeper, he added, “I’m sure Simon still loves you very much.” If Luna had truly wanted Simon’s love, she would have accepted it long ago. She would have stayed by his side instead of chasing after Caleb now. In the end, men and women were the same. When they loved you, they would cherish you like a treasure. When they stopped, you became nothing more than an afterthought.
Caleb had no desire to argue with Luna any further. Instead, he turned to Vera. With just one look, she understood and stepped closer to him. Caleb wrapped an arm around her waist. “Luna,” he said calmly, “being with Vera isn’t as exhausting as being with you. Love should go both ways. I hope you can understand that.” “No!” Luna’s voice cracked. “She’s only with you because you helped her solve her problems. If you weren’t Caleb Smith, if you didn’t have the power to fix things for her, she’d be nothing!” Her dark eyes burned with resentment as she glared at Vera. Vera knew she had become Luna’s enemy—but what could she do? Caleb had already made his stance clear. Was she supposed to deny it? Pretend he didn’t just declare his feelings in front of Luna? With a steady voice, Vera replied, “Yes, I do go along with Caleb. He treats me well, and we’ve chosen to be together. We’re both single adults. What exactly is the problem?” She met Luna’s icy gaze head
Caleb had never seen Luna like this before. But then again, even after realizing her feelings, she still carried herself with the same untouchable arrogance. He turned his head away, refusing to look at her. “Don’t you already have Simon by your side? “Or is he not enough for you?” The moment the words left Caleb’s lips, Luna felt a sharp stab of pain in her chest. Simon had always been the biggest issue between her and Caleb. To her, there was nothing between them now—just an unresolved regret from the past. Yet Caleb had never stopped making it an issue, over and over again. “You keep bringing up Simon because you want me to push him away. But tell me, Caleb, where exactly do you expect me to send him? He’s alone with a daughter to care for.“We’ve known each other for years. It’s not just about Simon. If you were in his position, I would help you too.” Luna’s voice was steady, her words firm—completely oblivious to the mistake in her reasoning. Caleb ha
Luna took a deep breath, clarity washing over her. In that moment, she knew that she had to get Caleb back. She yanked her hand free from Simon’s grasp. “Simon, I need to go find Caleb,” she said firmly. “I’ll be leaving now. You and your daughter can rest here. Stay in this villa for now, and once you have the money, I’ll sell it to you at half price.” With that, she turned and walked away without hesitation. Luna drove as fast as she could to find Caleb. Caleb was a complete workaholic—aside from the hospital, there was nowhere else he would be.But when she arrived, he was nowhere to be found. A nurse informed her that Caleb had taken the day off. Luna knew exactly where his private villa was. Instead of calling him, she went there directly. She knocked on the door, and to her surprise, the person who answered wasn’t Caleb—but Vera. Vera seemed equally taken aback but quickly regained her composure, maintaining polite courtesy. “Miss Gibson, please wait h