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 The business banquet returned to normal after the drama Tawny had caused. However, with Zander's departure, many guests found it boring and began to leave as well. Finally, Maxwell announced the end of the banquet. A wave of exhaustion suddenly washed over me. I followed Alvin out, dragging my heavy steps. Alvin seemed to notice my low spirits and suggested with concern, "Jessica, how about relaxing in a bar?" I forced a smile and waved my hand, saying, "No, I'd like to be alone for a bit." Back home, I went straight to the floor-to-ceiling window and stared blankly at the city shrouded in night. The neon lights flickered, unable to dispel the gloom in my heart. Involuntarily, I fell into memories. Zander's every move at the banquet constantly emerges in my mind. His indecisive attitude and repeated indulgence towards Tawny infuriated me. Yet, as my anger subsided, more of his expressions surfaced in my thoughts. His surprised gaze and the com
Jessica's POV I understood that Frank's words were a deliberate provocation. But the stubbornness and unwillingness to lose within me made me not consider retreating for a moment. I calmly accepted this seemingly impossible task. "No need to change, thank you, Frank. I will try." Isabella made snide remarks, "Frank, you shouldn't be too lenient. If she fails again, we really can't tolerate her anymore, or it would be unfair to others." Frank put on a pretentious expression and said, "I believe Jessica has the ability. We should give young people opportunities." I sneered inwardly. Their act of playing off each other was really poor. After the meeting, I returned to my desk and began to organize the materials. Not long after, Lillian from the same department came over and said: "Hi, I'm Lillian. I heard there is a newly opened café downstairs. Do you have time? Let's go get a cup together?" I was parachuted into Frank's department, and I only knew the faces and name
Jessica's POV My mood was already sour, and facing Isabella's noisy mockery, I suddenly didn't feel like enduring it anymore. As I stood up to retort, Lillian approached. She stood between us and said to Isabella, "We are all colleagues. Why are you always so aggressive? Can't you show a little basic respect to others?" "Ha!" Isabella, obviously not putting anyone in her eyes under Frank's protection, immediately turned her barbs towards Lillian. "Who do you think you are to meddle here? She's destined to fail and be swept out of the company. If you take her side now, you can look forward to being kicked out together!" "You can try to fire me once you're in a high position," I replied nonchalantly. "We'll see!" Isabella huffed, apparently finding it boring. She shot us a disdainful look, and left the office. I turned to Lillian and sighed, "Thank you for speaking up for me, but it's really not necessary. You might offend her." Lillian just laughed it off and handed m
Jessica's POV The atmosphere in the office was tense as I watched Frank and Isabella engage in their sordid display. I calmly took out the proposal letter with Bright Star from my bag and waved it in the air. With a smile, I said, "What about this proposal letter with Bright Star? They plan to feature our jewelry during the Christmas season." Frank and Isabella looked at the proposal letter in my hand, their faces turning extremely ugly in an instant. Their expressions were filled with disbelief. Everyone from the team gathered around, and in no time, the office was buzzing with discussions. "Bright Star? That's the largest shopping center currently, with no less than a hundred shopping buildings in Los Angeles!" one colleague exclaimed. Another colleague praised generously, "Wow, Jessica, you are really amazing!" Some expressed doubt in a low voice, "This can't be fake, right? She's only been here for a short time. How could she achieve this?" Lillian spoke up,
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
Jessica's POV"Look at these photos! Kenneth wasn't the only one Johnny harmed; he also implicated two other comrades. The woman in this photo is the wife of one of those comrades, taken by Johnny by force. Can you still claim he's an innocent good man?" He pointed at the photos, his voice sharp and trembling with rage.I gazed at the photos, each image like a blade piercing my eyes and soul. My heart was in turmoil, torn between the seemingly irrefutable evidence Zander presented and the deep trust and affection I had for Johnny over the years, a fortress difficult to breach.I couldn't bring myself to believe that Johnny, who had been there for me, who had shown me care, could be evil.Dazed, I turned and left Zander's villa, each step feeling like a thousand pounds, my legs heavy as lead, moving with difficulty.I returned to my small apartment and collapsed onto the sofa as soon as I entered. Memories of Johnny kept surfacing, those beautiful moments shining like bright stars in t
Jessica's POVZander's words hit me like a thunderbolt, echoing in my ears as I stood there, stunned, praying I had misheard.But as I met his bloodshot, red-rimmed eyes and the expression of pain and turmoil etched on his face, the reality of the situation dawned on me.It was as if all the strength had been drained from my body, and my fingers slackened their grip on his shirt.I instinctively took two steps back, my footing unsteady, nearly collapsing under the weight of this revelation.When I married Zander, I knew his father, Kenneth, had died in a battle, caught in the crossfire and leaving behind a young Zander. Yet, I never imagined that his death could be connected to Johnny.My lips trembled slightly as I struggled to utter, "It can't be. This can't be true." Zander's gaze was unwavering, his voice hoarse but resolute. "Jessica, I wish it weren't true. You have no idea how much I wished it wasn't Johnny. I loved you so much, so much that I was willing to ignore it all, but
Jessica's POVAfter Downey and Rebecca were escorted out of the room by Emmett, the ward finally returned to its much-needed silence. The only sounds that filled the space were the rhythmic beeps from the heart monitor and Johnny's faint but steady breathing.I slowly lowered myself into the chair beside the hospital bed, exhaustion and helplessness weighing heavily on my heart. If I could, I would banish Downey and Rebecca from Los Angeles forever, ensuring they never resurfaced. But I couldn't. After all, because of me, Johnny had already lost so much. Despite Rebecca's hypocrisy and snobbery, her presence at least gave Johnny the illusion of a complete family. I couldn't selfishly take away this last bit of warmth from him.Emmett soon returned to the room, nodding at me to signal that everything had been taken care of. I looked at him and whispered, "Emmett, arrange for someone to keep an eye on the room. We can't let anyone else take advantage of and harm Johnny."Emmett gave a s