Even if she wouldn't accept, Sally would accept it. She couldn't go against her wishes. And she definitely wouldn't stoop to being the villain.After a while, there was a knock on the door. Linda, in her room, asked, "Who is it?""It's me, Miranda," came the reply.Linda hesitated for a moment but still went to open the door. Miranda stood there, holding a bowl of soup, smiling gently at her. "Since you didn't come down, I brought you some soup. Sally made it, and it smells delicious.""I'm not really hungry," Linda said.Miranda placed the soup on the table and turned to look at her. "Did you lose your appetite because you saw me coming?"Linda hurriedly denied, "No, don't think like that.""That's good then," Miranda said, affectionately taking her hand. "You're young, so call me sister from now on. If you need anything, just let me know. As long as I can, I'll help you."Her warmth made Linda feel a bit overwhelmed. "I...""Don't be shy. I'm an only child and always wanted
This struck a chord with Linda. Nina's fondness for Nash made it difficult for Linda to comprehend how she could bear to divorce him. Could it be that Nina was trying to confuse her and lower her guard? Nina had previously cautioned her against developing an infatuation with Nash, yet it seemed that Nina herself had developed feelings for him.With a child on the way, Linda worried that Nina might plot against the child in the future.Feeling apprehensive, Linda held her belly tightly. She was determined not to let Nina succeed and harm her child.Observing Linda's expression, Miranda decided to end the conversation. "You should rest well. Remember to drink the soup; it's good for the baby. I'll leave now."With that, Miranda walked out, a faint smirk playing on her lips. Linda felt unsettled by Miranda's words. She knew she had to take action. Suddenly, she thought of Nina's aunt and cousin. She wondered how they were doing.—Nina had just finished giving her statement at the
Xander frowned as he continued to smoke. "Don't speak so harshly. If I have money, wouldn't I repay it? I'll pay you back in the future, as long as you lend it to me.""I don't have money to lend you," Nina replied. "If there's nothing else, I won't chat with you anymore."Nina walked away without even looking back, leaving Xander feeling disregarded. He threw the cigarette on the ground and menacingly said, "Nina, don't force me. It won't look good if things turn ugly!"Nina drove away directly.She knew exactly what her uncle wanted. Their family was like a bottomless pit—once she gave in, there would be endless requests for money in the future.Coincidentally, Linda, who was hiding in the corner, witnessed this scene.Observing Xander's frustration and hostility towards Nina, Linda thought of another way.If Nina were to disappear from this world, no one would threaten her or her unborn child anymore. If she defeated them, she might even be able to secure the position of Mrs.
Quincy had no choice but to hang up. Just after he hung up, the phone rang again."Mr. York, it might be something urgent," Quincy said.Nash was reading today's newspaper. He looked up as the phone rang again, this time from Yvonne. Normally, her calls didn't come through to him. If they did, it had to be related to Nina.Nash closed the newspaper. "Give it to me."Quincy handed the phone to Nash. As soon as he answered, he heard Yvonne's urgent voice on the other end. "Nash, why aren't you answering your phone? Don't you care about Nina anymore?"Hearing her urgency, Nash pursed his lips. "What's going on?""Nina's phone is not working!" Yvonne said anxiously. "She was supposed to meet me an hour ago, but she didn't show up. She's always on time and never disappears without reason. I think something has happened to her!"Nash's heart tightened. Any lingering resentment disappeared in that moment, and he sat up straight. "Did she mention where she was going?"Yvonne regretted
Nash quickly grabbed his phone and located the person in the surveillance footage. Unaware of being recorded, the person tried to avoid the cameras, changed clothes in a blind spot, and left. It took some time, but Nash eventually found him."Let's leave right away!" Nash exclaimed, and they quickly got into the car to follow the trail.---Nina felt exhausted, her body devoid of strength. Despite resting, she felt trapped in a state of lethargy, unable to wake up.She heard a muffled and distant voice, "What should we do now?""We've tied her up. It's time to get rid of her!" a female voice replied."Get rid of her? You want me to have blood on my hands? She's my niece. No, I just want money!" Xander hesitated, never intending harm. "Call Nash. If he wants his wife back, he'll bring money!""No, you can't call him! Are you insane?" The woman panicked, preventing Xander from reaching for his phone. "If Nash finds out, we're dead. You kidnapped Nina. He'll come after us. If you d
"I have money, please don't hurt me!" Nina's body was soaked in sweat, feeling completely drenched. She immediately opened her mouth to speak, recognizing that her first priority was to save her own life.Her eyes met Xander's, and she took in the chaotic room she was in, her hands bound. Seeing the man standing before her, her face turned pale. "Uncle."Xander stared at her coldly. "Now you're finally willing to call me uncle?"Nina hadn't expected him to be so heartless as to kidnap her, regardless of their family ties. She didn't anticipate him showing any mercy now, but she still asked, "What do I need to do for you to release me?""You mentioned having money," Xander said, holding the card that Nash had given her."Is there money on this card?""Yes, there is money."A glimmer of a smile appeared on Xander's face, as greed sparkled in his eyes. "How much?"Nina inquired, "If I give it to you, will you let me go?"Before he could respond, another voice interrupted, "No!"
With that being said, Xander began to feel convinced. This person had appeared out of nowhere, surely with some ulterior motive to approach him. However, Nina was still his niece. He felt compelled, and had to be concerned about others plotting against him. His gaze shifted towards the woman.She became anxious and indignant. "She's trying to create discord. If it weren't for my advice, would Nina willingly give you the money? We're supposed to be working together!"Despite everything, Xander was certain about his own intentions. He turned to Nina. "Nina, give me the password, and I promise she won't harm you."Nina did not dare to trust him hastily. Just as she hesitated, the sound of a car outside suddenly reached their ears. This made Xander panic.He grabbed Nina, holding a knife to her throat, nervously stating, "Someone's outside!"Nina, staring at the knife in front of her, did not even dare to breathe. The woman realized that things had taken a turn for the worse. "She's i
Exactly. He could transfer two hundred million to her account. So why hesitate over ten million? Nina looked down, feeling a pang of bitterness in her heart. He was good, really good. But each act of kindness felt like a stab to her heart, making it difficult to move on while also causing her pain.Xander smiled and promptly recited his bank account number. Nash took out his phone and made a call. "Transfer ten million to this account immediately!" The woman hiding behind them panicked at the sight. No, this couldn't happen! Nina had to disappear completely!A message alert sounded on Xander's phone. He checked the message: the bank had sent him a notification. He glanced at the balance: ten million! It was more money than he had ever seen in his life. Xander felt excited and happy as he put his phone in his pocket. "How can I be sure you'll let me go once I release Nina?" he asked.Nash replied, "There's a car here. You can drive away. I won't stop you.""Then let me go."Xan
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,