Warren understood what Simon meant by that. He respectfully lowered his head and said, "What we said was the truth, Mr. Jefferson. You should rest up and recover. You still have many things to do."Simon met Warren's eyes before lightly nodding.…A week later, Simon was discharged from the hospital.Evelyn wanted to celebrate Simon's recovery and cleanse any lingering bad luck from his former imprisonment. So, she hosted a party at home and invited her best friends.Jazzie was fully on board with that. She especially got Simon to throw salt over his shoulder to ward off bad luck. She even chanted, "I banish you, bad luck, and call forth good fortune, a successful career, and a smooth life."Ethan nearly burst out in laughter as he stood beside Jazzie and watched her antics.He leaned forward to look at her mouth, which hadn't stopped chanting. He then teased her. "Jeez, what's with all these blessings? Are you going to say more? Anyone who doesn't know the situation might think
Simon wore the new maroon dress shirt Evelyn had brought him and matched it with some grey trousers. Then, he returned downstairs and merrily asked, "What do you think about me wearing this outfit to see Warren? It's his first time visiting, so I can't dress up too casually."While saying that, he kept checking himself out in the mirror. He genuinely saw Warren as his son-in-law and wanted to do his best to welcome Warren during tonight's event. He even brought out his best wine, which he had stored for many years.Evelyn subtly approached his side before smiling. "Dad, Warren has gone away on a last-minute business trip. He won't be visiting. Let's eat now, okay?"Simon shot her a dubious frown. "But he promised yesterday that he'd visit.""You said so yourself that he promised yesterday. The business trip was a last-minute decision he made his morning. He asked me to tell you about it, but I forgot."In truth, Warren hadn't gone away on a business trip. Instead, one of his bigge
Gertrude chuckled coldly upon hearing that. "Sure, you can separate from the family. But first, Evelyn must get with James Foley. She will be his third woman, alongside his wife and girlfriend. James has taken an interest in her. If she refuses, James will chop off one of Leo's arms."Simon was so enraged that his chest tightened painfully. How could he have such a biased mother? So what if Leo was the Jefferson family's eldest grandchild? Wasn't Evelyn a Jefferson, too? How could Gertrude have the audacity to sacrifice Evelyn just to save Leo from debt?Simon pulled Evelyn to stand behind him. He had never been this ruthless before. "What gives Leo the right to make my daughter pay for his gambling debts? He deserves to lose an arm! Besides, my daughter already has a husband, so you don't have to worry about finding her a partner. Please leave!"Tegan Byrne was the wife of Simon's older brother, Maurice. She supported Gertrude while watching the conversation unfold in amusement.
Warren's gaze resembled a sharpened blade. It switched back and forth between Gertrude and Tegan.Gertrude had many life experiences. Yet, she was so shocked by the former's imposing energy that she broke out in cold sweat. Still, she put up a calm front. "Evelyn was spouting nonsense! No such thing happened. It's all because Evelyn wore revealing clothes and attracted the attention of hooligans! She was asking for it!" Gertrude snarled as if she were talking about her enemy.A vicious glare came from Warren. "It's fine if you don't want to tell the truth. We'll just bring Leo here, but once we do, he'll lose more than just an arm."Upon saying that, he took out his phone and dialed Charlie's number. "Bring Leo here."Soon enough, two bodyguards brought Leo into the residence.Leo fell to his knees once he saw Warren. He pleaded, "That had nothing to do with me, Mr. Larkin! My grandma said Evelyn looks similar to your old flame, so she came up with that terrible idea. I was mere
Leo almost stumbled as he shot off the ground. He kept his eyes on Warren and muttered, "May I leave now that Evelyn has forgiven me, Mr. Larkin?"Warren barked, "Get out of my sight!"Gertrude dared not say anything while in the face of the horrifying Warren. She could only bring Tegan and Leo away.The hall resumed its usual silence.Simon sighed. "We were having such a great meal, but they ruined it."Evelyn consoled him at once, "Dad, I'll have the cook prepare a few more dishes. Let's continue our meal. From now on, all that has to do with the Jefferson family no longer concerns us. That's considered a good thing for us.""You're right. You and I won't have to wait at their every beck and call anymore. We'll live our own lives now," Simon replied.Then, he led the group back into the dining room and even welcomed Warren. "Hey, Warren? I'll have someone bring another set of cutlery since you've just got back from work."Warren squeezed Evelyn's hand as he spoke lowly, "Than
Warren petted Evelyn's head while talking. He also smiled with his eyes curved slightly at her. He spoke as though their home was their love nest.A sharp ache tore through Evelyn's chest. She recalled the time she left her family home. Back then, she had sacrificed so much for her family, so it was unbearably painful for her to leave.Her fingertips trembled slightly as she shot a bland look at Simon. "Dad, I'm still worried about you. I want to stay with you for a few more days.""What's there to be worried about? I have housekeepers here. You and Warren have just reconciled, so you should stabilize your relationship. You've sacrificed enough for me. I can't delay your happiness any longer," Simon assured her.…Evelyn later got into Warren's car after a little more convincing from Warren.That was their first time silently sitting together without fighting since they separated.A long while went by before she spoke up. "Let's go to a nearby mall. Didn't you say you were out o
Evelyn wanted to stay a good distance away.Warren suddenly felt a weight in his chest. He tugged at his necktie to loosen it before entering the elevator first. He and Evelyn soon entered a men's clothing shop.The shop's sales attendant immediately noticed the duo's outfits and their commanding presence. She knew the two would be big spenders. With a smile, she approached them. "Is there anything I can help you with, sir and miss?"Warren kept a frosty demeanor as he headed straight for the couch. There, he brought out his phone to do some work.Meanwhile, Evelyn smiled, nodded, and approached the clothing display. She instantly noticed an ocean blue shirt. The color suited most people's undertones and gave a mature yet youthful appearance at the same time.She thought it would look good on Warren. The only issue was the color wasn't Warren's favorite. Evelyn knew that because she had never seen this color in his wardrobe.She picked the shirt up and looked at Warren to ask,
Evelyn wanted to resist, but Warren was too good of a kisser. Her body softened, giving into the lust shortly after they started kissing. It was unclear how long had passed, but Warren gradually released her.She raised her fingertips to her slightly red and swollen lips.Warren's magnetic voice rang out. "Let's continue, Ms. Jefferson." Evelyn was so rattled she whipped her head in his direction. "Are you done with your nonsense, Warren?"A low chuckle came from Warren. "I was referring to trying on the shirt. You should get your mind out of the gutter, Ms. Jefferson."The sales attendant hurried toward the two once they came out of the fitting room. She couldn't help blushing when she saw Warren's towering and attractive figure. "This shirt suits you well, sir. Would you like to match it with a necktie?"Evelyn blandly suggested, "Let's try that one."She picked up the necktie from the sales attendant before tip-toeing to put it on Warren.Warren was cooperative the entire
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,