Linda's face stiffened, hands clenched tightly, digging into her palms. Nash saw her unable to speak, his brows furrowing tightly, and asked sharply, "Is it that hard to answer?"At that moment, Nina hurriedly rushed back from outside, just in time to hear Nash's sharp question from inside. She arrived late and then released her hold on the door handle.Linda hesitated for a long while, coupled with Nash's pressing demeanor, her inner pressure suddenly surged. She lifted her gaze to the cold and indifferent man before her. This man was not easy to deal with and quite dangerous; one wrong step and she could fall into irretrievable ruin. Timidly, she said, "That hotel... There are... many wealthy people. I need money. If I could meet a wealthy man, I wouldn't have to work so hard."Nash furrowed his brows even deeper, his gaze toward her changing. Her words amounted to nothing more than selling herself for money. Indeed, in today's society, there were many such people, exchanging th
Linda cried hard, her emotions breaking down, as if she had truly spent a night with Nash. Nina felt unsure now, as it seemed settled, so she had no choice but to leave the lounge.When she emerged, the office was abuzz, everyone clueless about what transpired inside. All they knew was that a unfamiliar girl had waited in the lounge for hours, and Nash had finally gone to see her, emerging with a cold and displeased expression."What happened in there, Nina?" a curious colleague asked. As soon as one person asked, countless ears wanted to eavesdrop. Nina glanced at them and remarked, "You're itching to find out, huh? Why not go ask Mr. York?" Her words held weight, and the moment "Mr. York" was mentioned, even the most curious refrained from probing further, turning their attention back to their tasks.Nina spent some time in the pantry. Everything seemed unrelated to her, yet somehow connected, but she couldn't speak up. She felt very conflicted. Why had she appeared again, goi
The helper brought the tea and placed it on the coffee table. "Madam, your tea," he said. Linda dared not be presumptuous. Upon seeing the helper approach, she quickly tossed aside the cushion and sat upright, politely addressing the helper, "Thank you very much." She looked at the cup on the table, still emitting steam. The porcelain was exquisite, and the tea was infused with roses, delicate, exuding a fragrance of roses. She took a sip, and the faint scent spread in her mouth. She felt like everything had become much more sophisticated. "It's delicious. I've never had such delicious tea before," she remarked.Perhaps she had never seen such a luxurious place before. At this moment, everything she saw and drank seemed to be the best. Even the tea felt different from that in other people's homes.It was the helper's duty to serve people well, so upon hearing the praise, he responded, "You're too kind, Madam." With that, he withdrew.Linda stared at the helper for a long time.
Nina ignored her and headed for the door. A car pulled up and she got in. Linda could only watch as the car drove away. It wasn't until the shadow of the car disappeared that Linda shifted her gaze. Even in the luxurious villa behind her, she felt a bit uncomfortable being alone.However, Linda's current concern was greater. Why didn't Nina believe her when Nash already did? Nina was a good person. Maybe if Linda explained everything to her again one day, she might believe her! Comforting herself this way, Linda felt a bit better and turned to go back inside. The helpers were busy tidying up her room. After they finished, they politely informed her and she entered her room. The bedroom was spacious, with a large bed—fit for a princess—complete with the canopy she had always dreamed of, larger than the entire space of her old house. Everything was brand new.Opening the closet, she found rows of beautiful dresses, a dazzling array. Such scenes, everything before her, she had onl
Sally took pleasure in putting Nina down to feed her own sense of superiority. Nina's hurt and distress further fueled Sally's desire for revenge significantly.Successfully observing Nina's pale complexion and unhappy expression, she smirked with satisfaction, her demeanor changing as she no longer bothered to engage with her. Speaking more would have been just a waste of breath.Sally's words weren't entirely without merit.There was another woman still living in the villa.In Nina's impression, Nash was someone who knew his boundaries and wouldn't casually show leniency to women outside.He had rejected Melody so quickly, but hadn't rejected Linda, and even arranged for her to stay in the villa. Wasn't this a form of favoritism?Nash had been convinced that Linda was the woman he encountered that night, and it had been her first time. She had appeared so fragile, in need of protection, which might have evoked different feelings.Perhaps he had even felt she was different fr
His words warmed Linda's heart enough for her to sit close to him. "Mr. York, can someone like me really go to college?""Yes." Linda smiled happily, her lips forming a gentle curve. "Mr. York, you're so kind to me. You're the best person in the world to me!"This statement caused a slight change in Nash's expression. He set down the newspaper he was holding. Nina watched them, observing their harmonious interaction and genuine laughter, the first time she had seen such a lively scene. Even when Nash was with Miranda, he didn't appear as relaxed.Linda's easy-to-please smile was evident. Just the thought of going to school made her this happy, which was indeed different from many others. She was innocent and inexperienced, making people see her as pure and deserving of sympathy. Perhaps that was her charm."Madam, why don't you come in and sit?" Nina stood at the door and was politely asked by a passing helper. Her words were overheard by those inside. Nash shifted his gaze to
He did as she wanted; she should be feeling really happy now.Nina remained silent. Seeing their gloomy faces, Linda tried to lighten the mood, saying, "Nina, why don't you stay and have dinner with me?" "I'm telling you, the cook’s dishes here are really delicious. Whatever you want to eat, she can make it. Isn't that amazing? You must try her cooking!" Linda introduced eagerly. Nina's gaze shifted to Linda. "It's not necessary..." "It is, it is," Linda quickly replied, then looked at Nash as if she hadn't said it to him, "Mr. York, can Nina stay for dinner with me? I've been here for so long, and I don't even have someone to eat with. It's very lonely." Nash glanced at Nina and said indifferently, "As you wish." Satisfied with the response, Linda continued to pester Nina, "See, Mr. York agreed, it's okay." She was afraid Nina would feel awkward with Nash around. "Okay then." Nina didn't delay any further and agreed to have dinner with her. "This quiet p
Nina glanced back at her, noticing the smile on her lips and the look of admiration in her eyes. She recognized that look—admiration, a desire to understand everything about him. She, too, wanted to be the one who understood him the most."I know him a little," Nina said casually. "So, what exactly do you want to know from me about him?"Linda didn't hide anything, confessing to her openly, "I want to know everything. The more I understand him, the less likely I'll upset him."Nina asked again, "So, you think if you understand him well, don't upset him, and make him satisfied with everything, he'll like you more?"Linda blushed in embarrassment. "Is it that obvious to you? Does Mr. York also notice that I might have a bit of a crush on him?"Nina remained silent, noticing that Linda did not conceal her own ambitions."It's just not right. He sees right through everything. If I try too hard to please him, will I seem desperate?" Linda pondered, wanting to become the one Mr. York a
Jamie struggled desperately to free herself from Ben’s grip, but it was futile. Ben watched her attempts with a mix of frustration and curiosity. Beyond her anger and resistance, Jamie showed no other emotions. Yet, according to Caden, she had risked everything to obtain the recording. His mother had also confirmed it was Jamie who had handed it over. Still, she had never used it to threaten him. Ben’s voice dripped with sarcasm as he stared her down. “What’s your angle, Jamie? You risked so much to get that recording, you ignored your son’s safety, and now you’re here telling me to take care of your sister and build a happy life with her? Are you really that noble?” His sharp, icy gaze bore into her, as though he wanted to rip her apart piece by piece. Jamie hadn’t expected Ben to know the truth, but it didn’t matter. She had done what she felt was right and had no intention of using it against him. “My sister is carrying your child, and the two of you are engaged
Ben didn’t respond, drinking in brooding silence. Just as Hunter was about to press further, Nash shot him a glance that made him hold his tongue. Ben drank heavily, while Nash and Quincy eventually excused themselves, and Caleb hurried off to handle work. In the end, it was just Ben and Hunter left in the private lounge. Hunter patted Ben on the shoulder. “If you can’t forget her, then maybe it’s time to accept her. Even if things don’t turn out as expected, as long as you’ve done your best and have a clear conscience, that’s enough. You’re the one building a life with her, so why get hung up on something so trivial?” He was referring to Jamie’s past. And if Ben really wanted to count, he was her first man.But no man could truly tolerate betrayal.What Ben couldn’t get past wasn’t Jamie’s past, but her abandonment and the way she had betrayed him.“I’m done talking about Jamie,” Ben said coldly. “I’ll settle the tab. You stay and enjoy yourself. I’m heading home.”
Ben did not reply and left without looking back. True to his word, he wasn’t going to see Jamie or Winnie. Instead, he arranged to meet Nash and the others at the most exclusive club in the city. However, when Ben arrived, Nash was busy on a call, Quincy was glued to his phone, and Hunter and Caleb were drinking quietly. Ben, already agitated, couldn’t hide his irritation. “You two, it’s rare we get together, and this is how you spend your time? Do you ever get tired of it?”He took a sip of his own drink, frustration bubbling as thoughts of Jamie occupied his mind. Quincy, sprawled casually on the couch, grinned. “Tired? Never. You don’t know what you’re missing. It’s pure bliss.” “I used to think love and relationships were just a burden,” Quincy continued, his expression turning soft. “But now I’ve realized, there’s nothing better in this world.” Since reconnecting with Lydia, Quincy’s perspective on life had shifted entirely. Traveling the world hand-in-hand with
Ben’s lips pressed into a thin line. He didn’t know how to describe what he was feeling at that moment. The Jamie he knew was someone who could easily abandon their relationship for money. He had even done a paternity test on Jamie’s child, confirming there was no biological connection between them. Now, she had gone to such lengths for him. Was this her conscience finally surfacing? Ben didn’t want to dwell on it. “Your grandmother is innocent. Don’t worry, I’ll take care of her situation,” he said. “Thank you.” Caden lowered his head in gratitude. Ben nodded slightly and walked past him without another word. ……After leaving, Ben returned home to find Mrs. Lucas waiting for him, ready to perform a series of superstitious gestures to "clear away bad energy." He went along with her routine without protest. Once she was finished, he got into his car. “Who did you reach out to that managed to get me released so quickly?” Ben asked, recalling Caden’s earlier
It was a battle between good and evil.“Charlie is already sick, and your sister never thinks about you. So why should you care about her? Besides, people who don’t look out for themselves are doomed to fail!”Evil began to chip away at her reason.Justice pushed back. “No, he’s just a child.”But evil whispered again. “Winnie, if you don’t take steps to protect yourself, do you want to see your own child disappear?”Winnie couldn’t bear the thought of losing her child. Over the years, she had worked hard and sacrificed so much, yet Jamie had never acknowledged her efforts. Instead, Jamie had gotten entangled with Ben, even on the day of her engagement party. Ben was her fiancé, and her child was Ben’s child! Yes, only her child had the right to call Ben “Daddy.” This thought filled Winnie’s eyes with an icy determination.……Meanwhile, with the recording as evidence, the prosecutor’s office and the police launched an investigation into Caden’s actions. The invest
Mrs. Lucas showed no sympathy as she watched Jamie break down in tears. Her only concern was securing the recording to help clear Ben’s name.But Jamie’s emotional state made Mrs. Lucas suspicious. “Why does everything line up so perfectly?” she questioned.Jamie raised her hand as if swearing an oath. “I ran into Caden while working a part-time job, and the recording was pure luck. Mrs. Lucas, I’d never joke about my own son’s safety.”Jamie’s firm tone, coupled with her tear-streaked face, carried an air of desperation. As a woman and a mother herself, Mrs. Lucas could read Jamie’s emotions clearly. But deep inside, a new thought began to form. If Jamie’s child were gone, it would break Jamie completely. If she were to lose her mind or even die from the grief, how could Ben possibly continue to hold on to any lingering feelings for her?Mrs. Lucas’s resolve hardened as an idea took root.“Give me the recording,” she said, her tone steady. “I’ll make sure something is done t
“You don’t need to give me anything. Just don’t hurt my family. That’s my only request,” Caden said firmly.The masked man let out a low chuckle. “Someone who doesn’t love money or power? How rare.”Caden’s expression remained impassive. “Just promise me this, and from now on, don’t come looking for me. I won’t help you with anything again.”The masked man clearly had no intention of letting Caden off so easily.In the next moment, he slid a list across the table. “Get these people released for me, or I’ll expose how you framed a top lawyer. What do you think? Will the public forgive you? Will the government?”Jamie, recording everything from the side, was satisfied with what she had captured. She turned to leave quietly, but before she could slip out, Caden spotted her.“Jamie? What are you doing here?”The masked man’s gaze turned icy.Jamie reacted quickly and bolted for the door, running as fast as she could.She didn’t know how she had ended up in the middle of Caden’s de
After speaking, Winnie ran off. Jamie didn’t chase her. She understood that Winnie couldn’t accept this, and if their roles were reversed, neither could she. Right now, she had to find Mrs. Lucas. She flagged down a taxi and directed it to the Lucas family estate. It was her second time coming here. The first time had been by Mrs. Lucas’s invitation, a meeting designed to show her the opulence of the Lucas family estate and to offer her a million to leave Ben. Jamie had sworn then that she would never set foot there again. But today, she was here for Winnie. At the gate, the security guard stopped her. “Who are you?” “My name is Jamie Lewis,” she said calmly. “Tell Mrs. Lucas I’m here to see her. She’ll agree to meet me.” Jamie hadn’t chased after Winnie because she wanted to give her some time to process everything. But she couldn’t leave Winnie alone for too long. Time was of the essence. Seeing her composure, the security guard decided to pass along
Although the van slowed down, Winnie was suddenly shoved out, hitting the ground hard. The physical pain was intense, but it couldn’t compare to the ache in her heart.She watched as the van sped away into the distance. Trembling, she pulled out her phone and called Jamie.“Jamie, what are you doing right now? I need to ask you something in person.” Winnie’s tone made it clear that she knew something was wrong.Hearing her voice, Jamie immediately sensed the weight of the situation. Winnie must have found out the truth. There was no way Jamie could focus on work until they cleared the air.Without hesitation, Jamie dropped what she was doing and rushed to meet her.When she arrived, she found Winnie sitting on the curb, her face blank and her eyes hollow.Jamie ran over quickly. “Winnie, what happened?”At the sound of her voice, Winnie lifted her head. A bitter smile played at the corners of her mouth. “Don’t you know what happened, my dear sister?”She deliberately emphasized