Unexpectedly, just as they entered the foyer, they saw Nash's mother, Sally, sitting on the sofa with a dark expression.“You all stir up public opinion, and yet you seem quite carefree yourself.”At the Harris Corporation’s banquet, Nash had defended Nina, and the incident was still trending.Nash gave Nina a look. Nina understood but still greeted Sally, “Mom, breakfast is ready. If you haven’t eaten yet, I can have the helper prepare a portion for you.”In the villa, the helpers knew their duties well. Since Nina had not gone to the kitchen herself, the helper would prepare breakfast when it was time.However, Sally did not even look at Nina, “Nash, I’m talking to you!”Nash responded calmly, “The fact that Nina and I are married will come out sooner or later. Besides, everyone talks.”So many people, so many mouths. He did not see the need to bother.Sally’s chest heaved visibly. She suppressed her anger, “I heard your little aunt invited you to a masquerade?”Nash’s tone
Nash did not want to engage further, "Nina's already taken care of delivering the items for you. If you need anything else, just give us a call."The implication was clear which was not to come over unless absolutely necessary. Nash's dismissiveness was palpable. It seemed Sally would have to step up her efforts with Miranda!Sally did not want to argue with Nash there, "I am the lady of the York family, your father's wife."But Nash could not be bothered to continue the conversation, walking away without another word.—Nina carried the health supplements to the hospital to see Miranda. When Miranda heard the door open, she thought it was Nash.So, when she saw Nina, the joy that appeared on her face instantly froze. “Why is it you?”Nina calmly responded, “My mother-in-law wasn’t feeling well, so I came to deliver this as a favor.”Saying this, Nina walked to Miranda’s bedside and placed the health supplements on the nightstand. Nina left the room as soon as she put down the
The voice was so familiar that it made Nina tense up. She turned around, trying to conceal her emotions.To her surprise, it was her college classmate, Mike Denver. She remembered Mike well.Three months ago, he had joined York Corporation's technical department, and Nina had personally interviewed him. Beyond their shared college background, Mike not only aced the interview but also met all the qualifications impressively.Nina managed a small smile. "What a coincidence." Perhaps her desire to keep the baby made her feel guilty, as if she were a thief."I took the day off for a health check at the hospital and did not expect to run into you here. Hey, Nina, are you going to our class president's baby boy's first celebration next Friday?" Mike glanced at Nina as he spoke slowly.The class president was a down-to-earth and honest guy from a small town in the countryside. He was renowned around campus for his unwavering helpfulness and kindness to all, ever ready to lend a hand to
Then she phoned Yvonne. Yvonne's voice sounded sleepy, and Nina felt apologetic. "I'm sorry if I disturbed your rest. But I'm on my way to the mall now, near your place. I'll find a spot and wait for you there.""Okay," Yvonne didn't decline.Upon reaching the mall, Nina located a popular boba tea shop and ordered two drinks. When Yvonne arrived, she spotted Nina from a distance, seated at a small cream-colored round table, cradling a cup of milk tea."Why did you decide to call me out today, and to such a trendy spot? What's your motive?" Yvonne teased Nina with a sidelong glance. Despite her playful tone, she pulled out a chair and seated herself opposite Nina.Nina smiled, "No particular reason, just wanted you to join me for a stroll, and then... Nash told me that Quincy has already settled the matters with the exhibition center."Yvonne's mood had been fine, joking around with Nina, but the mention of Nash reminded her of the veiled threats in his words and Nina’s leniency to
This was her rival, Mia Lloyd. Whenever she held an art exhibition, Mia would quickly follow suit. If she released a design, Mia would too. Whatever she did, Mia would imitate. Some salespeople just gravitated towards those who seemed more influential. How could Nina allow someone to take clothes out of Yvonne’s hands that she had picked for her?Nina immediately pulled out the black card Nash had given her from her purse. "Charge it, I'm buying this dress." Holding Yvonne’s hand, Nina came out of the fitting room. Clearly, there was no need to try it on. The intention was to outclass Mia in every respect.When Mia and the salesperson saw the black card, their eyes widened, especially Mia, who was infuriated. "You, just a mere secretary, dare to flaunt your boss’s black card here?" She was the top VIP here! As for Yvonne, while talented, she could not compete with Mia in terms of wealth and influence. And Nina was just a secretary! “Watch your mouth!” Yvonne could not hold
"Stop arguing! Whether someone got hit or is a mistress, it has nothing to do with us! We should mind our own business!""A mistress flaunting a black card? That's hilarious. I wondered how she became the CEO's secretary at such a young age; turns out it's all thanks to her 'bedroom skills'!""Nina is quite something. Last time at the banquet, Mr. York was furious defending her, and you guys don’t know, she even pushed out Mr. York’s first love!""Really? If Nina is so capable, why didn’t Mr. York marry her?""Is it that easy to become the wife in a wealthy family?"...As the online discussion unfolded, blame shifted towards Nina, with some going as far as creating a photoshopped black and white obituary photo of her, depicting her in a derogatory light.Meanwhile, Miranda seemed especially satisfied with the turn of events. During this period, she orchestrated a scene, deliberately unwrapping the package of health supplements Nina had sent her. These were collagen supplements
Seeing this, Sally could not remain calm; her anger skyrocketed. She immediately signaled to her bodyguard, "Follow Nash and Nina."With Nina detained, Nash could not simply ignore the situation. Indeed, Nash had already rushed to the police station.Nina, Yvonne, and Mia were held in the same interrogation room. Mia had people to bail her out, so she could leave the police station as soon as someone arrived for her. She had deliberately requested to be in the same room as Nina and Yvonne. Because only then, when she was bailed out, could she dampen their spirits.Unexpectedly, the first to arrive to bail someone out from Nina's side was none other than Nash, the CEO of York Corporation!Nash was dressed in a smoke-gray shirt and black trousers, standing tall at 188 centimeters, his presence commanding and solitary. However, his piercing gaze was not to be overlooked.The moment Nash appeared, it spoke volumes. Regardless of whether Nina was his mistress, at that moment, it was cl
Mia could not refuse. "Okay," she reluctantly agreed.Nina then added, "Just saying it isn't enough. You need to write an agreement promising not to oppose Yvonne.""Okay." Mia, realizing she had no choice but to comply to avoid accountability from Nash, reluctantly agreed.In less than three minutes, Mia had drafted the agreement and even stamped it with her fingerprint for authenticity.However, when she handed it to Nina for approval, Nina pointed out, “Your promise is to Yvonne.”Reluctantly, Mia passed the agreement to Yvonne. Yvonne quickly glanced over it, surprised at how quickly Mia had written it.Unexpectedly, Nash added, "Quincy, take action. For openly inciting public opinion, detain her for a few days!""Yes." Quincy quickly complied.Mia was stunned. She was a fashion designer, a somewhat famous painter, and even the daughter of the wealthy Llyod family. Being detained for a few days would make her the laughingstock of her social circle.“Mr. York… Nina, Miss Ni
The moment Vera heard her assistant’s words, her expression darkened. Her previously calm tone turned firm. “If that’s the case, I understand. But I still have to go. This is my responsibility, and no one else can handle it.” If she didn’t take the lead, the other party would only grow bolder. However, the moment she glanced at the name on the negotiation list, she couldn’t help but frown. Because the person she was supposed to meet wasn’t just anyone. It was Helena Xander. Vera had encountered her before—back when her relationship with Caleb hadn’t yet escalated. Even then, Helena had openly mocked her, saying that since Caleb had been Luna’s devoted lapdog for years, he should know his place and never overstep. She had also thrown a few sharp words at Vera, telling her to recognize her own status—as if warning her that getting involved would only bring trouble. Back then, Vera hadn’t taken it seriously. She never thought she would cross paths with the
“Alright, enough of this. If you’re serious about investigating, you’ll need proper psychological evaluations,” Caleb said nonchalantly.“The best way to assess something like this is through clinical observation—watch for behavioral inconsistencies, memory gaps, or personality shifts. If you can, gather video footage of his daily life. That’s the only way to get a clearer picture. Otherwise, it’s just speculation.”Caleb made the remark casually, then swiftly issued a dismissal.“You came all the way here just to mess with me? What about your own situation? How’s that going?” Caleb’s sarcasm was dry and pointed. Hunter let out a long sigh. “What else could it be? Business as usual. Compared to others, I’m probably the only one with enough patience for this mess.” He was, of course, referring to his ongoing battle with Liam. Caleb gave him a small nod. “Alright, you should get going now. I need to rest. Don’t loiter around here.” Without hesitation, he waved his hand
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