Nina was washing her face, using a lot of facial cleanser. She even used hand soap and body wash. The air was filled with a faint scent of gardenia, which was the perfume scent Nina liked. Wasn't Nina doing this to mask his scent? What could possibly linger on his body? The pungent smell of cigarette, the strong smell of alcohol, and the bloody smell from that man. Nina froze and she quickly explained, "You're reading too much into it. You know why we're getting divorced."The time had come and he never truly wanted her to stay anyway. If she did not leave, was she supposed to continue witnessing the development between him and Miranda? Nash's lips curled into a sneer. He knew all too well. She was returning to Zac, to Scott's side.Nash reminisced about earlier today, Nina seated beside Scott by the flower bed, their laughter filling the air. Especially Nina's expression at that moment. She seemed so calm but since her return, she had not uttered a single word to him.
Ben's words were slow and clear. Nina was dumbfounded. In two and a half months, she would be four months along, visibly pregnant. By then, Nash would be even less likely to let her go. However, Nina quickly realized something. Her lips curled into a smirk as she said, "Should I address you as Nash's friend?" Ben's eyes narrowed slightly, but he quickly smiled. "Miss Walker has sharp eyes." Although Ben appeared nonchalant on the surface, he admired Nina inwardly. She had seen through him with just one glance. "Since you won't handle my divorce case, I'll take my leave," Nina said, turning to leave. After she left, Ben called Nash. Nash was still asleep, having drunk too much. He was awoken by the noise, his entire body aching. Hearing Nash's hoarse voice, Ben chuckled. "Still sleeping? Your wife came to see me early in the morning, and she saw through my identity. I think you should pay more attention!" Nash's exhaustion vanished from his pupils, replaced by a coldness
Stella walked up to Nina with a smile on her face, a stark contrast to yesterday's demeanor. Nina could only respond with a smile, "No problem, Cynthia, come and greet our business partner."Even though Stella's attitude had improved significantly since yesterday, Nina still wanted to introduce Cynthia to her. Despite Stella's inner displeasure, she remained composed outwardly. "Is Nina training new staff recently?" Stella inquired, noticing the arrival of both Serene and now Cynthia. With Nash still nowhere in sight, Stella was growing increasingly dissatisfied, but she restrained herself from expressing it.Nina replied, "Is Miss Jasper worried about delays in our cooperation? Rest assured. All agreements will be reviewed personally by Mr. York.""Then let's discuss matters at the York Corporation. Nina, what are your thoughts on the proposed cooperation plan?" Stella redirected the conversation.After Nina left, Stella learned that Nina had been Nash's secretary for seven year
Nina was also caught off guard by Stella's struggle to keep hold of the tea cup."Miss Jasper, you've misunderstood. I don't hold grudges. It's just that you didn't hold it steady yourself," Nina replied calmly. She met Stella's dark gaze, and a hint of coldness flickered in her own eyes."I didn't hold it steady? Am I unable to even hold a cup of tea? Mr. York, I approached you with the utmost sincerity for cooperation, but your secretary is acting so arrogantly?" Stella retorted with two questions in a row. In her final sentence, she looked directly at Nash.Nash stood nearby, his gaze cool with a hint of disdain. "Should I have Miss Jasper review the surveillance footage?" he added.He understood Nina's character well. Nina would not bother holding a grudge against someone who countered her. Until she quit, she would not slack off but instead would fulfill her duties diligently.Stella's behavior was evidently aimed at defaming Nina. Indeed, after Mr. York's comment, Stella's f
Stella's expression stiffened. "Mr. York, there was a bit of unpleasantness between your secretary and me before, and just now, I believe at least seven out of ten people would think it was deliberate."And besides, do you really not remember who I am?" Stella's lack of control over her emotions grew with each word.Nash's gaze was devoid of warmth, radiating a chilling sternness. "I don't need you to remind me of what kind of person my secretary is. Even if it were true, what difference would it make?"Nash's words silenced Stella outright. His expression, along with the fact that he did not respond to her final question, clearly indicated he had no recollection of her at all.Stella felt a mixture of anger, frustration, and embarrassment.Suddenly, Nina's voice cut in, "Miss Jasper, here are the ice cubes for you." Nina remained calm, unaffected by the tension.Glancing at Nash's cold demeanor and the oppressive atmosphere in his gaze, it was evident that unless Stella apologiz
Now having to give up twenty percent, Stella was certainly incurring a loss, particularly while carrying the burden of a stained reputation.For Nash to pose such a question at this juncture was a deliberate attempt to unsettle her. Regrettably, she found herself unable to respond at this moment.She could only maintain her smile. "Mr. York, we need to look at the big picture here. Giving up twenty percent means I'll earn a little less, but it secures you as a major client. However, my bottom line is twenty percent, I can't go any lower.""Fine," Nash agreed readily.However, Stella planted seeds of resentment in her heart. "Mr. York, since we've agreed, I'll be hosting a banquet at the Scarlet Leaf Bistro tomorrow night. I hope Mr. York can grace us with your presence.""Okay." At this point, Nash could only agree. Stella nodded to Nash. "Mr. York, then I'll take my leave.""Nina, see our guest out," Nash called for Nina.Though Stella was extremely reluctant, she did not say
"Nina asked him, 'Can the trip to Frangelia be moved up?'"Nash remained silent with his dark eyes suddenly sharp. As the smoke cleared, Nina also noticed the depth in his gaze.Nash was puzzled. Despite her good relationship with Scott, she was here asking if the trip to Frangelia could be moved up."If you want to cancel, just cancel. Mr. York, do you need anything else?" Seeing Nash did not respond, Nina did not press for an answer either.Nash cleared his mind and said calmly, "Go make me a cup of tea.""Sure thing," Nina replied.In just a short two minutes, Nina brought a pot of hot tea for Nash. The tea served for guests was different from what he drank. Nash liked rose tea."Jasper Corporation's matters will still be handled by you. Tomorrow night, accompany me to Scarlet Leaf Bistro."Facing Nash's instructions, Nina did not voice any objections.However, as she left the office, she received a message from the group chat. "Because of scheduling issues, the class presi
With that, Miranda shamefully lowered her head. Nash stood by her side, facing the camera with a piercing gaze. "This press conference is not about poisoning or framing anyone. Let's put an end to the sensational headlines."Nash's face was dark, as if engulfed in resentment. His towering 1.88m tall figure exuded an intimidating presence on camera.Seeing this scene, Nina was stunned. Nash could stand unconditionally by Miranda's side, providing her with a sense of security, yet he remained cold and distant towards her. Only Miranda could make Nash go to such lengths!Just as Nina was about to turn away, subtitles appeared on the screen again. The camera zoomed in on Nash's face, magnifying his expression. "Mr. York, are you standing here today to speak up for Miss Miranda out of public interest or personal reasons?""Both," Nash replied, his lips curling slightly.As the subtitles flashed, Nina felt like a weight was pressing on her chest. She struggled to catch her breath. B
Unfortunately, Ben couldn’t see through any of this. Summer, however, wasn’t the least bit intimidated. Shaking her head confidently, she said, “I’ve never done anything to upset him. I don’t believe that just exchanging a few words with him would make him kick me out.”Mrs. Lucas opened her mouth, about to say something, but seeing Summer’s confident demeanor, she hesitated. Maybe, just maybe, Ben might actually feel too awkward to reject her outright. And if a little covert manipulation were added into the mix…Suddenly, Mrs. Lucas had an idea. Hearing it, Summer’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Mrs. Lucas, that’s an excellent plan! We should act quickly before he does anything else irrational.” “Alright.” Though the plan was solid, the two of them decided to put it into action three days later. Meanwhile, Ben hadn’t been to the office lately, but he was still keeping track of all the firm’s cases. He was also trying to reach Winnie, but while her phone would ring,
Ben wanted nothing more than to wring Jamie's neck after hearing her cold, cutting words. “I don’t need your lectures,” he growled. Human nature? Didn’t she think he knew enough about it already? He had seen it in every case he handled, and he had learned it the hardest way through her betrayal. When he fell for Jamie, it had been with the intent to marry her, to share a future. But she had stabbed him in the back without hesitation. And yet, when he tried to hate her, tried to wish for her downfall, he couldn’t bring himself to follow through. “Stay here and reflect on your actions, Jamie.” Ben knew her well enough. If she cried, begged for forgiveness, he would soften. But she didn’t. Instead, all she cared about was that child, the child he refused to acknowledge. “Fine,” he thought grimly. “Let’s see how long that bastard can survive.”*Meanwhile, Ben’s mother, Mrs. Lucas, had failed to convince him to cut ties with Jamie. This left her in a tough spot, especial
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