Seeing Nina in this state, Nash could not help but furrow his brows. "Didn’t you go to the hospital for a check-up?""Yeah, they gave me some medicine and I'm taking it."A shiver ran down Nina's spine, her throat constricted. She avoided meeting Nash's piercing black eyes, afraid he might see through her.Nash's frown deepened. "It's been a day or two since you went. What did they prescribe? Let me ask Caleb. If it doesn't work, I'll have him bring you something else."The doctor prescribed calcium and folic acid tablets, which Nina had already swapped out. If she showed them to Caleb, being a doctor, he'd spot the switch right away!Nina had to change the subject. "It's only been a day or two, like you said. It's not that quick. And didn’t you give me a box of stomach medicine last time?"Nash recalled.Seeing Nash's silence, Nina swiftly placed the coffee on his desk. "This time I didn't add rose petals. See if you like it. Oh, I just remembered, I need to go to the room to t
Nina was stunned.Nash had never been this gentle with her before. If it weren't for the three years in the agreement and the presence of Miranda, she might have reignited the desire to stay by his side because of his actions and words.Nina nodded. "I know Caleb won't bite, but I really didn't find any major issues. Nash, why don't you trust me? Do I look sick to you?"Or do you think I look pregnant?"This time, Nina took the initiative.Although Nash had mentioned it before, she had always denied it. This time, she brought it up first, hoping Nash would dispel the idea.Nash did not respond.However, his gaze fell on her again because of Nina's words.He had noticed she had gained weight recently. But these days, he felt her complexion was not as good as before, and she seemed a bit thinner."I'll have the helper make you something delicious to replenish your energy later. I've made an appointment. You'll stay here for now," Nash said slowly, his voice husky.Nina nodded.
She whipped up oatmeal, flipped pancakes, and even simmered some chicken soup. Once everything was done, the helper assisted in setting it all out on the outdoor dining table. Nash happened to descend from upstairs, and Nina called out to him, "Come on, breakfast's ready."In that moment, sunlight draped Nina in a beautiful golden hue, making her appear radiant. Nash felt like everything was right again, as if they were back to their old selves. But it was only fleeting because after breakfast, they had to head to the district court to schedule an appointment.Nash was not really feeling breakfast, but he could not avoid it. Nina was a skilled cook, and everything she made was delicious and comforting.After breakfast, they headed out together. Nash did not call for the driver or Quincy. He drove himself, with Nina in the passenger seat, just like the day they got their marriage certificate. Though the weather was not as good that day.At the district court, there were not many peo
Nina was not pleased, but she had no choice. "Yes, I'm very happy," she replied, though her words did not match her true emotions.Nash had already seen through everything. "Your idea of a better method involves hiring a lawyer, doesn't it?" Nina did not deny it. But after a moment of silence, she told Nash, "Mr. York, our paths diverge here." She was going to consult with a lawyer. Nash sensed her intentions and was not about to be so kind as to give her a ride. He simply remarked, "York Corporation has a lot on its plate.""Oh," Nina responded tersely, deciding not to say anything more.At York Corporation, one went to the CEO's office while the other returned to their workstation. Serene was taken aback to see Nina. "Nina, I thought you weren't coming in today."Nina's attention was drawn by Serene's voice. Serene looked sharp in her professional attire, especially given Mr. York's favoritism toward her. Moreover, Nina had brought Serene in, fully aware she would event
"Head to the hotel and greet the representatives from Jasper Corporation. Then, sort out the lunch spot for today and set up tonight's arrangements at the club," Nash instructed without even bothering to look up."Yes." She could not refuse Nash's orders. After getting the hotel address, Nina planned to head to the underground parking lot to get her car. But just as she was about to open the car door, a hand suddenly grabbed her wrist, startling her. The next moment, she heard Serene's voice."Nina, I'm the one you brought in. Don't you know me well enough? When I ask those questions, there's no hidden meaning. I genuinely want your advice. Can you plead my case to Mr. York?"Serene did not want to be dismissed like this. She waited in the parking lot, ready to humble herself in front of Nina, Quincy, or Nash, hoping they would let her stay.However, Nina was unsympathetic. "Mr. York has already let you go. And you know his temperament. Do you really think he'll reconsider?"Nin
After Stella's remark, she promptly turned her back on Nina. Failing to connect with the Jasper Corporation's representative, Nina promptly reported to Nash, "They've requested your personal presence, citing dissatisfaction with our frequent personnel changes."Nina did not waste time with small talk. If Nash wanted to salvage the partnership, he would have to handle it himself. If not, he could simply ignore it. Meanwhile, Nina could use the opportunity to consult a lawyer.Unexpectedly, Nash directly demanded, "Come back." His tone was low and serious, emphasizing that he was not joking."Okay," Nina replied succinctly.Returning to Nash's side, Nina found him no longer seated at his computer. He stood by the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, a cigarette held between his fingers.Maintaining a strictly businesslike demeanor, Nina inquired, "Is there anything else you need me to do?"Exhaling a plume of smoke, Nash's face remained obscured in the haze. But his voice cut throu
A man dressed in professional attire sat at the computer desk and asked her, "Ma'am, as you've mentioned, you've already made an appointment with the district court. You just need to wait patiently. If your spouse doesn't want a divorce, we can only proceed according to the process."Nina's expression was serious. "I'd prefer it to be done as soon as possible."How much money would you need for me to help you get the divorce?" Nina was anxious. She could not afford to wait for two months.The man observed Nina's reaction keenly. "You're in such a hurry for a divorce. Is your spouse unwilling, or have you found someone else while married?"Nina denied, "I haven't cheated. It's a marriage of convenience, and my spouse has genuine feelings. We're in a secret marriage. I'm just tired of this loveless marriage now. We have no property to divide, no children. I just need to move on with my life."A secret marriage. Those words caught the man's attention. Only elites chose secret marriag
Nina was at the career fair.With the York Corporation label, there was a crowd coming to check it out and submit resumes. She went through them one by one, sending them to Nash, but got no response.Not a single resume caught Nash's eye. It was clear he was intentionally making it tough for her, unwilling to let her leave.Nina felt drained, both physically and emotionally. She made a decision. She would stay here for another hour and collect a few more resumes. If Nash still did not find any suitable, she would give up.It was hot, so she went out to buy herself a bottle of water. As she walked back, with the blazing sun overhead, she felt dizzy. She immediately dared not move forward. She sat on the edge of the flowerbed by the roadside, gasping for breath."Nina." Suddenly, a somewhat uncertain male voice came from beside her.Nina subconsciously looked over and saw Scott, standing beside her in a tall and well-fitted silver-gray suit, slightly bent over.Nina was startled.
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