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
The receptionist always believed Nina to be a kind person. She was friendly and didn't seem like the person Lily described. Lily, on the other hand, had an aggressive and persistent demeanor, making her more likely to achieve her goals by any means necessary.The receptionist wanted the security guard to escort Lily out, especially when she noticed a reporter's car passing by and sanitation workers nearby. These reporters were from reputable newspapers, and if they witnessed any commotion, it wouldn't reflect well on them. Therefore, they hesitated to take action against Lily.Lily noticed the receptionist's glance and the reporters outside. This was her opportunity. Instead of causing more trouble, she decided to head outside."Stop them!" the receptionist instructed the security guard, realizing the situation was escalating."What are you trying to accomplish? Has law and order completely disappeared?" Lily accused, seeing their aggressive behavior. "Did Nina instruct you to do t
"Nina, this is terrible!"Nina had just finished fixing her outfit in the restroom when Taylor burst in, looking panicked. She asked, "What's wrong? You seem really upset.""It's about you!"Taylor hadn't expected something like this to happen."Me?" Nina was still unaware, calmly asking, "What about me?""Your aunt and your cousin."Upon hearing those names, Nina's expression darkened. Just hearing those names, she knew trouble was brewing. She then saw the live stream on Taylor's phone.Her aunt and cousin had gone too far. Unable to get anything from her family, they resorted to playing the victim in front of reporters, damaging her reputation.They made up stories, claiming they had sacrificed everything to put her through college. After finally getting hired at this company and making progress, she turned her back on her relatives, treating her uncle and aunt as if they were insignificant. She had never contributed any money to the family.It was because of funding her ed
Nina went downstairs and found reporters conducting interviews at the entrance. Lily and the others were tearfully recounting their ordeal while being surrounded by cameras. Sue's eyes were swollen from crying as she addressed the lens, saying, "Thank you all for your concern. With your support, I believe justice will be served soon!""What justice?" Nina approached with a stern face, disliking their dramatic display. She questioned them directly, saying, "Do you think shedding a few tears in public will make me afraid? Do you believe you can manipulate me?"They all turned to look as Nina fearlessly approached. Realizing the situation, Lily immediately burst into hysterical tears and pointed at Nina, saying, "Nina, you have no conscience! I'm your aunt, yet you're so heartless and indifferent to our plight. Since you were young, we've treated you like our own and have never mistreated you. How could you treat us like this?""Nina," Sue said, looking directly at her. "Have you sud
Sue added, "Yes, my parents scraped together every penny for my education because of my cousin."In their desperate pursuit of victory, they no longer cared about making sense."Heartless beast!""Shameless scum!"Suddenly, eggs were hurled at Nina, landing right in front of her.Nina glanced over and saw a group of twelve people at the gate, holding eggs and vegetable leaves, all throwing them in her direction.She quickly raised her hands to shield herself.Witnessing this, the security personnel rushed to intervene."Why are you protecting her? She's just a heartless widow who breaks up other people's families! A mere secretary, nothing more than a mistress to others!" one of the egg-throwers shouted.Nina realized that the situation was more serious than she had expected, and it seemed that they had come prepared. When Lily arrived at her door with people throwing things at her, it appeared to be orchestrated.Looking at Lily's smug expression, it was clear that she wante
Not far away, an angry voice could be heard. Julia pushed the wheelchair with Zion sitting in it, clearly enraged.Nina was taken aback. "Dad, how did you get here?"Meanwhile, Lily believed that targeting Nina would solve everything, but she didn't expect Zion to show up. When she saw him, her face turned pale. "Zion..."Zion looked at her sternly. "How dare you bully my daughter. Of course, I had to come! Lily, I always thought you were just a little petty, with some flaws, but I never expected you to be this cruel. You slandered my daughter in front of the media. How could you be so heartless?""But, brother... I didn't...," Lily tried to explain. "I didn't slander her. I just said Nina doesn't respect me as her aunt!"Zion frowned, refusing to listen to any explanation. "What does Nina's reputation mean to you? You see it as nothing more than a tool for your own benefit! Since you want everyone to know, then let them know how many unethical things your family has done!"Lily
Nina harbored suspicions and inquired, "Who was it?"Lily froze momentarily. "I don't know her name. I didn't have the chance to ask. She's a young lady. I was so foolish. How could I believe the words of a stranger?"Realizing she had been deceived, she cried even harder. Meanwhile, Sue couldn't bear the onslaught of insults from online users. Her face pale, she exclaimed, "I'm ruined! No company will hire me for an internship now. Nina, please help me. I won't go to York Corporation for the internship. Please clear my name. I'm not that malicious. How will I face people or find work in the future?"Both Lily and Sue pleaded with Nina for assistance."Nina, I beg you. If not for me, then for your cousin. I'll kneel if I have to!" Lily understood the gravity of the situation and was willing to humble herself for her daughter's sake.Nina remained silent. Being kind to others also meant being cruel to herself.Witnessing their despair, Julia pulled them away. "Don't kneel. It's as
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,