But suddenly, there was a cold voice in her ear. "Do you know that I’m your cousin-in-law?" Sue's body stiffened, and she looked up to see Nash staring at her with icy eyes. There was no trace of normal male desire in his eyes, just coldness, as if she were performing a solo act. It sent shivers down her spine. Sue tightened her grip on her hands, trying to compose herself, her tone becoming soft, "Of course, I know you're my cousin-in-law."Nash frowned. Seeing this, Sue offered eagerly, "Nash, are you having a headache? Let me massage it for you." She was about to reach out when Nash said, neither cold nor warm, "Since you know I'm your cousin-in-law, shouldn't you know your boundaries?" Sue saw him distant, showing no interest in her whatsoever.How could that be? What man wouldn't like a young and beautiful woman? Sue forced a smile, "Nash, I just want to help you. Since my cousin isn't home, I'll do it. I'm even more considerate than my cousin." Her words carried a hint
Why did Sue set her sights on Nash? Sue emerged with her elbow scraped and tears streaming down her face. Fearful of being mocked by Nina, she hurried away. Nina watched her silhouette and furrowed her brows once more. Then, she turned to Nash. His expression had not softened as he coldly stared at her. "Your cousin was trying to seduce me, didn't you see?" Nina calmly replied, "I saw." Her response darkened Nash's face further. "No reaction?" he asked. Nina didn't understand, "What reaction do you need?" Nash's face grew even colder. He observed that Nina never reacted when any woman tried to seduce him. She didn't get angry or upset, not even shedding a tear. But this annoyed him greatly. She never felt jealous.After a moment, Nina added, "I was surprised to see Sue act like that, but now I understand. She never liked me and wanted to retaliate. I'm sorry for the trouble she's caused you." "Is that all?" Nash stared at her. "Yes," she replied.Nash's gaze turned icy,
"I'm considering your best interests!" Lily's mother said sternly. "Xander just can't compare to his older brother! Money rules over everything else. Look at how glorious Nina is. She's praised by so many. The moment her name is mentioned, everyone knows how outstanding she is. And how about your daughter? Even if she marries an old man, as long as he's wealthy, she'll never have to worry for the rest of her life!""Mom!" Lily disagreed. "I'm not as materialistic as you. You're obsessed with money. Everyone says I'm petty. I know who I resemble now—it's you. You're the one who's led me down this path, and now you want my daughter to follow in my footsteps!""How can you say that? What's wrong with that?" Lily's mother retorted angrily."Fine, fine, fine! I'm useless then. If that's what you think, then go on, go find your son. Stop bothering me, your daughter!" Lily's heart turned cold. She couldn't understand why she had a mother like this.Nina heard everything from outside the d
Nina knew very well that this person had contact with them all. After Lily vented her emotions, she calmly asked, "At the scene where Xander abducted me that day, there was another person, a woman. She didn't want me to recognize her, so she altered her voice. You framed me. I already know someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes. Another person was present during my abduction, and I suspect it's the same person. To uncover who killed Xander, we have to rely on your identification!""Nonsense, pure nonsense, it's impossible!" Lily didn't believe it. "You're just trying to absolve yourself and lessen your guilt!"Lily's refusal to accept reality was evident. She couldn't bear to admit that Nina's kidnapping led to this dire situation. Instead, she shifted all blame onto Nina, absolving themselves of any responsibility.Nina's words were clear: "Think carefully for yourself. Is Xander's death worth it? If not, tell me who that woman is. I won't let her off the hook!"These w
Linda didn't dodge; she just tilted her head and looked back at Nina. "Why are you so angry, Nina? Assaulting someone is against the law!"Nina sternly retorted, "The things you've done could land you in jail!"Unfazed, Linda smiled and replied, "What things? Nina, don't falsely accuse me. I haven't done anything wrong; I'm just here on a trip.""Nina, what are you doing!" Suddenly, Sally approached from nearby, her face not looking too pleased at seeing Nina hitting someone. She rebuked, "You're getting too hot-tempered, even hitting Linda. She's carrying the seed of our York family in her belly. Can you afford to pay if you damage it?"Nina glanced over as Sally came to support her. Taking advantage of this, Linda's eyes gleamed with a victorious smile. "Sally, it's nothing. She can't conceive, so she's envious of others. That's why she gets angry seeing me."Sally sharply remarked, "She can't lay eggs, yet she expects others not to bear offspring. She's been spoiled!"Nina fur
Linda instinctively covered her stomach, palms sweating. She forced a smile, "I haven't done anything wrong, so I'm not afraid of retribution."Seeing them speak in riddles, Sally didn't quite understand. However, sensing something amiss with Nina, she coldly asked, "What are you doing here? I’m just trying to take a break and still run into you."Linda quickly replied, "I just asked, it seems Nina attended a funeral here, right in this place.""A funeral?" Sally felt embarrassed and quickly pulled Linda away, saying, "Don't stand with her, it's ominous!"Nina pursed her lips and remarked calmly, "The area you're in is all cemetery.""In such a place? Linda, why would you come here?" Sally urged, "Let's go elsewhere, this place is too eerie, not good for the baby!"As they conversed, Sue, who happened to be standing at the entrance of the cemetery, caught sight of them. She frowned at Linda's figure. It was that woman!Sue clenched her fists, brows furrowed. Why was that woman h
"I told Dad that Nina was bullying you, which led to the police detaining you. He was furious and went to confront Nina. But he shouldn't have kidnapped her. Could it be true what she said, that someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes? Think about that woman who helped us. Could it be her...?" Sue felt a chilling sensation creeping over her. How could someone help others without any reason? If not for a purpose...Then, had her father also believed her nonsense?"It's impossible, it's impossible..." Lily refused to believe this fact.Sue said, "If someone else killed Dad, what should we do?"She did not know what to do next.They could not let her father's death be in vain and let the culprit escape unpunished.---"Is it over?" Standing there, his tall figure towering, Nash asked as the car parked behind him, seeing Nina walking over.Nina looked up at him. "Yes, it's over.""They've all gone back. Why did you take so long?" Nash noticed her late arrival.N
She gazed at Nash suddenly, noticing his icy demeanor and his chilling gaze. He spoke coolly, "You've been acting strange lately. Are you afraid I'll find out something?" Nina's heart skipped a beat. "What's wrong? Find... find what?"Nash replied, "Ever since you started finding women for me, I've sensed something off about you. And sneaking off to the hospital!"Nina avoided his gaze. "My life is perfectly normal. You're just imagining things.""Then tell me why. Give me a convincing reason!" Nash always felt Nina was being secretive, as if she had a secret he had not uncovered yet. He could not quite guess what it was and had to wait for her to confess.Nina crossed her hands, trying to ease her tension, and spoke lightly, "Nash, haven't you noticed something off about yourself?""Me? Something off?"After all this time, Nash only got such an explanation from Nina. Her explanation was a bit hard to believe. "What's wrong with me?""Your attention has been entirely on me l
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