Jessica's POV "Dad," I tried to be calm. "I heard from Alvin that you attended a bidder's conference today. How did it go?" His soft voice came through the phone, just like his voice when I was a little girl. I couldn't help but let go of the facade of strength I'd been putting on. I lightly hummed and complained, "I gave up the bid, so the contract went to the Harrison Group." "What happened?" "That shameless jerk bid aggressively, offering a 4% margin," I said angrily, "I'm not as stupid as he is. Since he wants to operate at a loss, of course, I had to comply." There was a second of silence on the other end of the line, followed by Justin's laughter: "Jess, do you really think Zander is stupid? Remember, it takes more than stupidity to make the Harrison Group what it is today." "I..." I was momentarily speechless. Justin continued, "I think he did that because the person sitting across from him was you. He didn't want to use more forceful means to
Zander's POV Upon arriving at the Palace of Stars, I signed in at the entrance. Then, I greeted Maxwell. As I put down the pen, Tawny immediately linked her arm with mine. I instinctively frowned, not fond of her closeness. But for such occasions, it's customary to have a female companion. Since Jessica and I had that argument and she left home, I didn't have a suitable choice. Today, out of the blue, Warren called me, asking me to bring Tawny to the banquet. She's Warren's niece. Though we're relatives, we haven't had much connection. I made small talk with her and realized she had no experience with business banquets. She lacked proper etiquette. So, I had to instruct her not to stray far from me. Perhaps because of my advice or due to her first-time nervousness at such an event, Tawny's arm remained tightly linked with mine. "Alvin, thank you so much for coming. I was wondering how your father, Mr. Riddle, is doing?" I heard Maxwell's voice from the sign-in
Zander's POV Tawny's words fell, and I noticed Alvin's amiable smile faded away. His expression turning cold and his brows slightly furrowed. The atmosphere became awkward due to Tawny's remarks. I had never told Tawny anything about Jessica. I frowned, wanting to explain, but Jessica interjected with a wry smile on her face, addressing Tawny, "It's ridiculous. Of course, Zander might not tell you the truth." "Alright, we've been outside for too long," Alvin interjected. He led Jessica to turn and leave. Before departing, he turned his head and whispered to me, "Mr. Harrison, I have a sincere suggestion, please keep your companion in check." I looked down at Tawny. She paled, wanting to explain something, but I shook my head slightly with a frown. I raised my gaze to watch Alvin and Jessica enter the banquet hall together. "I'm sorry, Zander, I was just trying to help," Tawny exhaled softly, her tone filled with regret. I paused for a moment before responding, "Th
Jessica's POV Maxwell announced that Zander had won the "Tears of the Stars." I watched as the staff carefully placed the shimmering necklace back into the glass box and handed it to Zander. "If you really like it, I can bid on it for you." I realized my gaze on the necklace must have worried Alvin. I turned to him and smiled, "It is indeed beautiful, but I know its market value is only 1.5 million dollars." Alvin nodded, "Indeed, for five million dollars, I could have designer Hannah create a unique piece just for you." I smiled but remained silent, not wanting Alvin to know that at the start of the auction, I had noticed Tawny's excited reaction. I knew she wanted this necklace. What surprised me wasn't that Zander was competing with Alvin for it, but that Zander would spend five million on it - for Tawny. I suspected Tawny was more than just his cousin. At this thought, my heart began to tinge with bitterness. "Wow, it's stunning," Tawny whispered, just loud en
Zander's POV Jessica's figure disappeared once again into the crowds, leaving me feeling a sense of defeat. The warmth from Tawny's palm seeped through my suit jacket and onto my arm. Annoyance washed over me, and I shook off her hand. Her brows furrowed slightly before smoothing out again. She looked at me, "I know my words have put you in a dilemma. If you want to be angry, be angry with me." I remained silent, seemingly in thought. But in reality, my mind was blank. No, my mind was filled only with the complex look in Jessica's eyes before she left. The woman who should have been happy in my love is now so unfamiliar. The feeling of losing her was consuming my heart. Tawny waited for a moment, then sighed and continued, "Zander, you can't give up on dealing with Johnny, and once Jessica knows the truth, she will definitely hate you. So let go now. It's better for both of you." Hearing Johnny's name, I immediately looked at Tawny. She seemed startled by m
Jessica's POV Tawny's movements were swift and seamless, as if she had rehearsed before. I barely had time to step back and avoid the wine she splashed on herself. But Tawny seemed to think I was trying to distance myself to prove my innocence. Crying, she leaned towards me and grabbed my wrist tightly. Although we were on the second-floor terrace, it wasn't completely isolated from the other guests. Soon, a waiter approached us, his face showing surprise at the scene. He quickly handed Tawny a white napkin from his tray, "Ma'am, would you like me to help you clean up? There's a fitting room on the third floor." Tawny didn't take the napkin, allowing the red liquid to drip from her clothes and hair. Soon, the sound of other guests' footsteps approached the terrace. Tawny finally released me, wrapping her arms around herself and looking at me with tears in her eyes. If I weren't part of this, I would have applauded her exquisite acting skills. "Oh my God, what
Zander's POV Jessica's words had just fallen, and the surrounding murmurs ceased instantly, the area becoming eerily quiet. My outstretched hand dropped, knowing it was too late. My hand clenched into a tight fist. Moments ago, while I was discussing further collaboration with Jason, the owner of Glimmer Group, a banquet staff member informed me that my date, Tawny, had been bullied. As I walked, I listened to the outline of the incident and formed my judgment. Now, as Jessica pointed out the discrepancy between the wine stain on Tawny and the drink in her glass, I fully understood that Jessica wasn't the one behind this. Given my knowledge of Jessica, she wasn't the type to create such senseless drama. Observing Tawny's panicked yet desperately concealed expression, I instantly realized this was her own orchestration. I had no desire to help Tawny out of trouble. However, to the banquet attendees, she was my date, representing the Harrison Group. If this was exp
Zander's POV The misunderstanding between us seems to be growing larger. I really want to explain. But the issue with Johnny is like an insurmountable chasm, preventing me from making up my mind to fully win back Jessica's heart. I was in no mood to continue the banquet and was about to leave when I saw Jason, the CEO of Glimmer Group, approaching. "Mr. Harrison, shall we continue our previous discussion?" he said with a smile. I suppressed my annoyance and politely replied, "Jason, I'm sorry, but I'm a bit tired today. Let's discuss the collaboration maybe next time." Without waiting for his slightly disappointed expression, I turned and walked towards the main entrance. I couldn't help but look back into the banquet hall, where Jessica was gracefully conversing with other guests. Her smile was as beautiful and moving as ever, but it was no longer for me. A wave of bitterness washed over me. Once, her eyes held only me, and we were so happy and sweet together. N
Jessica's POV"Do you think I can't afford clothes like her?" Sybil glanced at me, her expression daring the clerk to challenge her.The clerk, seeing Sybil seemed ready to ignite, didn't dare to ask further questions and went to the fitting room to tidy up the clothes and brought them out, held a pile of clothes that reached half her height.Sybil's face froze at the sight of the towering stack of clothes in the clerk's arms.At that moment, Genevieve, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, mimicked Sybil and Tawny's tone, "Oh dear, can't you afford these clothes?"I couldn't hold back any longer and let out a chuckle.Sybil's face turned gloomy, saying, "It's just a few pieces of clothing, who can't afford them?"Holding her credit card between two fingers, Sybil handed it to the clerk, saying, "Check them out for me."The clerk hurriedly began to tally up the cost of dozens of items. After the clerk finished ringing up the clothes, she smiled at Sybil and said, "Miss Wickers, the to
Jessica's POVExiting the heavy doors of the courthouse, sunlight bathed me, yet I felt no warmth.Zander stood there quietly, his figure slightly forlorn. His lips trembled, on the verge of speaking, a look that left a bitter taste in my heart.I stopped and asked softly, "Anything you want to say?" Zander just stood in silence, as if time had frozen. After a long while, he shook his head gently.I let out a faint, bitter smile, "You're still like this, always keeping things to yourself. But from now on, I might not have the chance to hear what you want to say."Zander opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, no words came out.I didn't linger and turned to leave. I got into a taxi and messaged my best friend, Genevieve. "Dear Miss Woods, I've divorced. Could you accompany me to clear my head?"The message was barely sent when her reply popped up on my screen, "What? You divorced? What did that jerk Zander do?! I mean, of course, where should we meet?"I was amused by
Jessica's POVI immediately pressed the answer button on my phone."Jessica, we've been monitoring Mr. Wyatt's indicators, and they've just shown abnormal fluctuations, triggering the alarm. We'll arrange for a comprehensive physical examination. Just in case, you should come back to the hospital," the attending physician's voice echoed over the phone.Hearing this, my heart instantly clenched."What do you mean? He was fine when I left. Is it a sudden deterioration?""We're not sure of the cause of these fluctuations, so we need to conduct tests. It's just that if other treatments are needed, family members can make decisions directly," the attending physician replied."Okay, I'm coming right back!" I hung up the phone hastily and turned to rush to the hospital.However, Zander grabbed my arm at that moment.His grip was like a vise, preventing me from moving."Where are you going? Didn't you say you wanted a divorce?" Zander said in a deep voice.I twisted my wrist, but I couldn't b
Jessica's POVI sat quietly outside Johnny's hospital door throughout the night, watching as the sky gradually lightened.As I began to feel the weariness, a voice suddenly spoke from behind."Ms. Riddle? Is that you?" I was startled and turned to find Ned.He must have been coming for his shift. I straightened my clothes and stood up, "Yes, let's go in together." "Ms. Riddle, have you been sitting outside for long? You could have asked Emmett and the others. They're on duty and could have let you in," Ned said.I shook my head slowly, not wanting to disturb others' rest, and I needed this solitude to sort out my chaotic thoughts.Ned didn't press further. He silently followed by my side, but I could see the confusion and a hint of concern in his eyes.As a subordinate trained in the family, this was a rule set when Justin was still the mafia boss. They were not to question the arrangements and commands of their superiors. Although the Riddle Group has successfully transitioned into a
Zander's POVSunlight streamed through the window, gradually pulling me from a chaotic slumber.My consciousness slowly gathered in my mind, and sensing the bothersome light, I opened my eyes to find that it was already daytime. The lingering dizziness and headache made me instantly realize that I must have been drugged yesterday.I sat up abruptly and looked around. The room was empty, with no sign of anyone else. Only my suit and shirt were neatly folded on the bedside table.At that moment, a slight noise came from outside the bedroom, as if someone was walking cautiously.I frowned, and a name flashed through my mind, Tawny.The image of her handing me that glass of water last night replayed in my mind like a movie. I pursed my lips, got out of bed, and quickly put on the shirt placed on the bedside table. Usually, when I'm extremely angry, I become unusually calm.I strode to the door, flung it open, and saw Tawny coming towards me with a tray in her hands. The tray was filled wi
Jessica's POVAnger, grievance, and disappointment, a tapestry of emotions intertwined. I felt I couldn't bear any more, so I turned and left the villa. It was unknown how much time had passed before I regained my senses. The cold night wind played with my long hair, and the dull ache in my head made me realize I had been walking alone for quite some time.I couldn't believe that Zander, that jerk, believed Tawny wasn't capable of harm. He wouldn't even deign to listen to what I had to say. Tawny's hypocritical face lingered in my mind. At the business dinner, when she falsely accused me of splashing wine on her, I thought she was just a woman who loved to stir up trouble. But now, I realized she was far more sinister than I imagined.Just like a moment ago, I knew her admission was meant to provoke me, yet under those circumstances, my emotions were still affected by her. I couldn't help but sigh, turned around, and walked back, as my car was still parked near the villa. Cars rushed
Zander's POVI fantasized alone in the dark during countless silent nights.When I finally lay bare the truth about Johnny to Jessica, about how he killed my father, I imagined her reactions.I envisioned her being devastated, possibly accusing me of false accusations with anger, but I never anticipated the reality to be such a heart-wrenching situation—she simply refused to believe the evidence before her eyes.She persistently tried to exonerate Johnny, going to great lengths to clear his name, which filled me with frustration and helplessness.This was the situation I least wanted to face.Our relationship had become charged because of this.I was determined to have a thorough conversation with Jessica, to lay out all the facts so she could no longer argue.However, Tawny's sudden appearance disrupted my freshly made decision like an unexpected storm.At that moment, the telephone rang abruptly, breaking the tense atmosphere.I glanced at the caller ID. It was Dwayne.I took a deep
Jessica's POVI never expected Tawny to show up here at this time. Although I had moved out of the villa, it still held years of shared memories with Zander. Moreover, Zander and I are still legally married. What did she think of me, showing up so boldly with a key?My gaze bore into Zander, my anger burning fiercely. I demanded harshly, "Why does she have a key to this place? You owe me an explanation!"Zander just pressed his lips tightly, silent. His face was clouded, seemingly still angry about our previous argument, unwilling to explain further."Tell me!" I pressed loudly.Tawny stepped forward at that moment, a sly glint in her eyes. Yet, she forced a smile on her face and feigned innocence, "Jessica, don't misunderstand. I just came to..."I didn't want to hear her nonsense and interrupted her, raising my voice, "Fine, then tell me, where did you get the key to my house?"Tawny's gaze flickered, stealing glances at Zander but remaining silent. I was disgusted by her pretentiou
Jessica's POVI glanced at the pillow in her arms, not daring to agitate her, and nodded, "Who's trying to take your child?"At that moment, the sound of high heels echoed in the hallway. Upon hearing this, Vilda shrank behind the curtain, trembling in fear, "She's here! She's come to take my child!"Before I could say anything more, a woman dressed as a doctor strode in imposing air. She looked at me rudely and said, "Vilda's condition is unstable, and she doesn't meet the criteria for visitors. Please leave."I glanced at the name badge on her chest, which seemed to read "Attending Physician." I asked, "You're the doctor?"She nodded and said, "I'm Vilda's attending physician, Dr. Tamara Dickinson."I put down the fruit basket and explained, "I'm her friend, and I'll leave after seeing her.""There's no need. Strangers will only exacerbate her condition. You should go," she replied.I frowned and said, "I'm her friend, not exactly a stranger. Do you refuse visits from her family for