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
The car Xander was in suddenly exploded, with flames spreading across the sky and the vehicle bursting open instantly. Nina stood frozen in shock, her fair face illuminated by the fire, her eyes wide open. How could this happen? How could the car explode? Even though she wasn't close to her uncle, he was still her blood relative. If someone died in front of her, she would still be afraid. Nina's mind went blank, and tears silently streamed down her face. She stood there for a while, like a zombie, subconsciously moving towards the site of the explosion."Nina!" Nash, still in disbelief, noticed Nina's actions. Concerned for her safety, he firmly grasped her wrist and pulled her into his arms. His gaze was grave as he sternly said, "It's dangerous over there. Don't go!""Quincy, get someone to put out the fire!" Nina, with red eyes, resisted Nash for a moment but then calmly said, "It's okay. I'll just watch from afar. There won't be any danger."She just wanted to see if he had
Nash frowned, his concern evident. "It's clear that you passed out earlier. It's safer for you to get checked." Nina adjusted her clothes, her eyes fixed on the blood staining Nash's hands. "I think you need the check-up more than I do." She hurriedly got out of bed and added, "I just have a small cut on my neck. It just needs bandaging. Doctor, please attend to Mr. York first."Nash squinted at Nina, sensing that something was amiss. She seemed different, as if she were hiding something. She declined the check-up but then secretly went to a private hospital.What could she be up to?The doctor, observing their disagreement, intervened. "Mr. York, allow me to tend to your wounds first." Nash didn't respond directly to the doctor but instead questioned Nina, "You don't want a check-up, yet you sneak off to a private hospital. Is there something you're hiding from me?"His gaze grew cold once more, and his tone became distant.Nina felt nervous on the inside but kept a calm exte
Nina didn't see it that way, even though she had spoken disdainfully to Miranda. She was just protecting herself. "Don't you know there's someone else I like?" Nina said. That sentence shut Nash down completely. She had feelings for someone else. But he had never seen this man! It seemed to become a puzzle between them. Nash's handsome face grew cold and stern, yet he had to say, "You don't need to mention this man. When the contract expires, I'll let you go. Even if you don't give me the divorce papers, I'll deliver them to you!" They could only get their shares when the marriage contract expired. Nina knew that. Without saying it explicitly, she cooperated with him. It was a kind of repayment to him. "Alright," Nina took out her phone and glanced at the calendar. "There aren't many days left. I hope Mr. York will find time when the time comes." Nash didn't reply further.Both of them had their wounds bandaged by the doctor. Nina's wound was just a shallow cut on the skin
Vera forced an awkward smile at Hunter before quickly retreating back into the bathroom to change. Hunter, watching her leave, couldn't help but smirk. “You’re really living the good life, huh?” he teased. “Didn’t expect you to have such luck.” Caleb rolled his eyes, clearly uninterested. “Enough with the nonsense. Why are you here? And who exactly were you talking about over the phone?” He didn’t want to entertain pointless banter, especially not about women. If he was being honest, even he couldn’t fully explain his feelings toward Luna. He wasn’t sure what was left between them—was it love, or just the remnants of something that had long turned sour? That pitiful look in her eyes earlier had shaken him. For a fleeting moment, he had wanted to pull her into his arms, to comfort her like he used to. But after so many years of being humiliated and pushed aside, he had forgotten how to even speak to her anymore. So instead, he did what was easiest—he change
Hunter spoke casually, his tone light. “Just someone, that’s all. Do you really need all these details?” Caleb was now certain of his suspicion. “Hunter, did you forget what I do for a living? I’m a doctor. If you’re asking me about this, I need to get a clear picture before I can give you an answer.” Hunter exhaled lightly. “That’s fair, but some things can’t be diagnosed right away.” Based on the information Yelena provided earlier, Hunter was only speculating about Liam. But Caleb was an expert in this area, so he specifically called to ask him.Still, explaining everything over the phone wasn’t going to work. “Forget it,” Hunter said. “This isn’t something I can explain over a call. Where are you? I’ll come over.” Caleb hesitated for a moment before glancing at Vera, who was still beside him. In the end, he gave Hunter the address to his villa. Hunter chuckled. “Haha. I’m surprised. You actually do go home to rest.” Caleb ignored the jab and tossed his p
“Call me Liam.” Before Yelena could finish speaking, Liam cut her off with a sharp, angry voice. She quickly nodded and corrected herself. “Liam, don’t worry. I’ll do exactly as you say. I’ll be good. I won’t make you angry again.” But Liam didn’t care. With a violent shove, he threw her to the ground. Yelena barely had time to brace herself before hitting the cold floor hard, pain radiating through her limbs. Liam, however, just looked down at her with a twisted grin, laughing like she was nothing more than a ridiculous joke. “You’d better learn fast,” he sneered. “And leave your hand broken for a few days—feel the pain properly.” “Alright.” Her voice was quiet, submissive. But Liam wasn’t listening. Without another glance, he turned and walked away. As she watched his retreating figure, Yelena felt a deep sense of dread rise in her throat. Liam wasn’t human. He was something far worse. Her future with him would be nothing short of hell.
Yelena had made her stance clear—her loyalty was with Hunter. But instead of being convinced, Hunter let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You sure your loyalty is to me? Or is it just to money?” His words hit like a slap. Yelena stiffened, feeling the sting of humiliation. It was true. When she had been desperate, with nowhere left to turn, she had thrown herself at Hunter, begging him for help. If she had any other choice, if she hadn’t been pushed into a corner, she would have never given up her pride like that. Lowering her gaze, she spoke with measured calmness. “Mr. Hall, you gave me two hundred thousand dollars. You helped me when no one else did. That makes you my benefactor. And loyalty to one’s benefactor… that’s only right.” She didn’t dare meet his eyes, but her voice was firm. Hunter studied her for a moment before scoffing. “Enough with the useless talk.” His voice was cold and dismissive. “Just go back to Liam’s side and do what you’re suppose
Yelena needed to tell Hunter about this. But before she could finish, Hunter’s cold voice cut through her thoughts. She lowered her head. “This is just how I normally dress. I didn’t deliberately choose my outfit to seduce you, Mr. Hunter. Besides, your brother isn’t even interested in me.” She hesitated before adding, “That two hundred thousand…” Hunter narrowed his eyes. “What are you trying to say?” Seeing his growing impatience, Yelena clenched her fists, still looking down. “I mean exactly what I said. Any normal man wouldn’t turn down a woman who willingly throws herself at him. That night, Liam clearly said he would take me somewhere else… but when we got there, he never touched me. Ever since then, he treats me like I don’t even exist—like I’m nothing but air.” Hunter’s expression darkened instantly. “Are you implying something?” The implication in Yelena’s words was clear. She had just suggested that any normal man wouldn’t refuse a willing woman.
Vera, as a bystander, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pity for Luna. But if she felt that way, how much worse must it be for Caleb—the man who had loved Luna for years? His pain was unimaginable. Yet, despite the hurt clawing at his chest, Caleb remained cold and unmoved. He didn’t let go. He didn’t waver at Luna’s tearful pleas. Instead, his voice was indifferent as he spoke. “Luna, women always say that late affection is the cheapest thing of all. But the same goes for men—I don’t love you the way I used to. You should go back to Simon.” And as if to drive the knife even deeper, he added, “I’m sure Simon still loves you very much.” If Luna had truly wanted Simon’s love, she would have accepted it long ago. She would have stayed by his side instead of chasing after Caleb now. In the end, men and women were the same. When they loved you, they would cherish you like a treasure. When they stopped, you became nothing more than an afterthought.
Caleb had no desire to argue with Luna any further. Instead, he turned to Vera. With just one look, she understood and stepped closer to him. Caleb wrapped an arm around her waist. “Luna,” he said calmly, “being with Vera isn’t as exhausting as being with you. Love should go both ways. I hope you can understand that.” “No!” Luna’s voice cracked. “She’s only with you because you helped her solve her problems. If you weren’t Caleb Smith, if you didn’t have the power to fix things for her, she’d be nothing!” Her dark eyes burned with resentment as she glared at Vera. Vera knew she had become Luna’s enemy—but what could she do? Caleb had already made his stance clear. Was she supposed to deny it? Pretend he didn’t just declare his feelings in front of Luna? With a steady voice, Vera replied, “Yes, I do go along with Caleb. He treats me well, and we’ve chosen to be together. We’re both single adults. What exactly is the problem?” She met Luna’s icy gaze head
Caleb had never seen Luna like this before. But then again, even after realizing her feelings, she still carried herself with the same untouchable arrogance. He turned his head away, refusing to look at her. “Don’t you already have Simon by your side? “Or is he not enough for you?” The moment the words left Caleb’s lips, Luna felt a sharp stab of pain in her chest. Simon had always been the biggest issue between her and Caleb. To her, there was nothing between them now—just an unresolved regret from the past. Yet Caleb had never stopped making it an issue, over and over again. “You keep bringing up Simon because you want me to push him away. But tell me, Caleb, where exactly do you expect me to send him? He’s alone with a daughter to care for.“We’ve known each other for years. It’s not just about Simon. If you were in his position, I would help you too.” Luna’s voice was steady, her words firm—completely oblivious to the mistake in her reasoning. Caleb ha
Luna took a deep breath, clarity washing over her. In that moment, she knew that she had to get Caleb back. She yanked her hand free from Simon’s grasp. “Simon, I need to go find Caleb,” she said firmly. “I’ll be leaving now. You and your daughter can rest here. Stay in this villa for now, and once you have the money, I’ll sell it to you at half price.” With that, she turned and walked away without hesitation. Luna drove as fast as she could to find Caleb. Caleb was a complete workaholic—aside from the hospital, there was nowhere else he would be.But when she arrived, he was nowhere to be found. A nurse informed her that Caleb had taken the day off. Luna knew exactly where his private villa was. Instead of calling him, she went there directly. She knocked on the door, and to her surprise, the person who answered wasn’t Caleb—but Vera. Vera seemed equally taken aback but quickly regained her composure, maintaining polite courtesy. “Miss Gibson, please wait h