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?"
Yandel chuckled helplessly. "Warren, I have to confess something. My wife warned me ages ago. She threatened to divorce me if I dared breathe a word to you. She told me that you're not worthy of knowing the truth."With a sigh, he said, "I'm sorry, buddy," before hanging up abruptly, leaving Warren cursing in frustration.As Evelyn's car pulled away, she received a call from Seth. "Anything, Seth?" she asked."Cyrus has disappeared," Seth replied. "Our only witness for the court case is gone."Cyrus was the person Evelyn had saved, and now he was her only witness.The news of Cyrus' disappearance hit Evelyn hard. She slammed on the brakes, and the tires screeched loudly.Upon hearing the news, Warren rushed over. He pounded on the car door. "Evelyn, open up!"Evelyn was still on the phone with Seth. "He's injured. If he is on the run, he is signing his own death warrant unless someone is helping him escape.""There are signs of a struggle at the scene. I'm trying to track dow
A sharp pang pierced Warren's heart, casting a melancholy shadow over his chiseled features. He pursed his lips and silently stared at Evelyn.After a while, he said, "Evelyn, can't we go back to how things were before? Do you not feel tired of constantly opposing me every day?"Tears welled up in Evelyn's eyes, yet a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips."We can't proceed unless you alleviate the anguish of your absence during my greatest need. Help me forget the years you used me like a plaything. Let me forget your pact with Clara to use me as a surrogate. Can you grant me that, Warren?""When have I ever failed you in your moments of need? Didn't I rescue you from the water myself? And regarding Clara and the surrogacy, Evelyn, I need you to clarify what you're suggesting."Evelyn pushed him away and stared at him coldly. "You want to know? Ask your sweetheart. See what she has to say." With that, she drove away.Warren's gaze turned icy as he watched her car disap
Warren stood at the doorway in a sleek black suit, wearing a cold expression. Behind him was a disheveled Cyrus.His deep gaze lingered on Evelyn for a few seconds before he handed Cyrus over to the court clerk and took a seat in the observer's gallery.Cyrus walked toward the witness stand and weakly began, "Your Honor, I'm Cyrus Castillo from the IT department at the Larkin Corporation. I deleted the video, not because Ms. Jefferson asked me to, but because Mrs. Larkin threatened to fire me if I didn't."He added, "I was buying a house and getting ready for my wedding, but I was in a lot of debt. I couldn't risk losing my job, so I went along with it. But I also kept a copy of the video to sell to Evelyn. Sadly, it got stolen, and I got hurt badly."He continued with a sigh, "Evelyn saved me, and I promised to testify for her. But then they found me again and locked me up. Thankfully, Mr. Larkin's men rescued me just in time. Your Honor, although the USB drive was taken, I had al
Warren gazed at Evelyn with an intense fervor. His voice was hoarse as he said, "Evelyn, I need to talk to you."Before he could reach for Evelyn's hand, Jazzie stepped in. "What do you want? Do you feel sorry for Evie now that you've realized the truth? Mr. Larkin, that's unnecessary. You've already hurt Evie when you tried to get her to donate blood for Clara. Did you know she couldn't even donate blood at that time? She almost died trying to save Clara."She scoffed and went on, "And you, not only did you not believe her, but you also treated her like your mistress. Have you ever thought about how Evelyn felt when that recording came out? Three years of loyalty, only to be labeled a mistress in front of everyone."In a rage, she added, "Well, let me tell you, Evie isn't anyone's mistress. From now on, leave her alone. Evie, let's go!"Jazzie was fiery by nature, and if not for Warren's status, she would have given him a few slaps.She tried to take Evelyn with her, but Evelyn
After dropping those words like a bombshell, Evelyn walked away.Warren watched her leave, clenching his fists involuntarily.Suddenly, Clara emerged from the building. Seeing Warren's dark expression, she burst into tears.Clara sobbed as she tried to explain herself. "Warren, I didn't mean to set up Ms. Jefferson. When I found out about you and her, my emotions got the better of me. You know how I am when my condition flares up. And then, when I realized what I'd done, I panicked."She pleaded, "I didn't want you to find out and leave me, so I tried to erase the video. Please, Warren, don't be angry. It's just because I care about you so much. I just couldn't bear to see you with her."Lindsey hurried over to comfort her. "Clara, please stop crying. It'll only worsen your condition. And Warren, you and Clara have a long history. She has always considered you hers. Seeing you with someone else really affected her. Please, go easy on her."Warren lit a cigarette and asked indiffe
Charlie felt a cold sweat trickle down his spine.Warren cast him a glare and said icily, "Keep your eyes on the road. I have my own plans.""Got it," Charlie muttered."Have you located that woman yet?" Warren's voice was sharp with impatience."Not yet. She used to go by Xena Summers. She might have changed her name," Charlie responded."Keep searching. We can't let her anywhere near Evelyn," Warren commanded.He was certain that Evelyn's disappearance over a year ago was related to Xena Summers. Otherwise, she wouldn't hate her so much.That night, Gloria called Warren back to the Larkin Manor.As soon as they met, Gloria slammed a stack of documents onto him and coldly interrogated, "I get why you snagged the solar project for Evelyn, but why grab the others, too? Are you aiming to monopolize everything?"Warren's reply spared no mercy. "You know exactly why I did it.""Just because I've been hard on Evelyn, you became agitated? What's so remarkable about her that you'd g
A flicker of panic flashed in Gloria's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure."Why would you say such a thing? Sonya died in that car accident just to protect Clara. How could it be fake? Clara, in terms of looks and blood type, is just like Johnny. Don't say that in front of him, or he'll become infuriated.""Why bother about Johnny's reaction? When the Sullivans saw Warren blind and crippled, they wanted to call off the engagement. I should have severed ties with them then to spare Warren from being pestered by Clara."Gloria gently explained, "Mom, this marriage was Warren's choice when he was a child. He told the family elders he wanted to marry Clara when he grew up. We can't break our promise now."Bonnie scoffed, "He was only four years old then. What did he understand? He just wanted a playmate. If your child hadn't died, would he have gone to the Sullivans to demand a sibling?"The mention of this incident soured Gloria's expression. "Mom, I didn't mean for this to
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,