"Nash, what's got you so worked up?" Hunter, seated across from him, asked. They were at a nightclub, the music loud and lively, with sexy dancers on stage and many people enjoying the night out. The atmosphere was noisy, but Nash was not interested in this kind of nightlife. This was more Hunter's scene. "Nothing," Nash replied, his face serious and contemplative. Hunter took a sip of his wine, still holding onto a woman, and grinned mischievously. "Another clash with your lady?" "Impossible," Caleb chimed in knowingly. "Nash never comes out on the losing end." Hunter continued, "Caleb, don't underestimate that woman. Last time Nash saw her talking to another man, he flipped out. I saw it with my own eyes." Caleb did not quite get it. "Do married people need to be that possessive?" "Shut up!" Nash snapped at them. Hunter naturally fell silent. But even the discerning eye could see that Nash's marriage was in an abnormal state. His emotions had never been this out of co
Nina stared at the lipstick mark on the shirt for a while, her expression showing little emotion. She understood that attending social events would inevitably encounter flirtatious encounters. However, she had never seen lipstick mark on his shirt before. Nina subconsciously grasped the shirt tightly, causing it to wrinkle in her hands. As the bathroom door opened, Nina snapped out of her thoughts. Nash emerged from inside and noticed Nina standing there motionless. "What are you doing standing there?" he asked. Not sensing Nina's emotions, he glanced at the time and added, "It's late. You usually sleep by now. Can't sleep tonight?" Recently, Nina rarely waited for him to sleep. In the past, she could only sleep soundly when he returned home. Now, sometimes when he came back late, Nina was already fast asleep, no longer waiting for him. Though Nina could sleep whenever she wanted, Nash could not help but notice the difference in these details, which brought a sense of dis
If it required authority, she would notify the other executives. With everyone else unavailable this time, the responsibility fell on her shoulders. "Okay, let's go. You're coming along too.""Okay," Cynthia replied.Nina brought along a few others.Cynthia was new, and she needed to familiarize herself with the company's operations. Along the way, Nina repeatedly reminded Cynthia to be careful and meticulous. There could not be any mistakes.Before long, they arrived at the dock.The ship had already docked, and Jasper Corporation's people were unloading cargo.As soon as Nina stepped out of the car, she heard someone say, "Why isn't it Mr. York who came, but you, Nina? Can you represent Mr. York now?"Turning around, she saw Stella approaching with her arms crossed. Nina replied with a smile, "Mr. York is busy today. Besides, it's not the first time I've represented Mr. York in negotiations with Miss Jasper. I believe you can understand."Stella was increasingly displease
She had heard of Nash and Miranda. As for Stella, she had not heard of her at all. Stella recalled the past, still finding it romantic. At least, there had not been such exciting moments in her life since then. "You wouldn't understand! Nash saved me, and I fell in love with him at first sight. I told him then that I would marry him when I grew up, and he promised. He promised to marry me! That's our agreement," Stella declared passionately.Nina found her words absurd. Wasn't she just a child back then? How could a child's words be taken seriously? Moreover, Stella claiming that Nash had promised her seemed dubious. Nash probably did not even remember Stella, just like he did not remember her. With so many people Nash had helped, it could not have meant anything to him emotionally. "You should ask Nash about that. It's pointless discussing it with me. We still have work to do," Nina responded, uninterested in Stella and Nash's story.However, Stella grabbed her hand, refus
Nina's decision to bite her was a desperate move, hoping to make Stella back off. With Nina positioned at the shore's edge, she plunged straight into the sea when Stella shook her off.She refused to accept such a fate for herself. Even if she were to die, she would not go down alone. In the moment Stella shook her off, Nina swiftly grabbed onto Stella's other hand, and they both fell into the ocean together. With a loud splash, waves erupted around them. Both women struggled in the water, Stella unable to swim, shouting for help. The wind was strong today, causing the waves to surge dangerously high. Nina, though adept at swimming, found herself battling the strong currents. No matter how hard she tried, it seemed like they were drifting farther from the shore. Panic set in. She could not bear the thought of dying, especially with her unborn child at risk. She pushed forward with all her strength, her arms growing heavy with fatigue. But as she looked back at the endless expa
The reporters aimed their microphones at them, numerous devices poised for interviews. "Mr. York, Miss Miranda is a rising star you've nurtured from the start. With her receiving this newcomer award today, is there anything you'd like to say to her?" Facing the camera, Nash replied calmly, "Her hard work has paid off, and I'm genuinely happy for her." Miranda held the trophy in her hands, smiling shyly. The reporter turned to Miranda and continued, "Miss Miranda, today is a great day for you. Your debut film earns you this newcomer award. Shouldn't you be grateful to Mr. York?" The reporters intentionally asked questions about each other, not letting any gossip slip away. Holding the microphone, Miranda responded gently, "I'm delighted to win the award today. This marks my first step into the entertainment industry, and I believe it won't be my last. My success wouldn't be possible without Mr. York. He's the most important person in my life." She glanced at Nash, her eyes revea
Although Nash had clarified his marital status at a previous York Corporation gala, stating he was married, the public remained unaware. Today, he publicly acknowledged his marriage to prevent further speculation about him and Miranda in the media."This can't be a joke, Mr. York. Your marriage shouldn't be such a secret. How come there's been no news about it?""It's not April Fools' Day, Mr. York. Please don't joke around...""I am married," Nash said earnestly. "I've never been one for jokes. My wife has been by my side for seven years, and we've been married for three. We've always been very close. I don't want any of you to misreport and cause misunderstandings with my wife!"Miranda's expression turned somewhat unnatural. Nash publicly acknowledging their marriage was something she had never anticipated. Despite her discomfort, she maintained her composure in front of the cameras, though her fingers tightened in an effort to control her inner anxiety.Nash had always indulge
"Penelope…""I've been through so much to get where I am today. Even if no one watches the dramas I'm in and my popularity declines, it's my own problem. The entertainment industry is vast. Does everyone who's better than me have to be seen as a threat?" "That's not true. It's because Miranda relies on her patron...""Let's not speak ill of others. I don't want to hear that kind of talk. You know me well. I've made plenty of mistakes in the past, so now I need to cherish myself more and protect my reputation."Penelope cherished her future immensely. What she despised the most was using jealousy of others' achievements to elevate oneself. She and Miranda were fundamentally different. She had climbed up from the bottom and understood the hardships within. Miranda, on the other hand, was born with a silver spoon, born into unfairness. Without that privilege, Penelope relied on her own efforts to strive for what she wanted. She believed that one day she would reach the peak.---
On the day of the engagement banquet, Ben’s phone appearing near Jamie should have been a warning sign, but she missed it. Later, she had warmly welcomed Jamie into her home, showering her with care. She had even worried that Ben might dislike Jamie and tried to help them get along. And what happened in the end? While she had been tirelessly caring for them, the two of them ended up in bed together. Now, they were living under the same roof, while she and her child were left with nothing. How could Winnie not harbor resentment? Especially when she looked at Charlie, a chilling thought crept into her mind: If her own child’s life was ruined because of Jamie, then shouldn’t she retaliate by ruining Jamie’s child? An eye for an eye. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Every time Charlie called her "Aunt Winnie" with such innocence, it reminded her of the bond between them. How could she be so heartless? “I’m in Ben’s villa. He won’t let me leave,” Jamie
Ben gripped Jamie's chin tightly, his voice firm and unyielding. When Jamie had disappeared from his life, he had exhausted every possible means, called in countless favors, and poured his energy into finding her. But he had failed. Just when he was on the verge of giving up, he had met Winnie. It felt like fate had stepped in, intertwining their paths once more, as if destined for a lifetime of entangled love and hate. If that was his reality, then he would play along with it.“Instead of plotting ways to escape from me, why don’t you focus on apologizing? Show me some sincerity, and maybe I’ll make your life a little easier,” Ben said.Jamie’s lips curved into a bitter smile. She knew what he wanted.He wanted an apology and an attitude of remorse. But she also knew she had no leverage to stay by his side.Even if she played along now, making him happy temporarily, there was no future for them. Mrs. Lucas’s disdain for her was an insurmountable mountain, and she couldn’t see
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