Zoe exclaimed, "Landon! Where are you taking me? What else are you going to do to me?" Just moments ago, Zoe was still causing a racket. Now, she was completely terrified. Yet, she remained stubborn and refused to beg for forgiveness. She shouted from behind Landon, "Have you forgotten the oath you pledged before Dad's grave?"You said you would love and protect me all your life! Is this how you keep your promise to our dead father?" Upon hearing that, Landon stopped in his tracks. A million thoughts bombarded his mind. He felt like his heart was sinking in quicksand; exhaustion gnawed at him from all the struggling he'd been forced to do.Slowly, with trembling hands, he unfurled his palms. These were the hands that once wove through his younger sister's silky hair, hands that fed her, cradled her, and hoisted her high in the air. Hands that, in happier times, grasped hers as they raced through the park, laughter echoing in their wake.He was her older brother. Yet, he had ta
Landon was looking down as he twirled his pen between his fingers. Everyone else in the room shook their heads as they glanced scornfully at Penelope, who was causing a scene. "Zoe was en route to the hospital for treatment when she vanished without a trace, and they have yet to locate her. I know it was you who took her!" Penelope's voice reverberated as she advanced toward Landon, pounding the table with both hands. Ignoring the presence of the board members, she continued, "Landon! Give me back my daughter! "If you don't return her to me, I will hold a shareholder meeting and have you ousted from Harper Group! Return Zoe to me!" Landon stopped twirling his pen. However, he still didn't look up at Penelope. "What are you doing, Penelope?" one of the board members interjected. "Perhaps Ms. Zoe left of her own volition while the police weren't looking. If you wish to pursue this matter further, it's best addressed with law enforcement.""Indeed," another chimed in. "This is
Landon raced to the hospital in his sports car, the engine's roar piercing through the air like lightning. He burst out of the vehicle and sprinted toward the VIP ward. Jasper, Alyssa, Jonah, and Julien waited outside. "How's Lauren?" Landon asked, breathless and sweaty. "Grandpa Newton and Javier are with her inside," Alyssa replied, her joy tempered by worry. "But she still needs time to recover from her internal injuries. Her body is weak, and there's a risk of relapse."Julien added, "She protected her head during the assault. However, her prolonged submersion led to a lung infection. She also had severe cerebral hypoxia, which caused her to be in a coma." Frowning, Julien continued, "Tomorrow, I'll conduct a detailed brain examination to assess any potential cranial nerve damage and plan her treatment accordingly."Jonah observed Julien's fatigued appearance, expressing his gratitude with a loving touch. "Thank you for your hard work these past few days.""It's nothing wh
Lauren lay on the hospital bed, her heartbeat steady, and the oxygen mask removed. Despite this, every breath seemed laborious for her, her face drained of color. The delicate flutter of her lashes resembled a butterfly's wings."Lauren, don't be afraid. You're alright now. Grandpa is here. Your dad, Jasper, and Alyssa are here too. No one else can hurt you anymore." Newton held onto Lauren's hand tightly. Tears filled his eyes. Jasper held his breath, his arms around Alyssa's waist, and he could feel her tensing up. Despite his own heartbreak, he stifled his emotions, refusing to break down in front of Lauren and their elders.Lauren's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Just then, a single droplet slid down her pale cheek. She parted her chapped lips, but no sound emerged. She tried very hard to express herself but couldn't make a single sound. "Dr. Lovelace, why can't Lauren speak all of a sudden?" Javier looked at Julien anxiously. Julien furrowed his brows, considering the s
Landon's back bowed lower and lower as waves of emotions flooded over him—emotions he had suppressed for so long now released all at once.Lauren's eyes welled with tears as she reached out, her trembling hand finding its way to Landon's haggard face. With a gentle touch, she traced his features, pausing at his graying sideburns."I… I've become uglier, haven't I?" Landon placed his calloused hand on the back of her hand. He gently nuzzled against her hand and tried his best to smile. "I'm not as handsome as before. Lauren, does that make you hate me?" Lauren's heart ached, her attempts at speech nearly faltering. Her eyes brimmed with unshed tears, her gaze flickering with emotion.Alyssa, her heart tender, could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed silently down her cheeks.Newton couldn't bear to watch any longer. He dragged Javier out of the room with him. Jasper and Alyssa followed them out of the room, giving Landon and Lauren some space to be together. The love
However, Lauren and Landon still held each other's hands. Everything could still start anew."Dad, I don't have any objections to Lauren and Landon's marriage anymore."Sitting upright, Javier continued seriously, "In the next few days, I'll have Rory draw up a list of wedding gifts. Although the Harper family has few members left, I want a splendid wedding for my daughter."Now that Landon is the chairman of Harper Group, Lauren will be the rightful chairwoman when she marries him. If the gifts are not generous enough, those snobbish people of Harper Group might talk behind her back."Newton remained indifferent. "Let the young people decide for themselves. You just need to accept it. Don't worry about the rest."Lauren has suffered severe trauma. That's not something that can be easily overcome. Just let them discuss the wedding on their own. Or they can register their marriage first to avoid indefinite postponement and further trouble."As Javier reflected on how his love, ori
Jasper suddenly stiffened, as if held in place by an invisible force."What did you say? Justin is back?" Javier's eyes sparkled with joy. His delight was evident. "Where is he now?""He's in the basement parking lot. I ran into him when I came back from running errands," Rory replied."Why didn't he tell us that he was coming back?" Javier complained with a smile on his face."I've exchanged a few words with him. He knew that if he informed you in advance, you would prepare extensively. He didn't want to cause you any trouble, so he kept it a secret.""He's really considerate."Javier quickly instructed Jasper, "Jasper, go inform your grandpa. I'll go down to see Justin first."As Jasper watched their retreating figures, his hand clenched into a fist.…When the Becketts arrived at the parking lot, Justin was sitting calmly in a wheelchair, wearing a gentle smile."Justin!" Javier called out joyfully and hurried over to him.Not far behind him, Jasper and Alyssa were suppor
Newton's expression stiffened slightly. "What are you talking about? Both you and Jasper are my grandsons. I cherish you both."Justin quipped, "I'm just joking, Grandpa. I know you care about me."At this moment, the door of a luxurious MPV opened, and a graceful figure stepped out."Mr. Justin, the parking lot is chilly. You shouldn't stay out here for too long." With her words, Sheryl bent down and gently placed a blanket over Justin's knees.Javier looked at the unfamiliar woman. "Who is this?""This is Sheryl Gillis, my personal assistant. She's the one diligently taking care of me in Mosgravia. As you can see, I'm basically useless." Justin's fist pressed lightly against his pale lips as he coughed."Justin, you're my cherished son. How can you call yourself useless? Don't belittle yourself. Your body has improved a lot compared to before. You'll definitely get better with treatment." Javier showed rare patience.He then looked at Sheryl with gratitude. "Thank you for taki