I hesitated for a moment, glanced into the bag, and saw two exquisite velvet boxes inside. They contained the jade pendant Grandpa had prepared for the child.A wave of intense pain swept through me. Coldly, I spoke, "This was something Grandpa prepared for the child. Since the child is no more, it should be returned to you."He glared at me. "This was given to you by Grandpa. If you want to return it, return it to Grandpa."I realized he was completely unreasonable and impossible to reason with. I pursed my lips. "Ryan, I can accept other things, but this is too precious."He blurted out, "It's given to you, not to someone else."I couldn't help but clutch my hand tightly, suppressing the strange feeling in my heart, trying to remain rational. "Between us, we only lack one divorce certificate to settle things clearly.""Settle things?" Ryan's indifferent eyes subtly raised. He looked at me calmly.I involuntarily panicked for a moment. "Yes.""What do you want to settle?" He l
"Is it not her? Could it be me?" I met his gaze without flinching, asking each word deliberately.To say that I had no expectations would be a lie. I could deceive anyone, but I couldn't deceive my own heart. I still hadn't let go.Even though I knew perfectly well that there was no possibility for us to continue, I still hoped that over these years, he had liked me even for a brief, fleeting moment.Eight years. How many of those would I get in a life time?His dark eyes were like whirlpools, as if trying to pull me in. His voice carried a mesmerizing power, "If I said yes, would we not get divorced then? How about it?"I froze, then froze again, for a long time, looking at him as soberly as I could, shaking my head."Ryan, even if you liked me at some point, it would only prove that all these years weren't entirely about me loving you. I might have been slightly more willing. But this... isn't a reason for us to continue.""All these years?""Yes, all these years."Suddenly,
Upon hearing those words, I briefly spaced out.This question, aside from Jane asking me something similar, I had never really asked myself.Would I?If that day, another boy had saved me and the one I woke up to see was someone else, would I have fallen for that boy?Or if Ryan had never helped me, would I still have liked him to this extent? Then what would my feelings over these years amount to?My thoughts were in disarray. I dared not continue thinking and gently shook my head, "Ryan, I can't give you an answer."Ryan's usual nonchalant demeanor almost couldn't hold up. His jawline tightened, and he slowly sighed. "Fine.""Is what I once liked you for important?"I didn't understand why he seemed somewhat disappointed. We had already reached the end of our relationship, so why pursue what it started with?Ryan avoided my gaze, hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette, and evaded the topic, "What you said, I promise you.""What?"I was briefly stunned, then realized, "About J
"What are you so proud of?!"She was so angry that her chest heaved up and down rapidly, her eyes bursting with a vicious light. "Charlotte, you forced me. You told him to kick me out of the country, didn't you? When the day the position of Mrs. Frost into my hands, I'll make sure that you get the hell out of Jelaston!""Drive you out of the country?"I was somewhat surprised.I thought, Ryan despite the promise, would just decide to not marry Jessica. I didn’t expect him to completely get rid of her."Stop pretending! Ryan is so good to me, if not because of you, how could he be so heartless! I'm telling you, I'm not going to leave the country, so just give up!""You go talk to him. I’m not the one who wants to send you abroad."After saying that, I was about to pour a glass of water to drink, when I heard Jessica's gloomy voice ring out."I caused the death of your child, you especially hate me, right?"Jessica suddenly laughed, her eyes full of malice.My heart felt like i
Jessica's eyes were full of smiles!I suddenly understood what she meant, without a hint of panic, slowly withdrew my hand, and under Ryan's dismayed eyes, I said, "What you see is what you see."Anyway, when had he ever listened to my explanation.What was more, he now also saw with his own eyes. It was no use explaining.In the past, I would still be worried about some unimportant things, whether he would think that I was ruthless or something like that, but now, I don't even care anymore.The most important thing was that I was completely disappointed.It didn’t matter at all what he thought of me.Jessica covered her wound, her face was full of tears. ''Ryan, save me... it hurts so much! She suddenly stabbed me... with a knife like she was crazy."She was 30 years old, but still a bitch.I sneered. "What are you crying for, isn't that your purpose? Purpose accomplished, you should be happy."Winding me up, timing Ryan’s arrival and forcing me to do all of this.I had to
"Gary?"Ryan's voice turned terrifyingly cold. "What are you standing there for? Take her to the hospital!"Jessica was having a mental breakdown. Before she could say anything, Gary carried her straight into the elevator!He made sure all the way, not to let any blood drip on the ground.I watched them leave, feeling like I could burn a hole through their backs. My chest continued to heave violently."Charlotte, let's wash our hands first, okay?"Ryan seemed afraid to provoke me further, his tone gentle as if coaxing a child.I looked at him and asked hesitantly, "Aren't you angry at me for hitting her?"This wasn't Ryan's usual style.He should have defended Jessica unequivocally, standing opposed to me. That would have been right.He sighed, took my hand, led me to the restroom, turned on the faucet, checked the water temperature, then positioned me under the faucet, applied hand soap, and carefully washed my hands."Doesn't your hand hurt after hitting her like that?"I
Ryan seemed helpless, looking at me as he explained gently, "She also lost her child at that time. Even if it goes to court, it won't achieve the result you want.""Oh..." I nodded absentmindedly, feeling like I had been completely drained. "So, my child died in vain, is that it?"Perhaps afraid that I would get agitated, he hurriedly reassured, "No, there are still many ways...""What ways?" I smirked. "Sending her abroad, any country I choose?""Okay." He breathed a sigh of relief, nodding without much thought.I looked at his flawless features and smiled, "Then send her to Southeast Astia, like Manya, Vetal, Laost... Oh, you can send her there, but you’re not allowed to give her any living expenses.""Charlotte...""Is it not possible?" I saw the trace of disbelief flash across his handsome face, but I insisted on it.I insisted that Jessica pay that little price.He frowned. "It's chaotic there. She..."Before he could finish his sentence, his phone in his pocket rang. He
The moment I asked this question, my heart skipped a beat again. Because I had always believed that Grandpa's death was related to Jessica, but there had been no evidence.Fortunately, Albert immediately replied, "Yes, although the fingerprint was small, after comparison, it is indeed hers.""So it really was her..."Upon receiving this answer, I felt no joy, only more sorrow for Grandpa. If... if Grandpa hadn't met Jessica that day, would he still be waving kindly to me now, calling me ‘Charlotte’?Albert was also furious. "Although the Mr. William never fully accepted her, he never mistreated her either. Yet she actually resorted to such methods.""Yeah." I pondered over it, "Albert, there's one thing I still can't figure out. When Grandpa hit Ryan that day, he didn't get so angry as to fall ill. What did she say to Grandpa to make him so furious?"First she angered Grandpa, causing him to fall ill, then she prevented him from taking his life-saving medication.It was exactly
"He's also acting unilaterally, keeping things from me, thinking he's doing this for my own good, not wanting me to worry."Charlotte smiled. "Then I won't advise you."Jane was about to say something when her phone rang.In a hurry, she pulled it out and looked at it, but it wasn't Zachary.She answered, sounding exhausted, "Get to the point."Dominic paused for a moment. "I'm not saying this to nag, but don't be too hard on yourself, still need to pay attention to your health, do what you can."Jane laughed and scolded him, "What's your problem?""I've got something, a big thing.""Spit it out."Dominic chuckled. "Your clothes are ready. So, how about it? Come over and take a look? We only got two sets done, and the time is still tight. But it won't affect the next event. I've already checked the time."Jane immediately sat up straight, her voice gaining strength. "I'll come over right now."Then, she suddenly remembered something."Wait, I have something else to do. How
Raymond was startled. "Mrs. Collins..."Jane raised her hand to stop him from speaking, looking at Rebecca she said slowly, "If you can meet one condition of mine, I will leave the country immediately."Rebecca saw she had softened and her anger subsided a little. "Go on."Jane said, "If you make Zachary break up with me willingly, I will leave him. How about that?"Rebecca realized she had been tricked and immediately raised her hand.Jane sidestepped to avoid it.Rebecca lost control and sprained her waist."Ouch."Eric hurriedly supported her and was about to speak.But Jane had already taken Raymond and left in large strides.His eyes gradually filled with cruelty.Once in the car, Jane asked Raymond, "Zachary left you as the only one beside me?"Raymond started the car and replied, "Of course not. I'm just the one other people sees."Jane breathed a sigh of relief. "Then I'm at ease. Otherwise, if you were alone, I'd have to worry. What if the Collins family does some
When Raymond saw Madam Collins coming out of the conference room, his eyes nearly popped out of his head. It dawned on him that Jane had deceived him, but now he couldn't even report it."I raised you all to follow Zachary, not to help him mess things up!"Madam Collins's frustration needed an outlet. At her age, if she didn't vent her anger, it would soon send her to the hospital, unable to move a muscle."Look at the mess Zachary is in today. You'll all bear the responsibility. Come home with me and face the consequences!"Raymond knew he couldn't leave."When Mr. Collins returns, whatever punishment you want to give me is fine, but right now, I can't go. Please, calm down."Madam Collins was so angry that her breathing became erratic. "You've gone too far! Do you know who your master is? If it weren't for the Collins family, you'd have died in the slums long ago!"Raymond didn't deny it. He bowed respectfully and said, "I remember the Collins family's kindness, but Madam Coll
"You can just tell me directly what happened, or rather, what you want to say by coming to see me," said Jane.Madam Collins didn't continue to beat around the bush."Zachary has been taken in for questioning."Jane's fingers curled involuntarily, and a hint of nervousness flashed in her eyes.Madam Collins noticed her small gesture, observing every detail of Jane's reaction."There's no need to pretend to be calm. It's normal for you to feel emotional," she said. "After all, if it weren't for you, Zachary wouldn't have to go through this."Jane couldn't argue with that.Madam Collins continued, "I've known this day would come. Your father's existence is like a ticking time bomb, it was bound to explode sooner or later. I'll say it again. If you truly love Zachary, you should not be a stain on his life. I haven't said this before, but this time I must play the bad cop. Leave Zachary, child. You can name any conditions you want."Jane clenched her fists tightly, her fingertips g
Jane wasn't fooled."You just want to help Westley."Zachary laughed, placing some meat on her plate. "It's up to you."Ding-dong.The doorbell rang suddenly.With a mouthful of meat, Jane mumbled, "My place is quite lively recently."Zachary stood up to open the door.At the door stood Raymond."Sir...""You didn't answer your phone or respond to the messages. I had no choice but to..."Zachary's expression remained indifferent. "Get to the point."Raymond glanced behind him, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "The investigation team has arrived."Zachary's eyes flickered slightly, but his voice remained as cold as ever. "Got it."He turned back and walked to Jane, bending down to kiss her briefly. "I have to go on a business trip."Jane didn't ask more, with his job, business trips and meetings were normal. During the early stages of a project, it was understandable for him to be busy."How long?""Not sure yet."Zachary picked up his phone and quickly glanced at
As soon as he turned around, he saw a certain onlooker hiding behind the screen, playfully winking at him.Zachary curved his lips into a smile but kept his gaze straight ahead, walking to the kitchen without saying a word.Jane hadn't finished her snack last night and was too tired after what happened with him. She didn't have the energy to think about anything.Now that she had rested well, everything seemed a bit confusing to her.It was uncomfortable not finishing the gossip.She hugged him from behind and sweetly said, "Who is this? You’re such a talented man. Oh, you’re my boyfriend."Zachary started the stove and added oil to the pan. Hearing her, he didn't respond at all.Jane, feeling playful, continued, "Come on, come on, the incredibly handsome Zachary, the husband who's endlessly good to his wife, surely he wouldn't let me suffer by not finishing the gossip, right?"Zachary shivered slightly. "Speak properly.""I am speaking properly!" she replied coquettishly.Za
He rushed back that night.Upon learning that Jordan had gone to the Howard family's residence, he found himself only looking for trouble.Buck watched Westley hurry back, his normally well-arranged suit now creased.He didn't even enter the house, instead turning and walking away.He sighed inwardly.If he liked her, why push her away?Now, when he wanted to pull her back, the string had already snapped.If it weren’t for the fact that Westley was Buck’s superior, he really wanted to say, "You deserve this."Mr. Howard glanced toward the door and then poked Mrs. Howard's arm with his finger.Mrs. Howard looked at Jordan, who had her head lowered.Her voice was firm, clearly having made up her mind.It wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision."Alright, I'll persuade Westley. But you're still my goddaughter. Since you're here, why not have a meal with me?"Jordan nodded.Westley went to find Zachary.Zachary was cooking, and he didn't answer the phone in time.Jane was stil
Zachary had taken control of significant power by his 30s.He owned countless riches.His troubled love life was something he had created himself, and he couldn't blame anyone else.What was there to be violent about?Even what Zachary did didn’t count as violent.Though sometimes, he could indeed be annoyingly domineering and overbearing."Are you cursing me inwardly?"Jane quickly shook her head. "No, I just don't understand why Westley..."Zachary narrowed his eyes slightly. "Liar.""You're misbehaving, so today I'll punish you. No gossip for you.""What?"This was serious!For Jane, this was worse than being executed.She quickly leaned in and kissed him. "Please, tell me, Zachary..."Zachary's gaze flickered. "What did you just call me?"Jane leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Honey?"The man's Adam's apple bobbed.The interrupted atmosphere returned as he flipped over, pinning her beneath him.Jane quickly extended her hand to push him off. "You can't do
Jane's eyes turned sly."How are you different?"As she spoke, her hand slid downward, teasing, "Let me take a look."Zachary pressed down on her hand and grunted.But there was a smile in his eyes.He tilted his head and leaned toward her ear, his voice husky. "Let me help you... take a good look."It was at that moment that Westley's call came through.At first, Zachary didn't want to answer.He thought Westley should already have a clear understanding of things.But today, for some reason, the calls kept coming, one after another.Jane pushed him. "Answer the phone first, there must be something urgent."She flipped over and pulled the blanket over herself.Zachary cursed under his breath, suppressed his anger, and went to the balcony to take the call in the cold air."You'd better have an emergency."Westley's voice was hoarse, and his speech was fragmented, completely different from his usual meticulous and logical manner.Zachary listened for a while before piecing