Even Sally could not help but notice that Nina did not return home with Nash. She understood that Nash did not want Nina to witness her unhappy expression or endure any grievances, so he had taken her somewhere else to stay for a while.However, seeing Nash return home alone for several days without Nina left her perplexed. He had not mentioned Nina either, which worried her.She had inquired and found out that Nina had not been to the company for many days. Had they had a falling out?She wanted to ask, but Nash might not disclose everything to her. Especially regarding the matters at Riverside Estate, she could not gather any information.Ultimately, she was Nash’s mother and the lady of this household. But they just did not listen to her, only to Nash. It left her feeling deeply aggrieved. Nevertheless, the crux of the matter lay in whether there was still a chance between Nash and Nina. She needed to find out.As Nash headed upstairs, Sally could not hold back. "Not seeing Nin
The person exchanged a few words with Nina, seeming quite familiar. Nash vaguely remembered him. He was probably someone from his company. After Nina left, he was rummaging through the trash can. Nash furrowed his brows at his behavior, but only he knew the exact truth!---Mike was rushing to finish his programming tasks. In a company as large as the York Corporation, the competition was fierce. Back in his previous job at a smaller company, he was a big shot. But here, there were over a dozen programmers with similar skills and ambitions. To climb up the ladder, he had to stand out. Leaving his former employer with high hopes, he could not afford to slack off, pushing himself hard to meet deadlines. He barely had time for meals, hastily nibbling on a piece of bread to stave off hunger.Just then, with a piece of bread in his hand, Mike felt a crowd gathering around him. He looked up and nearly jumped in surprise, almost dropping his bread. "Mr. York!"Nash's imposing figure sto
Mike wore a puzzled expression, thinking Nash was coming to confront him. But without explaining, Nash only asked about Nina's visit to the hospital.After questioning, he left.What did Nina's pregnancy have to do with him? Mike could not figure it out, but as long as it did not affect his job, he did not mind.Nash stepped into the elevator, hands in his pockets concealing his anger. He spoke in a cold tone, "Find out immediately where Nina is now!"She dared to betray him.Even if she fled to the ends of the earth, he would bring her back!Quincy had never seen Nash so furious, as if he could devour someone. When he began asking about Nina's whereabouts, Quincy could not help but shiver, knowing Nina would face consequences if found!He could only wish her well."Achoo!"Nina sneezed, tears welling up.She wiped her tears with a tissue and continued writing her document.Who could be thinking of her? Her parents? She had just called them a few days ago to assure them sh
In her desperation, she pounded the man's back hard and yelled, "Who are you? Let me go, let me go!" The man did not heed her words, letting her hit and shout as he continued walking briskly. Nina was too anxious and agitated to think clearly. All she wanted was to break free from his grasp. She had only been in this place for a few days, unfamiliar with the environment and unsure if there were any thieves or criminals around. She feared getting hurt and her first instinct was to escape the danger.But no matter how hard she pounded, the man showed no intention of harming her. This was not the behavior of a criminal. Plus, even though she was yelling loudly, he did not seem afraid. Could it be...Just as she began to piece things together, she found herself gently placed back on the ground. When she saw his face clearly, Nina's expression changed completely. "You..."But before the words could leave her lips, Nina realized that their relationship had deteriorated to this point,
"How about the baby in your belly?" Nash almost shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. Hearing his voice, Nina's pupils shrank in shock. He suddenly discovered her pregnancy, catching her completely off guard and momentarily leaving her unable to provide a rational explanation.Seeing her stunned expression, Nash knew it was all true. He sneered coldly, "No words? You're the first person to betray me in my entire life. How should I punish you?"Nina felt the heat and danger emanating from his large, powerful hands. She wondered how he managed to find her a few days later, only to realize that he had learned about her pregnancy.Staring into Nash's menacing eyes, she felt as if he could devour her alive. She dared not tell him the truth. Protecting her belly with one hand, she said, "Nash, even if I am pregnant, I haven't violated our agreement of non-interference between us, as you once said. I hope you'll honor your words. Besides, hardly anyone knows about our marriage. If we divo
Nina slapped Nash hard.Nash did not flinch, he caught her slap head-on, leaving a bright red mark on his face. He tilted his head and then coldly stared at Nina.Nina was also shocked, looking at her hand. She had slapped him with considerable force, and her hand was stinging. Her own reaction surprised her as well. In their seven years together, they had conflicts before, but she had never raised her hand. In fact, she doubted if anyone had ever hit Nash before."Nina..." Nash's voice was filled with menace.Nina withdrew her numb hand, explaining, "I didn't mean to... If you didn't act out, I wouldn't have hit you!"Nash was seething with anger. Nina had the courage to leave him and even to strike him. His clenched fists crackled with tension. His furious demeanor made Nina tremble, fearing he might retaliate with a slap of his own.But Nash just continued to stare at her coldly. "You're willing to do anything for this man!"Nina would not disclose the truth about the child
She even resorted to drugging him! He had only one demand which was to terminate the pregnancy, and she refused! She even wanted to carry someone else's child. How dare she! How dare she utter such words to him! In the end, Nash released her hand, no longer forcing her. However, his gaze was icy, filled with enough disappointment towards her. "Nina, you'll regret this!" His words were firm and decisive. With that said, he paid no attention to Nina's sad expression. Her eyes, slightly teary, showed her strong will as a single tear ran down her cheek, revealing her refusal to give in to him.Nash left without a second glance, disappearing from Nina's view. Nina slowly sank to the ground. Her hands were sore from the tug-of-war and her eyes downcast, filled with indescribable anguish. She was utterly alone. Yet, this solitude was not what she initially desired. It was only after years of disappointment that she thought being alone was preferable and that ending her marriage was
After pausing for several seconds, Nina looked up at Kate. "You want me to interview the CEO of York Corporation?" Kate folded her hands and stood up casually. "Yes, any problem? Interviewing Nash isn't something anyone can handle. You're the most suitable."Nina closed the file and said, "My resume clearly states that I left York Corporation. Aren't you sending me back?"She had left York Corporation without notice. Returning now would be embarrassing.Kate shrugged, unaware of Nina's conflict with Nash. "Just because you came from York Corporation doesn't mean you're off the hook. This task is yours."Nina placed the file on the table. "Chief Editor, I decline this assignment."She did not want any more involvement with Nash.Moreover, he would not treat her well this time. It was a dilemma.Kate insisted, "Didn't I say it before? You need to step out of your comfort zone. Interviewing Nash is a challenge, but I've assigned it to others before. Nash isn't giving anyone an ea
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