Quincy, however, was sweating profusely. This was his livelihood. How could he not follow Nash along? Seeing Nash's displeased expression, he added, "Mr. York, don't be upset. Nina still wants to play. How about we join them?"Nash replied sourly, "Who wants to be with her?"Not wanting to push it further, Nina turned to Scott and said, "There are many more fun things up ahead. Let's go check them out.""Okay," Scott glanced at Nash again. "Mr. York, I’ll go ahead first."The two continued walking ahead.Watching their backs, Nash's expression darkened. "Quincy, do you want to go with them?""Of course, of course!" Quincy immediately called out. "Nina, I'd like to join you."With that, Nash followed suit.Trailing behind them, his gaze naturally fell on the brown bear soft toy that Nina clung to tightly. "Just a small toy makes her so happy," he thought. Her excitement just now seemed as if she had found the world's greatest treasure. Yet, it was just a cheap toy!He cou
"Is this big enough?" Nash asked. "Isn't it better looking than the one you have?"Nina looked at the bear, even taller than him, realizing she couldn't carry it without dragging it on the ground. She quickly shook her head, "I don't want it, it's too big, and I don't like it."Nash's expression darkened instantly. "Isn't this better than the one you have? Take it!" He tossed it over with one hand.Nina looked at the bear she was holding, then another one was thrown at her. She was already carrying too much, and she felt like she was suffocating."Nash, stop it!" Nina didn't want them to fall on the ground. She struggled to get her head out and spoke.Nash remained silent, his expression cold. He couldn't understand. Wasn't she supposed to like big soft toys? This one was even bigger than the one she had, why wasn't she excited? Why couldn't she be happy?Where did he go wrong?Nina realized her words might have hurt his pride too much, so she softened her tone, "It's too heavy,
She cleaned the wound with disinfectant before bandaging it. Soon after, Quincy parked the car by the side of the road.Nina assisted Nash into the car, glancing briefly at Scott. In that momentary look, Nash sensed her genuine concern for Scott.Scott broke the silence, speaking gently, "You should head back first. Mr. York is injured and requires someone to look after him." He was offering Nina an out, understanding her responsibilities. After all, Mr. York was her employer, and she needed to think about the bigger picture.Nina waved to Scott, saying, "Then I'll head back first. Thanks for taking me out today.""You're welcome," Scott replied as the car door closed.Initially, Quincy had thought to get in the car, but remembering something, he walked over to Scott with a smile. "Mr. Lucas, thank you for your assistance." Quincy politely took the pink bear soft toy from Scott. After all, it was Mr. York who had won it back for Nina. It wouldn't be right for someone else to tak
Nash returned from outside, his expression indifferent, as he listened to others report on work."Mr. York, everything is arranged for one o'clock in the afternoon," someone reported promptly.Nash glanced towards Nina, who was busy nearby, and coldly called out, "Nina."Nina hurried over, "Mr. York.""If you're free this afternoon, come along," Nash stated bluntly.Everyone present was surprised by his decision. This kind of task was tough and tiresome, and no woman would willingly go. It was usually assigned to men. Nina was the only woman present. With the blazing sun outside, and considering Nina's attire - a dress and heels - it wasn't convenient for her to squat down or walk. It wasn't suitable for her to go.But no one dared to disobey Nash's orders. Nina had to comply with the arrangement. She replied, "Alright, Mr. York.""Okay," Nash responded nonchalantly before heading towards the office direction."I'll accompany you, Nina," Taylor offered to share the burden wit
Upon seeing him remain silent, Hunter stood up and approached him, remarking, "Your wife was chosen by your grandfather, and she's not bad at all. She's obedient and sensible, and she doesn't mind your extramarital affairs. What is there to be unhappy about?"Nash remained silent for a moment before responding, "Indeed, having an obedient and sensible wife is a good choice.""Well, well, I see your attention is on her now. You're not developing feelings for her, are you?" Hunter sensed that something was off about Nash. Even if he mistreated her, he shouldn't be unhappy himself.However, as they watched her from upstairs, she seemed to get along well with her male colleagues. Hunter smiled and commented, "It seems like your wife is quite popular. She gets along with everyone. Didn't you mention the possibility of divorcing her in the future? After the divorce, she'll probably have many suitors!"Hunter's statement caused Nash's brows to furrow even deeper. It was true that Nina had
"No," she said.She was wearing a coat at the time, so nothing could be seen underneath. She had just considered taking it off when he pulled her over."Covering it now might be a little too late, isn't it?" Nash sneered, his eyes filled with intense possessiveness, his fingers instinctively gripping her chest.Nina looked into his eyes, sensing the aggression of a man towards a woman. It was the first time she had experienced it. She felt danger and wanted to escape, but Nash wouldn't allow it, trapping her in his corner."Nina, is this what you call the right to pursue happiness?" Nash pressed his body against hers, mocking. "You still have plenty of targets, don't you? You'll find another man to marry right after divorcing me."Nina, feeling his hand probing deeper, grew frightened and involuntarily curled her body. "I don't think like that, Nash. Let go first. We can talk, but we might be discovered!"Seeing her flushed face and shapely figure beneath the soaked shirt, and th
Upon hearing this, Linda was taken aback and instinctively took a few steps back."So you're saying that Nina is Nash's wife?" Linda couldn't fathom it. How could things have unfolded this way? If Nash was truly married to Nina, why was it kept a secret? Why wasn't it made public?"Yes, but please let go of my hand first," Sue withdrew her hand. "Nash is my cousin-in-law!"Linda looked at them skeptically. "You must be lying to me. Nina is Nash's secretary, right? How did she become his wife?""There's nothing unbelievable about it," Lily interjected. "I witnessed it firsthand and heard it with my own ears. He even went to visit my brother, who is Nina's father."As Linda processed their words, her initial shock slowly subsided. She concluded, "So... you didn't know either?"Lily felt puzzled and sighed, "We only found out recently. If we had known earlier, our family would have been much richer!"The York family even paid Zion two million in full! For ordinary families, earning
Linda was initially nervous and felt like she was losing, but overhearing their conversation boosted her confidence. Nina's position as Mrs. York was meaningless; nobody knew about it, and it wouldn't serve any purpose. They would probably get divorced in the future.As she looked at them, an idea suddenly struck Linda. "Don't be in such a hurry," Linda smiled, "It's not easy to get into York Corporation. You might be kicked out before even getting in!""How could that happen? I'm Nash's aunt-in-law. Who would dare to kick me out?" Lily said confidently, relying on her status and expecting to be treated well.Linda continued, "All of you mentioned that Nina is wary of you. She's Nash's secretary. If you're reported when you enter, she'll be the first to know. Do you think you'll be allowed to stay?"Lily frowned, realizing the possibility. "You make a good point. I didn't speak nicely to her at the hospital. Coming here, she won't give me a warm welcome!""My niece doesn't respect
Ben would never believe the truth, and his mother would never allow Charlie’s existence. Instead of creating chaos and an irreparable fallout, Jamie chose to keep it hidden. She thought that once Ben’s anger subsided, he would eventually let her go.“Even if you figure out who the father is, what difference does it make?” Jamie met Ben’s intense gaze calmly. “We’ve already said everything that needed to be said. Can’t we stop making each other’s lives miserable?”"Your mother offered so much money. Why wouldn’t I take it? I’m not a fool. I gave you up for one million before. After these past four years, do you really think there’s any love left between us? Do you honestly expect me to cry and beg for you?”Jamie’s voice was steady as she stared calmly at Ben. She had been scared at first, but over time, she had come to terms with her reality. Ben wasn’t going to kill her. And as long as she stayed alive, there would eventually come a day when he’d let her go. Right now, his anger wa
The next second, there was only silence on the phone.Ben sent the phone number to his assistant. “Investigate thoroughly.”A thought suddenly struck him. He couldn't let Jamie continue to roam freely outside.*Four days later, Ben's mother came to visit. “You refuse to take over the family business, and now you're going against me by keeping Jamie around again?”Ben didn’t respond, but her anger only grew. “Ben, you’ve seen for yourself what kind of person Jamie is. Why are you still so obsessed with her? The fiancée I arranged for you is far better than the one you’ve chosen!”The Larson family was also one of the prominent families in Birkham. While the Lucas and Larson families couldn’t rival the York family, the Lucas family still held its position as the second most influential family in the city. On top of that, they were relatives of the Scott Lucas. Even Scott, who had initially resisted marriage, eventually followed his parents’ wishes and entered into a family
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,