Her actions were too intense, which made Nash could not help but feel puzzled. "What's wrong?" he asked.Nina was a bit flustered, her hand instinctively caressing her stomach. Had her stomach gotten slightly bigger? It was not time for that yet.As Nina locked eyes with Nash, she saw his suspicious gaze upon her, which made her even more nervous. She said, "Maybe I ate too much. I want to sleep early. Let's go to bed."After speaking, Nina lay down, closing her eyes, not wanting to face Nash's questioning.Nash looked at her, then glanced at her voluptuous figure. Indeed, she looked much better than before when she was thinner. But Nina's reaction was significant, casting doubt on him again.Nina had become different from before. But now, she was different in too many ways. For instance, she was not as devoted to him, wanted a divorce, and even considered quitting her job.It seemed like, in the blink of an eye, she had changed completely. It was really something he was not used
Nina glanced sideways.On the notebook, there was a note about a white T-shirt. She had not remembered wrong. It was his simplest attire back then, full of youthful vigor. Why would she have it noted in her notebook? The notebook had been around for some time, maybe she had not had the chance to cross it out."Nina?" Serene noticed Nina's absent-minded look and called out to her.Nina snapped back to reality, lips curling into a slight smile. "Cross it out, I remembered wrong.""Okay," Serene replied.She thought, how could someone like Mr. York, who dominated the business world, have a habit of wearing a white T-shirt?Serene was a recent graduate, but she had a strong ability to learn. Nina thought she was very suitable for Nash.She found the right assistant for Nash. Now that she had found the right one for him, he should finally be willing to let her go.She sat at her desk, lost in thought.Serene noticed her gaze and asked, "Nina, are you feeling unwell?"Nina smiled w
Nash gestured towards the group, "So according to you all, I need the approval of you high-level executives to hire a new employee?""We didn't say that."From the back, Serene heard Nash mention her and spoke up amidst the silence, "Hello everyone, I'm the new employee, Serene. It's a pleasure to meet all the high-level executives."Their gaze turned to Serene with confusion. They were still wondering where this girl had come from and what gave her the right to speak?Seeing them look at her, Serene became bolder and continued to defend her stance, "Mr. York is the leader here and his call for this meeting is a gesture of respect to all. But let's not forget, the ultimate decision-making power lies with Mr. York. His intentions are consistently geared toward the company's benefit. If you're on Mr. York's team, it's because you recognize his capabilities. So why cast doubt on his actions? Could it be that you're having second thoughts?"At her words, Nash narrowed his eyes. Serene
Nash's dark eyes were tinged with a chill. "Where did you find this person?"She had found someone so quickly. Next it was time for her to leave him. He had not even agreed, yet she had arranged everything so confidently! Nina pushed him, her hand moving involuntarily. "It was a normal recruitment process, Nash. Did not you admire her?""If you don't want to work, I'll allow you to resign. You can just focus on being Mrs. York at home," Nash's voice was low and chilling. With a slight pressure from his hand, Nina was forced to look up, and in that moment, their eyes met. Nina frowned. "Why? Do you think I don't want to work and just want to be Mrs. York at home? Have you forgotten what you said when we got married? Know your place, don't overstep boundaries. When the three-year deadline is up, we'll divorce! Why are you so unwilling to divorce me?""Shut up!" Nash clenched his teeth, barely containing his patience. He did not want to hear the word "divorce" again. Nina did not w
"This makes sense. But Nina, with that face and figure, is truly stunning!"Nina was still unaware that she had caught someone's eye. Because of what Nash had said, she was doing her best here to help the newcomer, Serene. Serene was by her side, aware that Nina was not feeling well today, and even took the initiative to help block the alcohol. She had a strong tolerance and carried herself with grace and confidence. Since Nina did not drink, Serene could indeed share a lot of responsibilities with Nash on behalf of her. Serene was also able to address the issues raised by the collaborators one by one, and even earned praise from them. They were praising Nash. "Mr. York, where did you find such a gem?""Mr. Larson, have you ever heard of the saying 'A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials'?" Serene effortlessly countered with just one sentence. She likened herself to a stone, shaped by both Nina and Nash, while also flattering Mr. Larson.
Her wrist suddenly felt a force, pulling her backward. The next moment, she fell into a warm embrace. The subtle scent of alcohol and tobacco prompted Nina to take a deep breath."Sean Zimmer, I'm not dead yet."The stern words pounded down from above Nina's head. Sean, seeing Nash on the other side, was taken aback. So many people were gossiping about Nina behind her back and Nash even brought a newcomer along. But now, Nash was here defending Nina? Whatever the case, addressing the situation with Nash was the main point now!Sean locked eyes with Nash and flashed a strained smile. "Mr. York, even though we haven't worked together yet, I believe we have a promising future ahead."Nash stayed quiet, his lips forming a thin line. A chill seemed to emanate from his black eyes.Nina could tell that this was a sign of his growing anger.Nina cleared her throat, about to say something when Nash grabbed a nearby bottle of alcohol and viciously aimed it at Sean's head—"Ah!"The ago
"Why did you stop me just now?" Nash gritted his teeth.With raging anger burning within, he could not contain himself. He grabbed Nina and pulled her close before she could react, his large hand immediately restraining her.Nina's voice was hoarse as she replied, "The other party is, after all, the CEO of a company. As he said, there's a long road ahead for you two. Plus, there were many people around at the time. Your actions could lead to negative publicity...""So I'm just supposed to stand by while another man makes a move on my wife?" Nash cut her off with a cold smirk before Nina could finish her sentence. His smile did not reach his eyes, which were now filled with a chilling hostility.Ignoring him, Nina said, "Anyway, we're secretly married."They were in a secret marriage, bound by a three-year agreement to keep it concealed. Since Nash would not deliberately seek media attention, and if she did not disclose it, who would know she was Nash's former wife?Nash sneered,
As Nash shoved her, he also tapped the answer button. Nina was right next to him, so she could hear perfectly well."Nash, I'm so scared... Can you come? I feel like I've seen Linda again, ah—!" "Beep beep!" After Miranda's fearful scream, the phone emitted a busy tone. Nash put away his phone and then spoke to the driver ahead, "Take me to the hospital first, then drop Nina off at Riverview Estate." His tone brooked no objections. "Okay." The driver followed his instructions and changed the route. In less than forty minutes, the driver pulled up to the hospital entrance. Nash looked at Nina sitting beside him and said calmly, "I'll be back later. When I come back, I hope to see you!" It was not a plea, but a command. With that, he turned and walked away. The tall, aloof figure left a sharp sting in Nina's eyes, piercing her heart. But in an instant, she was already bloody and battered. He got jealous when he saw her with other men. But what about him? Even though Mirand
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,