He called suddenly. It had to be because of her. She hadn’t responded to his messages or picked up his calls, so now he was likely using Winnie to give her trouble.“I just wanted to check in on you. Where are you right now?” Ben’s tone was calm, but Jamie could tell he had guessed she was nearby. Every word he said now, Jamie could hear perfectly.Winnie, holding her phone with a radiant smile, replied happily, “Of course, I’m at home, resting. Jack, was work tiring today?”“Not too bad. And your sister?” Ben shifted the topic directly to Jamie.Winnie was a bit surprised he was asking about Jamie, but then reasoned it must be because of her. Jack cared for Winnie, and naturally, that extended to checking in on her sister.“She’s right here with me. We might go to the hospital tomorrow. I haven’t seen Charlie in a few days,” Winnie answered.“Do you know what your sister is wearing right now…” Ben’s tone slowed, drawing out each word, but Jamie, pale and breaking out in a cold
Winnie felt a pang of guilt. How could she have doubted Ben's sincerity? “Alright, I’ll let you get back to work,” she said, a bit embarrassed. “We can talk more tonight when you get home.”Ben couldn’t have planned it better. He ended the call, waited in his car until Jamie’s video came through, more revealing than before. Satisfied, he finally tucked his phone away and stepped out of the car.Inside, Mrs. Lucas had prepared an impressive spread, with an empty seat to her left for Ben and to her right, his supposed future wife, Summer Larson.Summer glanced at her watch, clearly anxious, and asked Mrs. Lucas softly, “Mrs. Lucas, do you think Ben might not like me?”It was already late, and Ben still hadn’t arrived. Could he be intentionally avoiding her?Mrs. Lucas noticed Summer Lin glancing at her watch, and her smile softened. Unlike her stern demeanor with Jamie, she spoke to Summer with warmth. “Love can grow with time, dear. You have everything going for you; why wouldn’t h
Mrs. Lucas was all too happy to oblige, quickly setting her utensils down. “That’s wonderful! You two have so much in common. I’ll head upstairs for my skincare routine.”As soon as she left, Summer slid her chair closer to Ben. “I don’t have time,” he stated bluntly.“No problem. Another time, maybe?” Summer replied, undeterred. “There’s a new cafe near your law firm. How about we grab a coffee there next week?” Summer didn’t retreat just because of one rejection. She wasn’t hoping for Ben to fall madly in love with her. She just needed him to agree to marriage and eventually have a child with her. That was enough.Ben’s expression darkened. “I don’t have time any day, Miss Larson. My mother’s intentions for this dinner are obvious, and I don’t want to lead you on. I’m just going to be upfront that I’m not interested.”Summer’s smile faltered briefly but recovered just as quickly. “Well, let’s not be so absolute. People can change their minds.”When she first learned that her
Ben shook off Summer's hand, quickening his steps.“Ben, if you keep rejecting me so firmly, your mom’s just going to line up more dates for you, and others might not be as easygoing as I am. You’ll end up even more frustrated!” Summer called after him, hurrying to keep up. “Just go along with me for one act. It won’t hurt you and might actually save you some trouble. Why not give it a try?”Ben paused, his mind turning. With Jamie, he had felt like he had the world at his fingertips. No one else ever caught his eye. When she left, he had become obsessed with finding someone like her, and now that she was back, all he wanted was to channel his anger, to confront and torment her. He had no time, let alone interest, for any other woman, even as a pretense.“Just think of it as doing me a favor,” Summer continued, sensing his hesitation. “I really don’t want to be set up with some older, middle-aged guy. Do this for me, and I’ll owe you. Name it, and I’ll make it up to you.” She play
Ben closed his phone, placing it aside but forgetting to remove his earphones. When Mrs. Lucas came over, she immediately noticed. They clearly hadn’t been talking, or at best, Summer had been doing all the talking while Ben wore his earphones to tune her out. She was fuming inside, but with Summer playing along so diplomatically, Mrs. Lucas couldn’t embarrass her."As long as you two enjoyed the conversation,” she said, casting a subtle glance toward Summer. “Why don’t you stay the night, dear? We have plenty of rooms, and I can prepare one for you right next to Ben’s.”Though Mrs. Lucas casually suggested any room would do, she had already made up her mind to set Summer up in the room right next to Ben’s. After all, she had always envisioned it as her future daughter-in-law’s room. And with them staying so close, there’d be plenty of chances for those “accidental” encounters she was hoping for.Ben’s immediate reaction was to decline, but Summer beat him to it. “Thank you so
"I don’t love her." Ben denied it instantly, adding, “Do you think I’m crazy? How could I ever love a gold digger?”Mrs. Lucas narrowed her eyes. “If that’s true, then why are you unwilling to give Summer a chance? She’s everything I could hope for in a daughter-in-law. If you don’t like her, then at least give me a reason.”Ben felt his irritation build. He could barely stand to make small talk with Summer, much less think about her flaws.“I don’t want to get married right now. Please, stop pressuring me.”Mrs. Lucas took a moment to reconsider. “Fine, you two only met tonight. I won’t push you too hard. I’ll allow you both to take things slow on one condition. You must cut all ties with that woman, and any other women who aren’t worth your time.”As a mother, Mrs. Lucas wasn’t entirely unreasonable. Once a grandchild was born, if Ben still didn’t feel anything for Summer, Mrs. Lucas wouldn’t mind if he kept a few “companions” on the side. But Jamie? Absolutely not. That sick
Jamie’s clothes were torn to shreds. She didn’t resist as she knew it would be useless and would only make things worse. The more anger she provoked, the harder her days became.But her unresponsive, puppet-like demeanor only further irritated Ben. “Are you even alive?” he snapped.“What do you want me to do?” Jamie whispered, her voice thick with frustration.“Do exactly what you did in those photos, but in front of me right now.”The memory of those humiliating poses flooded back, making her wish, just for a second, that her heart would simply stop, ending the torment.“I saved every one of those photos. You don’t want Charlie to see them, do you…?”“I’ll do it,” Jamie interrupted, scrambling to sit up. She had no choice. For her son, she would endure anything. That night, Ben didn’t let up until dawn. Only then did he leave, heading to the office after a quick shower, catching a few hours of sleep there. Jamie stayed behind, lying awake in bed, staring at the ceiling in th
Jamie didn’t take the milk from Ryan. “It’s not necessary. Charlie can’t have milk right now. He’s on a restricted diet.”“Well, then you should keep it for yourself. You’re looking too thin and need to take care of your health too,” Ryan insisted, holding out the milk. “It’s nothing extravagant, just two cartons, and we’ve known each other forever. No need to be so formal with me.”Winnie glanced between Ryan and her sister, her smile growing. Just yesterday, she had told Jamie that a good man would come along, one who wouldn’t care about her past but would see her for who she truly was. And here he was!When Jamie hesitated, Winnie reached over and took the milk. “Thank you! I’m Jamie’s sister, Winnie. What’s your name?”“I’m Ryan,” he introduced himself briefly, but his eyes kept drifting toward Jamie.Winnie didn’t miss this, remembering how she had once looked at Jack with the same affection. Clearly, Ryan cared deeply for Jamie. She knew her sister had reservations after h
If Liam had been a normal person, Hunter never would have sent her here in the first place. But of course, Yelena could only think that. She wasn’t suicidal enough to say it out loud. Instead, she reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone. “I was really just messaging an old classmate. If you don’t believe me, go ahead—check my phone.” She wasn’t worried. Whenever she contacted Hunter, she deleted each message immediately. She had even forged an entire fake conversation just in case Liam ever got suspicious. So, no matter how thoroughly he checked, there would be nothing for him to find. Liam narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? Then why do I still feel like you’re lying? Women like you—nothing but liars, every last one of you.” Then, he struck her again. Yelena screamed. The pain was relentless, merciless. She had no idea how long it lasted—only that by the time he finally stopped, she was barely breathing. Her body slumped against the floor
Suddenly, footsteps sounded behind Yelena. She spun around, her heart hammering in her chest. Liam was walking toward her, a faint smile on his lips—but the coldness in his eyes told a different story. Memories of his past cruelty flashed through her mind, sending a shudder down her spine. She forced herself to stay calm. “Who are you messaging?” He was getting closer. So close that when he finally stopped, they were nearly pressed against each other. Then, without warning, his fingers clamped around her chin, gripping tighter and tighter. Pain shot through her jaw, and Yelena winced. “No one. Just an old classmate. I ran into her a few days ago while I was out.” “Oh? Is that so?” Liam’s voice softened, almost gentle. To anyone watching, he might have seemed like a kind, easygoing man. But Yelena knew better. He would never let her off that easily. And sure enough— In the next second, he grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked her hea
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.“Haven’t I been just fine lately?“Or do you think my hand isn’t injured enough? If that’s the case, go ahead—do it yourself. “You already know I wouldn’t fight back no matter what.” Without warning, Yelena stretched out her injured hand, an act that instantly enraged Liam. “What the hell is wrong with you?” He snapped. “I was just making a casual remark. Is that really what you think of me? I already told you—I’m not going to lay a hand on you.“It wasn’t intentional before, and you know it. We both do. Stop acting like you’re above all this when we both know who sent you here.” Yelena felt a pang of sadness. They had spent so much time together, yet this was how he treated her—always choosing to hurt her. “I know—I wasn’t someone you chose, and none of this was intentional. But after all this time we've spent together...“I thought maybe I was a little different to you. But I guess I was wrong. Nothing has changed at all.
“Why do you even care about what happens to other people? Haven’t I made myself clear enough already?“Whose card is this—yours or mine?” His assistant immediately apologized upon hearing Caleb’s tone. “I hope you won’t hold this against me. I really wasn’t thinking clearly at the time—I should have considered this more carefully.” Caleb didn’t bother responding. After hanging up, he focused entirely on investigating Vera’s brother. *Meanwhile, Vera was deeply worried. If things had been somewhat under control before, now they were completely off track. The situation on both sides was far more complicated than she had anticipated. “Don’t worry. That’s exactly how it is. If you don’t want to go in person, I can go for you—but it won’t be cheap,” the private investigator said.Since Caleb had warned her about the private investigator, Vera started testing him, probing for inconsistencies. And sure enough, his story had too many holes. “Why are you so sure my b
As Caleb spoke, he looked at Vera with a hint of helplessness. After all, her hand had been injured because of Luna. “Don’t feel guilty about this. Honestly, it’s nothing to me.“And I’m not the type to carry burdens over things like this.“Besides, it’s been so long. If this had happened back then, I might have cared. But now? I just don’t think it matters anymore.” Vera’s voice was steady and sincere. But Caleb’s expression darkened. “Why would you say that? Why do you think it doesn’t matter? Do you really see me as just the same as everyone else?” For some reason, at this moment, Caleb took it personally. Vera couldn’t help but laugh. “Of course not. You’re different from the rest—so obviously, I wouldn’t see it the same way.“You’ve helped me so much. The least I can do is acknowledge that, instead of stubbornly nitpicking about what’s right or wrong, don’t you think?“Besides, whatever happened between you and Luna, that’s none of my business. It’s in
“I didn’t mean to just now. Besides, you’ve been acting all sneaky lately—so really, who else is to blame?” Seeing Yelena in tears, Liam, who had been furious just moments ago, felt a small pang of guilt. He was never good at expressing emotions. But watching her like this made him a little uncomfortable. “Go get your hand treated. Otherwise, people who don’t know any better might think I’ve been abusing you.” With that, he turned and walked away. Yelena watched his retreating figure, feeling a bit helpless. This wasn’t something she could decide on her own. Installing surveillance? It wasn’t as easy as it sounded. Liam was naturally suspicious. If he caught wind of it, the consequences would be disastrous. But she had no choice. She had a mission to complete, and there was more at stake than just this moment. Letting out a deep sigh, she finally decided to head to a clinic to get her hand treated. *“What happened to you? That’s a serious injury. You
And just like that, the conversation fell into a brief silence. Meanwhile, on the other side, Hunter received a call from Yelena. “What did you just say?” Yelena told him that her hand was broken, and on top of that, Liam seemed to be getting suspicious. She wasn’t sure what to do, so she called Hunter for advice. “I don’t really care what happens to you, but at the very least, take care of yourself.“Otherwise, if something else goes wrong later, I’ll have to step in and clean up the mess. Don’t you think so?” Hearing this, Yelena was a little taken aback. “It’s not just about my injury. The real problem is, I’m scared of what he might do now.” Sure, she had taken the two hundred thousand dollars, but she had to stay alive to spend it. At this rate, she wouldn’t even make it through in one piece. “I already told you—protect yourself. If you need anything else, I’ll try to provide it. But right now, I need you to do something for me.” Hunter had been look
“Yes, it’s in that mountain area. If you’re worried, you can go check it out yourself. But as for anything else, we don’t really have much more information.”Compared to everything else, this was the most baffling situation.“You make a good point. But given the current circumstances, I think it’ll be difficult to pull off.”Vera was speaking with the private investigator. Deep down, she was more worried than anything else.“Don’t worry,” the private investigator reassured her. “Aside from what we discussed earlier, nothing else seems too extreme. Plus, we’ve already looked into it pretty thoroughly.”By the time he finished speaking, his expression had grown more complicated.“Alright. I understand.”After hanging up, she anxiously looked straight ahead. If she had been mentally prepared before, now she was starting to feel uneasy. “What’s going on?” Caleb asked while driving, glancing at her. Vera hesitated, debating whether to tell him or not. But seeing the strange
“I only had one surgery today,” Caleb said as he drove, his voice calm but firm. “Now that it’s done, I want to know why this happened.” After that, he said nothing more. Vera sat in silence, her heart uneasy as the car pulled up in front of an upscale club. Even though her hand was already bandaged, she still felt a sting of pain every time Caleb showed concern. “So this is what it feels like to have someone care,” she thought to herself.Back when Vera had been stepped on, her only concern had been the contract—whether the deal would fall apart and if her suffering had been for nothing.If it had been anything else, she probably wouldn’t have cared as much.But Caleb’s concern made it impossible for her to brush aside.It kept lingering in her mind, refusing to let her feel indifferent.“Don’t overthink it,” Caleb said, his voice firm. “Whatever happened between Luna and me doesn’t change the fact that this concerns me too—and I owe it to you to make things right.”