Jamie froze for a moment, realizing it wasn’t a reprimand or her needing to apologize for something she had messed up. “Well, why didn’t he just say so earlier?” she silently remarked.She instantly relaxed and pulled out her phone, scrolling briefly before landing on a suggestion. “How about this place?”Ben nodded. “That works. Also, pick Charlie up from preschool on the way. He doesn’t need to stay the whole day. We’ll take him with us after lunch to visit the family home.”Jamie didn’t ask why they would be heading there, but the look on Ben’s face said enough. She had a hunch. Very few people could make Ben wear that expression, and the only one who came to mind was his father. This visit must have something to do with him.*After lunch, they headed to the Lucas family estate. Although Charlie had visited before, this was his first time going with Jamie, and he was bursting with excitement. He fidgeted nonstop in the car, leaning this way and that.Jamie finally reached
Ben suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief.Mrs. Lucas quietly closed the door behind her and turned to face him. Seeing the turmoil in his expression, she let out a soft sigh. “Don’t hold a grudge against your father anymore. He may have a sharp tongue, but that’s just his way. All those years you insisted on becoming a lawyer, he may have scolded you, but deep down, he was proud of you.”Ben said nothing.To grow up believing that his father didn’t care for him, only to discover one day that his father’s feelings were more complicated and layered. It wasn’t something anyone could accept easily.Without a word, Ben left the estate, skipping dinner. Jamie didn’t push him for an explanation, and when Charlie started asking questions, she gently hushed him.It wasn’t until they were back home, lying together in bed, that she finally voiced the question that had been on her mind since they left the estate. “Are you upset?”Ben was silent for a long time before finally sp
That day, Ben didn’t go to the office. Instead, he urged Jamie, “It’s about time. Let’s go.”Jamie, carrying Charlie, hurried out. “Coming, coming.”Seeing her glowing appearance, Ben smiled and teased, “You’re looking more beautiful every day.”Jamie rolled her eyes playfully. “I didn’t know you could be so smooth-talking.”Ben chuckled. “Is telling the truth considered smooth-talking? Or are you just afraid to face how stunning you really are?”Jamie sighed, exasperated but amused. “Alright, enough. Let’s get going.”Ben started heading to the car but paused, giving himself a once-over. Shaking his head, he said, “No, this outfit doesn’t match yours. We don’t look like a couple.”“You’re seriously going to change?” Jamie raised an eyebrow.“Of course. Help me pick something,” he said with a grin.Unable to argue with him, Jamie followed him back upstairs. After rummaging through his wardrobe, they chose an outfit that complemented hers perfectly. Satisfied, Ben admired himse
“Charlie, give Grandma a kiss, will you?” Mrs. Lucas asked, holding the child in her arms.Charlie shook his head firmly. “No!”Mrs. Lucas froze for a moment, a flicker of hurt flashing across her face. But she understood that it would take time for them to fully accept her. She didn’t push it. “Alright, let’s just keep taking the photos.”The photographer was about to continue when loud commotion suddenly erupted outside. Irritated, the photographer walked to the door and yelled, “Keep it down!”No sooner had the words left his mouth than a man burst in, wild-eyed, grabbing the photographer’s equipment and slamming it to the ground. Everyone was stunned. Jamie instinctively shielded Charlie in her arms, her heart racing.The intruder’s gaze landed on the family taking their happy photos. His bloodshot eyes burned with rage as he screamed, “Why do you get to be so happy? Why?!”Panic filled the air as the man charged toward them. Jamie, acting on instinct, pushed Charlie behi
Jamie knew that ever since Mrs. Lucas had promised to stop interfering in her and Ben’s relationship, something about her had profoundly changed.“I know, I’ve noticed. These past few weeks, you’ve been the one taking care of Charlie,” Jamie said, her eyes reddening with emotion.Mrs. Lucas choked up. “He’s my grandson. I didn’t do anything for him before, but now it’s my responsibility.”Her voice trembled. “And honestly, this is the only way I can ease my conscience, even a little.”Letting go of her control, choosing not to obstruct their lives, and doing what little she could now—it was like a knife cutting into her heart every day, leaving her overwhelmed with regret. She hadn’t even thought about it earlier when she stepped in front of the blade. All she could think was that Jamie couldn’t die. Jamie needed to live, to build a happy life with Ben. That was the only way forward.“All of that is in the past,” Jamie said, her voice breaking with emotion. “What matters now is
Previously, when Ben and Jamie were separated, they had both suffered deeply. In his desperation, Ben had even used the name Jack to get close to Winnie, a decision that nearly cost him his chance to be with Jamie.Mrs. Lucas’s voice was hoarse as she spoke, her guilt spilling out. “Even if we’re moving forward, we can’t completely forget the past. I’ve been a terrible person. Now you’re both taking care of me, but I know how busy you are. You don’t have to waste your time here with me. Focus on your own lives.”She genuinely didn’t want to take up their time, but how could Jamie just leave Mrs. Lucas unattended? And with Jamie determined to stay, Ben had no intention of leaving either. After all, the woman lying on that hospital bed was his mother.“If we don’t take care of you, who will?” Jamie said firmly. “Don’t say things like that. Right now, the most important thing is for you to recover. And if you don’t, who’s going to watch over Charlie?”Ben reached out, gently rufflin
Leaving was the best choice for Winnie.“But that’s all in the past. You can’t stay away forever. Winnie, you’re my only sister,” Jamie said, her throat tight, her voice heavy with emotion.Ben, overhearing her conversation, gently patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look.Jamie hesitated but quickly made up her mind. “Winnie, wait for me. I’m coming to see you now. If you’re really going to leave, you at least owe me a proper goodbye in person.”Without waiting for a reply, Jamie dashed out of the hospital room, leaving Ben, Mrs. Lucas, and Charlie behind.Charlie wanted to go with her. He adored his aunt, and she had always been so kind to him. But he held himself back, knowing now wasn’t the time to cause trouble. *Winnie wanted to take their mother away, and Jamie was sure that Winnie was with Linda now.Jamie hurried to where Winnie was, her heart racing. When she arrived, she spotted her sister immediately. Winnie smiled. It was a bittersweet expression tha
Winnie gave a faint smile. “I’ve already let it go. But think about it, you’re now living a high-profile life as part of an influential family. Do you really want the media constantly digging into your past because of me?”She spoke calmly, but the weight of her words hit Jamie like a stone. Linda and Winnie were destined to live in the shadows.Jamie understood what Winnie was saying, but she also knew that no one could choose the circumstances of their birth. And she, for one, would never turn her back on her mother or her sister.“Winnie…” Jamie tried to argue, but Winnie interrupted her.“Don’t start, sis. Living a good life is the best thing you can do for both of us.“And even if I don’t leave now, I’ll have to eventually. You might be able to keep me here for a year, maybe two, but you can’t control my life forever. Right now, I just want a bit of freedom and to take Mom with me. I’ve already made up my mind, so let’s not waste time going in circles.”Jamie hesitated for a
“Whose legal documents are these?” one of the investigators asked.“They’re mine,” Jamie replied. “I’ve been using them to prepare for a competition.”After she explained the situation, the investigator handed the documents back to her and issued a warning, emphasizing that such legal materials should not be present within the company. With that, they left.The man, clearly stunned, called after them, his voice rising with disbelief. “Did you even check properly? He’s a lawyer! How can a lawyer run a company as its president? Isn’t that against the rules?” The officials followed the direction of his finger and turned to look at Ben. Their expressions shifted into something between amusement and confusion, as though the man had asked an absurd question. “His law license was revoked a long time ago,” one of them stated plainly. The man froze, then shouted in denial, “That’s impossible!” “Why would it be impossible?” The official frowned, his tone growing stern. “When his l
Ben wouldn’t let Jamie fight his battles for him.He pulled her behind him, shielding her, and addressed the crowd with a cold expression. “If that’s the case, let’s have the authorities investigate.”Jamie stared at him, stunned.She understood the saying, “A clear conscience fears no accusation.” As long as Ben had nothing to hide, there was no reason to be afraid. But these people weren’t here for the truth, they were looking for trouble. It was likely orchestrated by their defeated opponents, timed to create chaos. Even if nothing incriminating was found, the media would seize the opportunity to smear them.Ben was doing this for her, disregarding himself completely.She was touched, but also anxious. She wanted to pull him back.However, Ben wasn’t budging this time. His warm but firm hand enveloped hers, silently telling her not to stop him.“What’s the matter? Afraid?” Ben asked, his hands casually in his pockets, raising an eyebrow with a hint of defiance.The loudest
“There’s a surveillance camera overhead, just so you know,” Ben said coldly, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I get it that you’re here to stick up for Summer. But let me be clear: whatever happened between the Lucas family and the Larson family is none of your business.”He held up the empty glass, his tone unwavering. “That drink was a warning. Don’t even think about testing my limits.”Jamie was his limit—his bottom line. He wouldn’t allow anyone to harm or disrespect her.Lila’s voice rang out, dripping with mockery as she addressed the gathering crowd. “Did everyone hear that? He’s threatening me with a drink as a ‘warning.’ Anyone here would agree this behavior is out of line. And all because I said a few words?“Ben Lucas, someone like you will get what’s coming to you!” Lila snapped, her voice sharp and bitter. “Doesn’t anyone wonder why someone who was doing so well as a lawyer suddenly gave it all up to become a CEO? Doesn’t everyone know lawyers aren’t supposed to engage in b
Jamie and Ben didn’t care about anyone else’s opinions.“You really think you and Ben can last?” The woman’s tone dripped with disdain. “Don’t forget, your statuses are worlds apart. If Ben didn’t care, why would he keep bringing you to events like these? Clearly, he does care.”Jamie noticed the woman’s provocative glare. Her elegance and poise were unmistakable, but her words revealed a heart filled with malice.With a calm but cutting tone, Jamie responded, “Even if Ben does care, that’s his business, not yours. And let’s be honest, you’d never have the courage to say this in front of him, would you? So, what’s the point of saying it to me?”Jamie didn’t even bother to take the woman seriously. Her relationship with Ben was her own, and she knew better than anyone how much he valued her.The woman sneered. “Oh, trust me, I’d say it to his face. But I assumed you had some self-awareness. Clearly, I was mistaken. You’re pathetic, Jamie.”With that, she spun on her heels and walk
“I was with Nash and the others today,” Ben said as he leaned back into the couch. “Jamie, tomorrow I want to take you to an exclusive high-society gala. If there’s anything you want or need for the occasion, just let me know.”For Jamie, the idea of attending such events held little appeal. What truly mattered to her was simply being by Ben’s side. Yet, Ben seemed determined to introduce her to this world, using his connections and influence to elevate her standing and help her thrive.But Jamie’s heart leaned toward a simpler life, one focused on family and the small joys within their home.“You’ve already given me everything I could ever want—friends, a safe life, love. I don’t feel drawn to these events. Can I skip this one?” she asked gently. Spending time with Charlie and bringing him over to play with Orion sounded like a better plan.Ben’s gaze softened. “If you really don’t want to go, I’ll respect your choice. But skipping out might not look great. There will be more occa
As soon as Ben spoke, Caleb and Hunter gave him exaggerated thumbs-up. “Married with a kid, and you’re still feeling lost? You’re a real genius,” Caleb teased.Nash patted Ben on the shoulder, his tone reassuring. “You’ve got a kid now, no need to overthink it. Just do your best for her. Besides, wasn’t Jamie doing great last time she was with Nina?”Ben paused, reflecting on Jamie’s recent state. Ever since she had started focusing on what she truly wanted, stepping back from exhausting tasks, she seemed much more at ease and full of life.Caleb said, “I’m heading out of town next month for a conference. If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t even be here today.”“I’m flying abroad tomorrow,” Hunter added quickly.Clearly, this meetup was a rare opportunity to gather before everyone got busy again.Nash glanced at the two of them with a smirk. “And you two have the nerve to tease Ben? What about you guys? When are you settling down and having kids?“Don’t tell me, by the time our k
The senior judge on the panel smiled warmly and said, “Attorney Lewis, your defense was exceptional. Your understanding and application of legal principles left a lasting impression. Your arguments were clear, your logic airtight, and you provided a fresh perspective on this case.”Other judges nodded in agreement, offering Jamie high praise for her performance. As the competition concluded, Jamie stepped off the stage to the sound of applause from the audience. Her confidence had carried her through, but the moment was disrupted by an unexpected outburst. Attorney Gray, the female lawyer she had just defeated, clenched her fists and blurted, “This is unfair!”Her microphone was still live, and her voice echoed throughout the venue, silencing the room. “This case was obviously easier for you to argue,” Attorney Gray continued. “You have connections—this is favoritism! Why hasn’t the competition been stopped despite all the online rumors?” The remark caused a ripple of mur
Jamie took a deep breath and said firmly, “The competition is about to start. I’ll rely on my expertise to make it to the end. Even if I don’t succeed, I’ll have no regrets.”With those words, she turned and walked away, her determination unwavering.As the match began, whispers rippled through the crowd, and judgmental stares followed her every move. The rumors surrounding her had painted her in an unfavorable light, and the disdain from the audience was palpable.Jamie, however, paid no mind to the negativity. With legal codes in hand and confidence in her knowledge, she stepped onto the stage and began her defense, her voice calm and commanding as she addressed the mock case.“During the altercation,” Jamie started, “evidence shows that the aggressor retained mobility and the ability to continue the attack. Miss Russell’s actions to neutralize the threat were necessary and should not be classified as excessive self-defense.” Her delivery was poised, her argument well-structure
It was obvious that someone was deliberately stirring the pot, with influencers and media outlets amplifying the negativity. Jamie stared at the barrage of critical comments online, her heart growing heavier with each passing moment.She knew the best course of action was to ignore baseless accusations and focus on the task at hand—her next competition round. With the match scheduled for the next day, she resolved to give it her all. Jamie refused to let the rumors distract her. The next day, she arrived at the competition venue with her confidence intact, ready to tackle the challenges ahead. The preliminary rounds were grueling, with one debate following another, testing her endurance and resolve.Just as she was catching her breath, Attorney Freeman sauntered over, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Well, well, looks like we’ve got someone who used connections to get in. Makes you wonder why the rest of us even bother trying, doesn’t it?”His words immediately drew the atten