The mention of a child ignited a raging fire within Evelyn.Forcefully pushing Warren away, she stepped back with a bitter smile."Mr. Larkin, you've got the wrong person. Your beloved is upstairs. If you want children, go to her. Even if I die, I won't bear your children!"With that, she turned and headed toward the backyard.His request seemed absurd and ridiculous.Warren and Clara appeared to be aligning against her. While Warren brought up the idea of surrogacy, Clara pressured her to have children with the intention of raising them herself. Frustrated, she muttered, "Warren, you jerk! It's none of my business who you want to make babies with!"Sitting alone by the pond, Evelyn quietly calmed her emotions.Memories of her past with Warren replayed incessantly in her mind."Ms. Jefferson, Warren asked me to come and comfort you. Are you okay?"Evelyn bluntly replied, "Get lost!"Clara wasn't offended. Instead, she smiled sweetly and said, "Ms. Jefferson, I realize you m
Evelyn slowly closed her eyes as her consciousness faded with her sinking body. After a while, she felt someone cradling her in their arms and giving her oxygen beneath the water.Slowly, she opened her eyes to find Warren's concerned face hovering over her.She lacked even the strength to mock herself now. Her consciousness was slipping away. Warren held her face, tirelessly performing CPR and gently patting her cheeks, but to no avail.He tried to swim upward with her, but their feet got tangled in the mud below.Their bodies were completely trapped in the mud, making it incredibly difficult to struggle free.Watching Evelyn sink deeper, Warren pulled her hand with all his might, silently urging, "Evelyn, you can't die! If you dare to die, I'll drag you back from the underworld myself!"Just then, a lifeline appeared before him. Grabbing it, he hauled Evelyn out of the mud. He swam to shore with one hand dragging her and the other clutching the rope. Once they reached
Warren sat by Evelyn's bedside, tenderly holding her pale hand and gently kissing it. The doctor's words echoed in his mind.He had only known that Evelyn couldn't swim, but he never realized she had thalassophobia. Now he understood why she never entered the bathtub during their intimate moments in the bathroom, despite his attempts to entice her.Her fear of water was severe. Warren gazed at Evelyn's pallid face and said, "Evelyn, how much more don't I know about you?"He was unaware of the experience she had seven years ago or the deep love she harbored for a man. He didn't even know if there was any love in her past kindness toward him.Warren gently stroked her face, leaning down to kiss her cold lips. "Evelyn, I want to know everything about you. Please wake up and tell me, okay?"He had never felt such a strong desire to truly understand someone before.He even felt envious of Seth, who had spent four years of college with her. Back then, Evelyn should have been in
The nursing home was top-tier and highly confidential, with all patient information signed under nondisclosure agreements. Patients were identified only by codes, not names. She only remembered his code, 99. Likewise, he knew hers, 11.Not a clue existed in his mind about her appearance or the sound of her voice. Even if they were to meet in the vast sea of people in the future, he wouldn't recognize her. These fragments played in Evelyn's mind.She relentlessly searched for the man who made her heart flutter, but he always vanished as soon as he appeared. She longed to embrace him, yet she couldn't reach him no matter how hard she tried.In her desperation, Evelyn grabbed onto something and held on tightly, murmuring, "Please don't leave, okay?"Warren's heart skipped a beat as he watched Evelyn's anxious and pale face. Suddenly, a genuine smile spread across his face.He stroked her head and gently said, "Alright, I won't leave. Please wake up soon, okay?"As they emb
Warren was left speechless by the question.He knew that Evelyn had been harboring resentment since the last incident.However, he had already sent someone to gather evidence, though it seemed to have been intercepted halfway.Since there was no response from him, Evelyn coldly pursed her lips."There's no need for an answer. I already know. You all can leave. I'll handle this on my own," Evelyn declared.At that moment, Seth's voice echoed from the doorway."Mr. Larkin, I have the evidence you wanted."Seth and Tammy walked toward Evelyn's bed.For the first time, Seth's composure slipped as he gazed at her pale face.Seth's gaze turned disdainful as he directed it at Warren. "Is this how you protect her, Mr. Larkin? Besides bringing her endless pain, what more can you offer? If you truly cared, you wouldn't let her suffer time and time again."Seth's own words stoked his anger, and the smoldering fury within him burst into flames. He delivered a punch to Warren's face."Th
Warren firmly demanded, "Evelyn, give it to me."Evelyn retorted, "Warren, haven't you hurt me enough? Must you expose my wounds for all to see?"Her resistance only fueled Warren's curiosity. Disregarding her protests, he forcefully seized the USB drive from her grasp and inserted it into the computer to watch.Gloria's alarmed voice pierced the air as Clara's image flickered on the screen. "Clara, what's wrong? Warren, Clara's collapsed. Hurry, get her to a doctor."As Warren glanced back and saw Clara lying on the ground, pale and trembling, he realized the severity of her condition.However, if he left now, he might never know the truth.Just as Warren was about to call for a doctor, Gloria's urgent voice pierced the air once more."Warren, hurry! Clara's convulsing and foaming at the mouth. If we don't get her medical help soon, it could be dangerous. Let's deal with the rest later. Evelyn didn't die, did she? There's no need to keep pressing Clara. If something terrible
Upon hearing Evelyn's request, Warren's eyes narrowed. His deep gaze turned icy, reflecting the darkness of his thoughts."Evelyn," he said firmly, "Apart from that, everything else is negotiable.""But that's all I want, Mr. Larkin. You can't go back on your word," Evelyn retorted.In an instant, Warren loomed over her with a stern look.His warm breath brushed against her face."Evelyn, do you want to get rid of me that quickly? Are you that eager to run to someone else?" he asked firmly.Unfazed, Evelyn met his gaze calmly. "Believe what you will," she replied.Warren's tone turned menacing. "Forget about it. I won't release you even a day before our agreement ends! The Sullivans will answer for this."With that, he stormed out.It remained a mystery how Warren convinced Clara, but eventually, she appeared in Evelyn's room wearing a hospital gown to offer her apology.The Sullivans compensated Evelyn for her mental distress, yet they cautioned that they would show no lenie
Simon chuckled awkwardly. "She once fell into the water and nearly drowned, so she's always been afraid."He then turned to Evelyn and shifted the conversation. "Where's my medication? You seem preoccupied with your sweetheart here and forgot about my prescription, hm? It's becoming increasingly challenging to comprehend the behavior of young couples these days."Taking the medicine from Evelyn, he popped two pills into his mouth.Warren perceived Simon's hesitation to broach the topic, recognizing the profound impact it had on Evelyn.If his guess was correct, whatever it was must have happened after she dropped out of school. He couldn't help but wonder where Evelyn had been that year and what had happened to her, leading her family to avoid talking about it.Warren draped an arm around Evelyn's shoulder, addressing Simon, "Apologies for the inconvenience, Mr. Jefferson. I have some free time this afternoon. How about we grab lunch together along with a few project managers?"
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,