The four prominent families that were eligible to attend the party were the Hoffmans, the Xaviers, the Miles', and the Potters.Everyone from those families had gathered, so there were more than 200 guests present.Despite the crowd, Evelyn still noticed a familiar figure as soon as she got out of the car.Clara hugged her uncle, Harry, by the arm. She smiled and made her way over.Jazzie gritted her teeth in anger. "Why is that woman here? I feel nauseous just looking at her."Evelyn smiled calmly and said, "It's likely she has something up her sleeves. We should be wary."She had just finished speaking when she heard Clara's giggle."Uncle, this is the Ms. Jefferson I told you about. She is a famous lawyer in Bramston City. You can assign any legal case to her. It'll be like giving Warren a hand and helping him keep an eye on his ex's career."A few short sentences were all it took for Clara to make it clear that Warren and Evelyn were broken up. At the same time, Clara made
"Ms. Sullivan, you can be careless with what you eat but not what you say. When was I ever under your control?" Warren stood tall and composed with a blazer draped over his arm. He wore a tailored suit vest and a meticulously chosen black shirt. His features were stern and his eyes deep-set. Each step he took seemed to thin the air around him as he strode toward them with a commanding presence. He reached Evelyn's side and draped the blazer over her shoulders. The coldness in his eyes melted instantly into warmth and affection as he looked at her, his voice soft and husky. "Why are you wearing so little? What if you catch a cold?" Evelyn looked at him in surprise. "Why are you here?" Warren gently ruffled her hair before turning his gaze to Clara, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. "How would I hear such a delightful joke if I didn't come? Ms. Sullivan, how many times do I have to tell you? There was never anything between us, so how could she take anything from you?
Jazzie let out a cold laugh. A hypocrite like Clara should be an actress with that level of performance. She sneered lightly, "There's plenty of wine here. If you want to drink, go ahead. No one's stopping you." Clara's eyes filled with helplessness as she looked around at the crowd, her voice pitiful. "As long as you forgive me, I'd be willing to die if it means making things right." With that, she picked up another glass and downed it. Just as she was about to continue, Jack suddenly interrupted with a stern voice. "Jazzie, enough. She apologized. Even if you don't consider her feelings, you should consider Anthony Miles'. Drink the wine, and let's put this matter to rest." Jazzie knew that pushing the issue further would seem petty, especially with an elder intervening. Without hesitation, she picked up her glass, ready to drink. But then she saw a glint of calculation in Clara's eyes and realized she almost fell into Clara's trap. If she drank the wine, it would expose Ev
Facing Jack's interrogation and the crowd's ridicule, Jazzie silently cursed Clara. She knew Clara was here to stir up trouble, but she hadn't expected her to be so devious. Clara had revealed her "pregnancy" in front of so many people. Jack had always valued a lady's reputation highly. Such a public spectacle would undoubtedly anger him. The Hoffman family was a prominent, noble household. Not only that, but she was his only granddaughter. Her marriage was a top priority for the entire family. Now, she was being accused of being pregnant out of wedlock. Deciding there was no turning back, Jazzie raised her chin and proclaimed, "You've always pushed me toward an arranged marriage. How could I dare tell you the truth? Even dating had to be done in secret, let alone having a baby." Jack's brow furrowed deeply. "No matter who the man is, bring him to me. If he's unsuitable, I won't agree to the marriage even if you're pregnant." Seeing Jack wasn't too angry, Jazzie smiled. "Don'
Clara gazed at her reflection in the mirror. A mischievous smile curved her lips as she noted the subtle resemblance to Evelyn.If she donned this attire and applied makeup resembling Evelyn's, she doubted Warren would remain sober enough not to mistake her for her rival. Picturing the fallout of her plan, Clara couldn't help but smirk in triumph. As she discarded her stained dress and prepared to dress herself in a fresh gown, the room plunged into darkness, sending a shiver down her spine. Memories of the chilling night she spent guarding the family mausoleum flooded back, rendering her unable to sleep without lights until now. Just as she contemplated seeking help, the lights flickered back to life. But her moment of relief was fleeting. Just as she stood clad in nothing but her undergarments, the lights dimmed once more, accompanied by eerie wails reminiscent of that ominous night. Clara knew this was no mere coincidence; someone was behind it. Summoning her courage, she h
Chet strode into the room, his form wrapped in a gray cashmere coat. His usually refined demeanor was now tinged with an icy severity. Approaching Clara, he roughly hauled her up from the ground. His voice was cold as he declared, "You've brought disgrace upon the Miles, yet you dare invoke Mom's name. Go back and reflect on your actions!" Without mercy, Chet dragged Clara out. Sally sensed that something was amiss. Chet had always been gentle and kind, especially toward his sister, Clara, whom he cherished since childhood. Why was he so harsh and merciless today? What did he mean by those words earlier? Sally immediately grasped Harry's hand and said, "Harry, let's head back. I feel something's wrong with Chet." Harry nodded. "I'll just say goodbye to the guests and leave." The two hastily exited the banquet hall, only to witness Chet tossing Clara into the car while questioning her intensely. Chet's neck veins bulged, his eyes burning red with intensity. His voice was
Just as Chet hesitated, Sally's voice rang from behind. "Chet, is that true?" Both of them turned around when they heard her voice. They watched as Sally approached with tears streaming down her face. Sally went up to Chet and held his hand. Her voice was trembling. "Chet, if that's not Sonya's child, then where is she?" Sally sobbed uncontrollably. Her heart ached thinking about how her daughter, Sonya, was killed. Even her grandchild had been swapped. Chet immediately comforted her with a soft voice, "Grandma, don't be sad. I've hired someone to look into this matter. Clara hindered our progress when we had just found a clue. We're trying to investigate this in other ways." Hearing that, Sally instantly stopped crying. Her face turned cold as she replied, "Harry, bring Johnny to me. I want to know what Sonya did so wrong to him. Not only did he have a child with another woman, he even switched out my granddaughter!" Harry quickly consoled her, "Mom, don't worry. I'll ma
Evelyn's voice was low and hoarse. "Do you think he'll let me go if I tell him the truth?" "Even if he allows you to go, he'll visit you for sure. Did you think you could still hide it from him when your belly grows bigger?" "I hired someone to conceal my tracks. Nobody would be able to find me. Besides, I won't be in contact with you guys anymore until I give birth to the baby." Jazzie was taken aback when she heard that. Teary-eyed, she stared at Evelyn. "You're saying that I won't be able to reach you anymore after you leave? Evie, can you not be so cruel? What if I miss you?" Evelyn's eyes filled with tears as well. Biting her lips, she then said, "This is the only way I can ensure the baby's safety. If Warren can find us, Iris and Clara would be able to do the same. They would even stalk you guys to try and find clues about me. I had no choice." This was why she had to bring Simon along as well. He was not in the healthiest state. She would be worried if she left him h
Every word Linda spoke conveyed Warren's trust in her and disdain for Evelyn. She was suggesting that he didn't even want to come in person to visit Simon.Evelyn could tell what Linda was thinking. A faint, cold smile curved at the corner of her lips.She took out her phone from her bag, looked at Linda, and said, "Is that so? Then, I should personally call Mr. Larkin to thank him for remembering my father's kindness toward him."After she finished speaking, she started pretending to make a phone call.Linda immediately spoke up to stop her. "Mr. Larkin is very busy and currently in a meeting, so please do not disturb him.""Is it that he's busy, or is it that you don't want him to know you're visiting my father without his permission?"Linda realized that her thoughts were seen through by Evelyn, so she decided not to pretend anymore.A slight smirk appeared at the corner of her mouth. "Evelyn, back then, you took so much from Warren without regard for his well-being. Your hea
Evelyn immediately took out a piece of tissue to help Simon wipe away his tears. She said softly, "Dad, I know you have a lot you want to say to Ms. Dawson, so please wake up soon. We're all waiting for you."Simon's eyelashes fluttered slightly, as if he was agreeing to the promise.After that, Erica took out silver needles from her bag and inserted them into the acupuncture points on Simon's head.…One hour later, the first acupuncture session was complete.Evelyn asked with some concern, "Ms. Dawson, how is my dad?"Erica was tidying up while speaking, "His condition is better than I expected. At this rate, he should be showing more obvious responses in about a week."Hearing these words, Evelyn looked at her excitedly. "Really? That's great! My dad has hope now!"Ms. Dawson, you've been running around all day. Let me take you to eat first, then you can rest at the hotel."Just as she finished speaking, Simon grabbed Erica's hand.Seeing this scene, Evelyn's eyes widened
The room suddenly became so quiet that they could even hear each other's breathing.Tears welled up in Erica's eyes as she stared at Simon. She only went to his bedside, taking a few difficult steps, after several minutes.Erica gently placed her fingertips on Simon's wrist as tears fell onto his arm.Watched her unusual reaction, Evelyn finally remembered where she had seen Erica before.There was a picture of a women hidden in Simon's private photo album. If Evelyn wasn't mistaken, that woman is Erica.Simon had kept that photo all along, while Erica teared up upon seeing him. This kind of thing usually happened between couples.When Evelyn thought about it, she suddenly understood everything.Erica was someone Simon had been in love with many years ago. The unfortunate couple was separated initially because of Xena's scheme.Evelyn walked slowly to the bedside, patted Erica on the shoulder, and asked, "Do you know my dad, Dr. Dawson?"Erica wiped away her tears and sighed.
Erica was dressed very plainly, but her delicate features still stood out. The red mole near the corner of her eye felt especially familiar to Evelyn.Her first thought was that she had definitely seen Erica somewhere before.She calmly approached with a smile and said, "Dr. Dawson, we're here to fetch you to treat my father."Erica greeted them with a smile. "Come inside and have some water first. I'll go pack up, and we can leave in a short while."They followed her and entered the courtyard once more.While packing her things, Erica asked, "So, which one of you is Sophie's friend?"William, who had always been carefree and uninhibited, immediately stood up and respectfully said to Erica, "It's me. I met her in Zyldrica."Erica looked him up and down, her eyes revealing a hint of delight. "You seem very handsome and look spirited, young man."William's smile was somewhat stiff. It was the first time someone had ever complimented him, and he didn't know how to react.When fac
Evelyn stepped forward and said, "But Warren and the others have been doing everything they can to find you and get you out."Alfred shook his head. "If I leave, that bastard will know that you all have discovered his secret. All your subsequent plans will fail."I'm staying here since he won't do anything to me anyway. I still have something I haven't given him yet. How else do you think I've lived until now?"You all should leave quickly. Just pretend nothing happened. My granddaughter and I will handle that jerk ourselves.""Mr. Miller Senior—"Evelyn wanted to say something else, but Nathan, who was behind her, grabbed her abruptly.He furrowed his brow and looked at Alfred. "Evelyn, Mr. Miller Senior is right. If he leaves, Warren's plan will be ruined. Don't worry, I'll assign someone to keep an eye on this place and make sure nothing will happen to him."Evelyn was eager to save Alfred so that Warren could launch a full-scale attack on Russell. Only then could they reunit
Elma shook her head in disbelief. "That's impossible. You're talking nonsense. My dad was killed by Chester long ago. The person who killed him is not Sir."Evelyn gave a calm smile. "He says he's protecting you, but in reality, he has always treated you as a pawn to control Iris. Otherwise, your mother wouldn't risk her life so willingly for him."I could never understand why Iris would obey someone so willingly. But then I met you, and everything became clear to me."Have you never wondered why your mother looks so much like Mrs. Larkin? That person definitely won't tell you that they are twin sisters."You're also the one keeping an eye on this old man's biological daughter. That person has known about this secret for a long time but has kept it from Iris to fully control her."Whether it's your father, Ronald, or your mother, Iris, their tragic lives were all caused by that 'Sir' you mentioned. Do you want to follow in their footsteps?"Hearing these words, Elma glared at Eve
The gears lunged toward them, like a giant shark with its jaws wide open.Just then, Nathan suddenly held Evelyn in his arms. In a low and hoarse voice filled with suppressed emotion, he called out softly, "Evie."His grip around her was tight. It felt as if he wanted to fuse Evelyn into himself. At the same time, he pressed a button that was a disgusting shade of yellow with his other hand.Everyone was wide-eyed with fear, staring intently at the turning gears.If the wrong button was pressed, not only would the gears not stop, but other traps in this room might be activated. They were in double jeopardy, and there was no escape for them.At that critical moment, the rumbling sound of the gears gradually diminished until it faded away entirely. The gears stopped just short of three feet away from them.Evelyn looked up at Nathan, her eyes wide with shock, and her voice trembling. "Nathan, we're saved."Nathan smiled and gently brushed her hair. "I told you, I won't let anythin
The elderly man was none other than Warren's grandfather, Alfred. But wasn't Alfred being held in Milania by Russell? Moreover, he had been poisoned and was supposed to be unconscious.Yet, the elderly man before them was sitting at a table, leisurely playing a game of chess.Evelyn didn't have time to think much. She pressed the switch next to her, opened the door, and rushed in.Just as they went in, the glass door automatically closed behind them, and the entire room started to slowly descend—right into where the gears were turning.Evelyn looked at Nathan with some panic. "I think we've been tricked."Nathan looked at a control panel in the room and said, "Don't worry. This is the control console. As long as we find the button to stop the gears from turning, we'll be fine."After speaking, he carefully examined the central control panel.At that moment, Elma's laughter echoed again in the room. "Evelyn, this control panel has 81 buttons, and each one will trigger a different
Elma's eyes seemed so familiar to Evelyn that they left a deep impression in her mind.When Evelyn was deep in thought, she suddenly opened her eyes wide as a name popped into her mind—Iris Lindt.Elma's eyes and nose looked a lot like Iris'. Could it be that they were related?Evelyn tried to stand up and look for William and Nathan, but her hands and feet were tied, making moving impossible.She softly called out, "William? Mr. Holland?"There was no response, so she tried calling out again. This time, a deep, hoarse voice rang out close by. "Evelyn, I'm over here."Nathan's voice was urgent and full of concern. In the darkness, Evelyn almost mistook it again for Warren's voice.She responded, "Mr. Holland, where is William?"Nathan kicked William beside him and said, "He's next to me. The drug seems to be affecting him more. Don't be afraid, I'll be over there right away."After speaking, Nathan crawled toward Evelyn. Seeing her pale face, he felt a bit concerned and asked,