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
In just a few days at the TV station, Nina had already remembered the names of her colleagues, although she had not interacted with everyone yet. For instance, she had never spoken to Michelle, the person in front of her."That's how it is," Nina said, picking up the scattered documents.Michelle was not pleased. "Why did the editor assign such a task to you? You've only just arrived. Who do you think you are?"Nina sensed the sting in Michelle's words. "I also feel I might not be up to the task." She was familiar with this situation. It seemed like this assignment was desirable, so she glanced at Michelle and asked, "Do you want to go?"Michelle did not answer. With her pride wounded, she gave a cold snort and headed straight to the editor's office.Nina was not bothered by Michelle's arrogance. If Michelle took on the task and the editor approved, it would be for the best. Although the TV station was highly competitive, Nina had seen enough of the world to know that an inter
"Okay," replied Nina softly.Seeing her lack of reaction, Michelle initially wanted to say something but then felt she was giving too much importance to this newcomer. She withdrew her gaze, maintaining her haughty posture, picked up the files, and turned on her high heels to leave.Watching Michelle's departure, Angel made a face.Noticing Angel's antics, Nina could not help but ask, "What's your issue with Michelle?"Angel replied, "She's rubbed many people the wrong way, not just me. They're angry but silent because she's the best performer here!"Nina remarked, "There's a reason she's the top performer. She dares to seize opportunities and work hard!""It's not just that. She's ruthless," Angel continued. "I had a good project before, one that could have been my way out of typing all day here. Even though success wasn't guaranteed, I deserved a chance. But Michelle snatched it away. She doesn't want to give newcomers a chance. She wants to be the perennial favorite at the TV
Michelle took the water bottle and smiled, "This time I'll succeed for sure. I'll definitely get a promotion and a raise. I've heard internal news that the chief editor position is opening up, and my performance stands out the most. The chief editor position will be mine. When that happens, I'll groom you two to be the next me, and I won't forget your contributions!""That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Michelle!" The two girls were delighted. Their prospects depended entirely on whether Michelle could ascend to the chief editor position.Michelle made several calls to York Corporation again, using the same excuses as before. She did not want to wait idly anymore, with no results. Based on her past experience, she knew she had to fight for it herself.After a four-hour drive, they arrived at the entrance of York Corporation's building. Michelle had also bribed the security guard, repeatedly asking, "Are you sure Nash will leave from here at 5 p.m.?""Absolutely. Mr. York usually e
“I'm from Starry Sky Television Station!” Seeing Nash responding to her, Michelle felt delighted. She quickly pushed aside the security guard's obstruction and approached Nash. "Here's my identification. You can take a look. I'm from a legitimate TV station. I've interviewed many prominent figures. Mr. York, as long as you accept my interview, I guarantee it will bring you both fame and fortune…"Michelle kept boasting about her accomplishments, emphasizing how she could bring more benefits to Nash. However, Nash's focus was on the TV station. If he remembered correctly, Nina was working at this TV station. Nash still could not understand why Nina would choose this job, undoubtedly starting over again. After all these years by his side, climbing to this position, she had good connections and resources. There was no need for her to stay at a TV station. Actually, he was worried if she would be at a disadvantage there. After all, she had long outgrown her days as a naive young g
"The other girl has an idea," she said, moving closer to Michelle. "Do you know that newcomer came from the York Corporation?"Michelle looked at her. "Who?""It's Nina," she replied. "I heard she used to work for Mr. York. Maybe she can help."Michelle was surprised. She had no interest in the backgrounds of people at the television station. If it did not help her work, she did not need to know. Besides, she had been at the station for four years and had not seen a more outstanding reporter. She could handle any challenge, and the chief editor valued her abilities. If she could solve the problem of interviewing Mr. York, the chief editor would surely be pleased, and she wouldn't worry about promotion. It was no wonder the chief editor had given such an important task to Nina. The chief editor valued Nina's previous experience at the York Corporation, and Michelle could not underestimate her.--The next day, Michelle's first stop at the television station was Nina's desk. N
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