She didn't politely address him as "Mr. York," but rather by his name. She stood in his way, blocking his path, and Nash asked coldly, "Miss Wallace, what's the matter?"Melody looked at him, her inherent arrogance evident, still not quite believing, "What you just said, about being married. Is it true?"She had never heard any news of his marriage. She suspected he was deliberately avoiding it, hence her questioning.Nash's expression remained indifferent, "Is there a need to lie?""I've never heard of it, and no one knows who your wife is. I suspect you're making excuses.""It's none of your concern."The more indifferent he became, the more intrigued Melody grew, treating him like prey, desiring to conquer him. She liked those who were unattainable. Her lips formed a slight smile, exuding boldness in both demeanor and approach as she leaned closer, "Married or not, divorce is always an option. It doesn't matter to me."Nina's expression shifted as she listened. Nash had alw
He was remarkably observant, noticing that she experienced stomach pains during her period. This took Nina by surprise. She used to believe that even if she spent her entire life with him, he might never truly understand her preferences or her health condition. If she ever became ill, he might be the last to know.But now, with the passage of time, even if he didn't wish to remember it, he would inevitably remember.Nina blew on the ginger tea, then drank it all in one go. "Rest well," Nash carefully tucked her in.Nina gazed at him and asked, "Where are you going later?""I'll be at home, not going anywhere," Nash replied.Nina would wonder where he would be today, considering he wasn't home a few days ago.There were so many places he could be, but eventually, he would settle somewhere.Nash noticed the disappointment on her face. The next moment, he lay down and slipped under the covers, his hand resting on her abdomen. "Is it still hurting?" Nina's body tensed, staring a
Julia was still preoccupied with Zion's condition when she overheard someone gossiping nearby. Irritated, she remarked, "Lily, you can criticize Zion all you want, but you can't say he doesn't care about Xander! Throughout the years, when has he ever neglected him or failed to clean up his mess? But you can't just turn to him whenever you're in trouble, expecting him to fix everything. What's your own family doing?"In response, Lily Clark sighed, "I'm in a desperate situation now, aren't I? If I had a solution, why would I seek advice from Zion and you guys?"As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes."Mom, don't cry, there's always a solution," her daughter comforted.Julia hadn't cried yet but Lily beat her to it, which was something she couldn't stand. Over the years, their family had been burdened many times, with relatives always coming to them in times of need, but never remembering them in times of prosperity. Out of familial obligation, they never said much. Julia harbor
"Lily, could you be a bit more reasonable? When did I ever try to influence Zion? Look at the state you've reduced him to. What more do you want?" Julia couldn't tolerate her attitude."Fine, then let's get to the point," Lily blurted out, "How was the last two million resolved? Last time, you claimed there was no money, but together, you all found a way. At that time, Xander was scraping every penny, nearly selling his kidney. But in the end, everything was resolved. You said the two million was repaid, so we didn't need to worry."Their smooth repayment of two million had always left them suspicious. They believed their family still had money."Zion, where did you get so much money from? Are Mom and Dad's savings all in your hands? Did you embezzle the money?" Lily asked directly. This was also a sore point for her. She believed that their family took their parents' money without informing them. Surely, they took more than just their fair share.This accusation made Zion cough
Nina inquired, "What's your educational background?"Sue answered, "I graduated from a local university.""We only recruit graduates from prestigious schools. Your credentials don't meet our standards," Nina promptly declined.Sue's demeanor soured, but she plastered on a smile and retorted, "But you're employed there, aren't you? With a cousin like you, the alma mater shouldn't matter."Nina replied icily, "A reputable company adheres to standards. If you're so keen on cutting corners, you'll crumble sooner or later. There won't be any room for you."After being rebuffed repeatedly, Sue grew disgruntled. "Nina, you're just unwilling to lend a hand. That's why you're saying this.""You're well aware of it. If you're always depending on others, you'll be worse off than a beggar when no one lends a hand," Nina's words were cutting."If you won't help me, fine, but why insult me? Mom, look at her!" Sue couldn't bear the humiliation, her eyes turning red with anger.Seeing her daug
Nash stood by the door. He was never someone who could tolerate noise, especially near his father-in-law's sickbed. Upon hearing his arrival, the mother and daughter stopped crying, turning their attention to Nash.Nina looked up, somewhat taken aback to see Nash. She hadn't informed him about this. "Why are you here?" she asked.Nash met her gaze and responded, "The hospital director called me to inform that Dad was sick, so I rushed over from the company.""Dad, Mom," he greeted them first, noticing Zion with a cast on his hand, then inquired, "How is it?"Nina explained, "He had a fracture in his hand bone and needs a few days of rest."Observing the crowded and noisy environment, Nash frowned and remarked, "It's too noisy in here, disturbing Dad's rest. I'll arrange for him to be moved to the VIP ward.""No need for that, I'm not that delicate. Nash, don't trouble yourself," Zion declined.Though not entirely satisfied with Nash, Zion appreciated Nash's concern and couldn't
"Nash."Sue thought it would be wiser to approach Nash rather than Nina. He held more influence in the matter. "Nash, I'll be starting my internship in a month. Could I possibly intern at your company? I'm currently without a place to go temporarily. I just need the internship completion certificate; it won't disrupt your affairs."Lily added, "We're Nina's close relatives. Please assist her so she can secure a good job in the future."Nina furrowed her brows. This seemed like taking advantage of Nash being her husband, attempting to gain from him. It was one thing to benefit from their family before, but now they wanted to benefit from Nash as well.She couldn't help but glance at Nash, concerned that he might form a negative opinion of her family, especially given that it was their first encounter and things were already turning out this way.Moreover, her relationship with Nash wasn't intimate enough for him to be responsible for managing the entire Walker family's affairs. It
Julia was almost driven mad by Lily but her mood lifted, knowing that this couple had a good relationship. As long as her daughter was well, there wasn't much that could trouble her. She also wanted to support their relationship, "Nina, Nash only lends a hand because of you. He treats you well, so you should reciprocate and treat Nash better."Hearing this, Nina glanced at Nash. When did he start pleasing her mother so much to always side with him?Nash was quite pleased and said to Julia, "Mom, it's because you've been saying good things about me."Julia smiled and said, "Of course, I'm not blind. I can naturally see your goodness."Her gaze shifted to Zion.Zion's gaze was fixed on them, filled with both joy and worry. He was happy that Nina married into a good family without much suffering, but worried about how long they could maintain this and whether his daughter was truly happy.After a while, they completed Zion's administrative formalities. He could go home after a week
Jamie closed her eyes briefly, sinking further into despair. She didn’t even notice when Ben had left the room. Her thoughts were scattered, her mind drifting in and out of focus.Though she wanted to leave the hospital, she was constantly watched, making it impossible. By afternoon, a nurse came in to change her dressing.Jamie glanced up absentmindedly. “It’s fine. I don’t need it.”“This is under Dr. Lawson’s direct orders,” the nurse replied gently but firmly. “I can’t afford to cut corners. Since you’re still admitted, please cooperate.”Jamie lifted her gaze slightly, her tone subdued. “I’d like to get some fresh air.”“Of course, once we’re done changing your dressing, I can take you outside. Just make sure not to strain your muscles,” the nurse said patiently.The weather was exceptionally pleasant that day. As she sat in the wheelchair outside, Jamie made several calls to Winnie. The phone was still off, as if Winnie had made up her mind to disappear completely from her
“You're the patient, and I'm the doctor. Taking care of you is my job,” Jay said with a light smile, handing her the utensils. “Go ahead, try it.”Jamie was indeed hungry. She hadn’t felt like eating, but she couldn’t refuse his gesture. Besides, she needed to regain her strength quickly if she hoped to find Charlie. She picked up the utensils and was just about to take a bite when footsteps sounded outside the room. The door swung open, revealing Ben. His expression darkened instantly, his face stormy as he took in the scene before him. “So, Dr. Lawson, is this how you treat all your patients, or is this a special case?” Ben’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Just giving an old classmate some extra care. What’s the harm in that?” Jay replied, his words laced with subtle defiance. The room's atmosphere froze, tension thick in the air. Ben’s sharp gaze flickered between Jamie and Jay before finally settling on Jamie’s pale face, his expression unreadable. Jamie, sensing th
“Wake up, Charlie.” Winnie held him tightly, panic overwhelming her. She wanted to take him away, not harm him! Just then, the sound of a car pulling up broke through the darkness. Footsteps approached, slow and deliberate. A tall man emerged from the shadows and stopped in front of her. Tears streaming down her face, Winnie looked up. The man’s sharp, angular features were obscured by the dim light, adding to his air of mystery. But she immediately recognized him. It was the same man who had told her the truth about Jack Green being Ben Lucas. Winnie glared at him with fierce determination. “Why are you here? Are you happy now that things have come to this?” “You foolish woman, do you think being deceived feels any better?” the mysterious man sneered. “The truth is nothing but a bloody wound. I’d rather…” Winnie’s voice faltered, unable to continue. “Stop lying to yourself,” the man said with a slight shake of his head. “What do you want?” Winnie asked
Jamie couldn’t help but suck in a sharp breath. “Stop pretending.” Ben's harsh words cut through the air, as cold and unrelenting as ever. Jamie couldn’t straighten up for a long moment. She gritted her teeth, determined to ignore the pain radiating from her wound, spreading like fire through her body. Sweat dripped from her forehead onto the pale hospital bed, leaving tiny dark stains. “I don’t need to play games with you,” she said finally, her voice frail but resolute. “It wouldn’t work, and I don’t want to. I just want my child back.” Ben’s sharp gaze faltered for a moment before he replied in a cold tone, “Focus on recovering first.” With that, he turned and left the room. Jamie slumped against the edge of the bed, exhausted and broken. *Meanwhile, Winnie drove aimlessly, following random road signs, unaware of where she was heading. The road grew increasingly desolate, with the sun sinking below the horizon and barely a soul in sight. “Where are we, Aunt
Perhaps due to her injuries, Jamie couldn’t muster much strength, and her resistance felt as feeble as a kitten pawing at someone.Jay gently guided her back to the hospital bed. While examining her injuries, his expression turned serious. “All these years, I’ve attended every class reunion, but I’ve never seen you. Did you move abroad?” Jamie shook her head slightly. “Life’s been messy. Nothing worth mentioning.” “If there’s anything troubling you, tell me. Maybe this old classmate can help,” Jay said softly, his eyes full of concern. Though time had barely left its mark on her face, her eyes carried a deep weariness, dulling the radiance she once had. It was clear she had endured more than her fair share of hardships over the years. Jamie remained silent for a moment before shaking her head again. “I’m fine, Jay.” Instinctively, he asked, “So, did you become a lawyer?” The question hit her like a sharp sting. Her lips trembled for a second before she forced a weak
Jamie bit her lip tightly, her face pale as paper from blood loss. A mocking smile played on her lips. “Don’t worry, Ben. I know my place. How could someone like me possibly hurt someone like you?” Ben felt a heavy weight settle in his chest, as if a boulder had lodged itself there. It was neither something he could expel nor swallow. His dark, piercing eyes glinted with cold, unrelenting anger. “Jamie, you never fail to impress me,” he said, his voice dripping with icy sarcasm. Mrs. Lucas, watching their verbal sparring with satisfaction, chimed in, her tone sharp. “This woman would throw you away for the smallest gain. Why waste your energy on her?” “Enough,” Ben snapped, his voice even and calm, though his gaze burned with quiet fury. It was as if the exchange hadn’t phased him at all. “No need to give her any more money. She’s not worth it.” His cold, piercing stare lingered on Jamie, making her breath hitch. Mrs. Lucas couldn’t contain her glee. “Good. Now that yo
Jamie forced herself to swallow the rising pain in her chest. If cutting Ben off completely was the only way to make him give up, then so be it.A million dollars...For Ben, whether as the alias "Jack Green" or as his true self, money had never been an issue. His mother had made sure he never lacked anything. However, Jamie’s single remark, sharp and calculated, cut straight to the heart of their relationship. It reduced everything they had shared to something insignificant and transactional.Ben’s expression turned grim, his dark eyes filled with anguish and anger. “Jamie, if you needed money, you could’ve just asked me. Winning me over would’ve gotten you more than a million. Was it really worth it?”There was a deep sadness in his voice, almost as if he was pleading for her to lie to him, just to make him feel wanted. Jamie could feel the weight of his words, the memories of his kindness clawing at her heart. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could say a word,
That child was Winnie’s only connection to Ben. She never expected him to call her at such a moment. When Ben’s name appeared on her phone, she answered immediately. However, not wanting Charlie to see her disheveled and emotional state, she stepped aside to take the call. Ben’s voice came through the line, cold and detached. “Winnie, I admit I approached you under a different name, but I’ve never done anything to harm you. And the child you’re carrying, it’s not mine.” His words hit her like a bolt from the blue. If the child wasn’t his, then whose was it? That night, it was Ben who was by her side.But then, he sent her a video. It was a horrifying one, showing those depraved playboys. Everything became clear. Ben had chosen this moment to reveal the truth, not to clear his name but to stop her from harming an innocent child. Even in her madness, she couldn’t bring herself to harm a child she had once protected with her heart. No matter how lost Winnie fel
Ben never expected Jamie to take the blade for him.Caught off guard, he stared in shock as Jamie clutched his arm, her voice trembling with desperation. “Ben, please… save my child…”*When Jamie woke up, she found herself in a hospital room. Pain shot through her body, but her thoughts were only of Charlie. She quickly sent a message to Winnie.“Winnie, if someone has to pay, let it be me. A life for a life. Please don’t hurt Charlie. He’s innocent, and he loves you so much.”Jamie hoped to appeal to Winnie’s emotions, trying to remind her of the bond they once shared. But Winnie’s heart was hardened.Her child was gone, lost before ever seeing the light of day. And yet, Jamie’s and Ben’s child was safe and sound. To Winnie, it was an unbearable injustice.If Jamie had ever truly thought of her as a sister, she would have told her the truth from the very beginning. She would have revealed Ben’s identity and his intentions. But Jamie had said nothing, standing by as Winnie fell