"Okay." I nodded thoughtfully, smiling as I asked a cruel question, "What if she tries to take something from you?"This question caught Lauren off guard, but Jessica was nervous as a thief.Her face turned pale, trying to cover her panic, and she snapped, "Charlotte, what are you doing? Now you not only want to snatch Ryan away, but also want to drive a wedge between me and my mom?""Mom, let's go!" said Jessica, grabbing Lauren and trying to leave, afraid that I might say something I shouldn’t.Lauren refused to move, shielding Jessica behind her and standing tall, her eyes full of disdain and scorn."Jessica is right. Don't try to break up our mother-daughter relationship. I know you grew up without parents. Although John and I are remarried, he loves Jessica just as much as I do. Jessica has always had a harmonious and loving family since she was a child. Ultimately, as an orphan like you, you must envy Jessica, right?""Yeah, you're right." I nodded without denying it and sa
Lauren had already lost her sanity. She immediately tapped on the video, disregarding the passionate and ambiguous sounds coming from the phone.Jessica also frantically checked the top trending topics. Upon hearing the voice, she became even more panicked, her voice trembling. "Mom..."Slap!Lauren suddenly slapped Jessica hard across the face, her eyes filled with blood, bitterly cursing, "Mom? How dare you call me mom? John is your stepfather, do you understand that? Can't you keep your legs together? Do you have to open them for your stepfather?"She had once protected and spoiled Jessica, but now she hated the latter so much.Being betrayed by someone so close to her, this feeling must be even more painful and profound than when Nancy betrayed me.Jessica, ignoring the pain, fell to her knees with a thud. "Mom... it's not me... it's not!""Are you trying to tell me that this video, all those things online, are all fake?!" Lauren was furious to the extreme, her eyeballs almo
Lauren was pushed unexpectedly and fell flat on her back on the floor, grimacing in pain, unable to believe it as she looked at Jessica. "Jessica... you pushed me? From childhood until now, I provided you with the best things possible. Is this how you treat me?""If you had really been good to me, you wouldn't treat me like this now!" Jessica's face was full of resentment. She squatted down, grabbed Lauren's hair, and demanded with each word, "You taught me to seize whatever I wanted by my own abilities. Aren't these your teachings? Why do you blame me for doing so? Mom... haven't I been following your words?""No..." Lauren was somewhat bewildered, filled with both hatred and regret. "I never taught you this... never, never! I didn't... it's not like that... it's not!" The more she spoke, the more frenzied she became. Suddenly, she got up, speaking vehemently, her eyes unfocused, and ran outside.Jessica looked in the direction where Lauren had left, suddenly bursting into tears. S
Jane was dumbfounded."No way!""That's how it is."Who knew when Ryan would be convinced to go get the divorce certificate next time. Jane saw that I wasn't in a good mood and tried to comfort me. "It's okay, it's okay. When it comes to divorce, as long as one party is determined to leave, it's just a matter of time. Besides, you've settled everything else. You're practically divorced already, except for the certificate."I smiled and chatted with her for a while before changing the subject. "What about you? Has Tom come looking for you?"When I moved house, it was Tom who helped. Speaking of which, I still owed him a meal. He definitely knew this address. Even if he didn’t know, he could find out easily by asking Ryan.Jane sighed softly, her voice weak. "No, he wouldn't dare to come to your house easily.""Why?""He's most afraid of Ryan."Later in the evening, I wasn't in the mood to cook, and Jane wasn't much of a cook either, so we ordered takeaway.As Jane ate and chat
I had just finished eating and put down my cutlery. "Did you agree to meet him?""Yeah, I agreed," replied Jane. Jane helped me tidy up the takeaway boxes. "He was too immature a couple of days ago. He wouldn't listen to what I said. And now, some things can't be made clear over the phone. It's better to meet again and settle things once and for all.""I agree." I nodded. "I’m one your side.""Will you come with me?""Sure sure." I smiled and teased, "If I don’t go with you, what if he kidnapped and sold you?"They agreed to meet at the usual private club.Jane led the way confidently as we entered. When we reached the door of the private room, I hesitated for a moment. "You go in. If I'm there, it might be awkward for both of you to talk freely. Call me anytime if you need anything, I'll come in immediately.""Okay." Jane nodded and pushed open the door.I stood outside, watching waiters coming and going with fruit trays and dishes. Feeling out of place, I decided to walk sl
‘Beg him? Have I lost my mind?’ I wondered.I let go of his hand, not caring if Ryan and Jack saw us or not, feeling reckless, I turned and started walking out.Suddenly, everything went black. A man's long coat was thrown over my head, deftly guiding me back, pressing me against the railing, avoiding the gaze of those two.Lingering at the tip of my nose was a clear minty scent.The scent suited Frank perfectly.Ryan's footsteps seemed to pause. I heard Frank's unconventional voice, "Mr. Frost is interested in the private affairs of young couples?"Ryan seemed to scrutinize, his voice was deep. "Your girlfriend's shoes, my wife seem to have a pair just like them."My heart skipped a beat.This is a limited edition of a certain brand, and there are only a few pairs in Jelaston, easily countable on one hand.Clearly, I didn't overhear any secrets. I could have just left openly, but now with Frank stirring things up like that, I somehow felt guilty.I didn't dare move."Seem?"
It seemed like the person who readily agreed to my terms yesterday wasn't him.I was somewhat annoyed and at a loss. "Didn't you agree not to let anyone else know for now?""Huh?" Frank frowned. "I agreed not to let anyone know you were spying and recording."‘Fine. So he had done nothing wrong after all. Was it just that I hadn't been clear enough?’"Do you have a grudge against the Frost family?""No." Frank looked at me, perplexed. "Can't you understand vicious business tactics? After being with Ryan for three years, hasn't he taught you any of this?"I couldn't help but pause.His straightforwardness was both frightening and intriguing because of his second question.I squeezed my palms and replied honestly, "No."After being by Ryan’s side, what had he taught me? Independence, tolerance, patience, devotion...Besides treating each other with respect, we had no unnecessary exchanges. He never discussed matters of fame and profit with me.This time, Frank seemed taken aba
.This was the first time I had encountered someone who constantly talked about money."Well, forget it then. I'll ask someone else." With that, I turned and headed indoors.Just as I returned, Jane came out from the private room, her eyes slightly red, clearly having cried. "Let's go back.""Is everything sorted out?" I took her coat from her and draped it over her shoulders.She sniffed, her eyes clear. "Yes. From now on, whether he forms alliances or not, it has nothing to do with me."Upon hearing her decisive words, I admired how she could handle things so calmly.On the way home, Jane drove, and suddenly I received a call from Jack.After hesitating for a moment, he finally asked, "Charlotte, the person with Frank just now, was that you?"I was taken aback but didn't lie to him. "Yes, it was me... How did you know?"Frank had covered me up so well.Even Ryan... only asked about a pair of shoes in such an uncertain tone.Yet Jack managed to guess it was me.On the othe
"She's originally from abroad, it's hard to catch her." Frank waved his hand and said to Zachary, "Take care of it. I'm going to have some fun for a while. Once you're better, you can handle the aftermath." Zachary nodded. After Frank left the hospital room, Zachary told everyone to go home. "I'm fine, just a stomach cramp. It's not serious." Rebecca held his hand, hesitant to speak. Zachary took the initiative and said, "Don't worry. I've already cleared things up with Jane. Even if we run into each other in the future, we won't greet each other. We'll be strangers from now on." Outside the hospital room, Jane withdrew her hand from the door, turning to speak to Charlotte. "No need to go in. He's fine." After getting in the car, Charlotte looked at her. "You should stay at Region Gardens for a while." "Once Zachary and Frank finish dealing with the Sanchez family, you can move back to your own place. The Sanchez family has deep roots, and I'm worried that if
They were eager to see Zachary and hadn't had the chance to speak yet. "Was it Zachary who took Lexi away?" Frank nodded. "He said he would handle it personally, so it should be him handling it." "If the Sanchez family is inconvenient for you, I can take care of it." Just as Eric was about to speak, Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez arrived at the hospital room. They looked quite angry. "Eric, we've known each other for so many years. Even if we can't have a marriage alliance, don't harm my daughter." He unlocked his phone and handed it to Eric. Eric saw the image of Lexi tightly bound. He frowned. Zachary was still unconscious at this moment. Who sent this photo? Ross entered shortly after, answering his question. He heard Ross tell Frank. "The Winston family took her." The Winston family was the Collins family's greatest enemy. And the enemies who had nearly taken Jane's life in Heliafield were the most loyal followers of the Winston family. Thinking b
Charlotte patted her head. "First, make a video call to that little girl." Jane quickly found her phone and opened the landlord's WhatsApp. As soon as the call connected, the little girl appeared on screen, her eyes red. Tears were still visible on her face. The landlord was sitting next to her, waiting, not having gone to sleep. Jane apologized, "Sorry to disturb your rest." "Don't say that." The landlord gently patted her daughter's head. "I'm just happy you're alright." Jane smiled at the little girl. "Thanks to Celine, I'm fine." The little girl leaned closer to the screen. "Jane, you're lying. Your lips are swollen." Jane cleared her throat. "I ate something spicy earlier." She quickly added to prevent the little girl from saying anything else, "Alright, go to sleep now. We'll talk more when you get out of school. Jane went through a lot today, and she's tired too." The little girl, very understanding, handed the phone to her mother and went to bed
The captain laughed. "Don't think that just because we're from abroad, we don't understand anything.""Young lady, if you want to buy some time, then I'll play along with you. But if you're hoping for someone to rescue you, I advise you to give up on that thought. This is the border. Domestic ships can't get through here."Well, you don't know Frank.There's no one who can stop him from going where he wants to go.Jane tried her best to suppress her fear. "Sir, I have all kinds of tricks. If I can make you guys happy, can you spare my life?"She reached out, grabbed the captain's belt, and moved closer."As long as you don't kill me, you'll be my savior. I'll be yours from now on and let you have your fun with me. Is that okay?"Although Jane hadn't dressed herself up recently.But her facial features were stunning. Those fox-like eyes with a smile in them were even more alluring.The captain kept swallowing saliva. Apparently, he was attracted.However, they had already rece
They were anxious, not just because of the situation, but because they feared Zachary would go mad and go abroad with Jane. Frank glanced at their expressions and immediately understood that they were aware of Lexi's plan to send Jane abroad. "I suggest that while Zachary is looking for Jane, you should take care of the Sanchez family's matters. Otherwise, when Zachary comes back, there will be hell to pay." Jane ate the meal the waiter brought and then felt drowsy. She fell into a light sleep, and when she opened her eyes again, it was already half past nine. She remembered the things she had told the little girl before leaving and quickly grabbed her phone to call. But just then, the door was suddenly kicked open. Several adult men stormed in and grabbed her, dragging her outside. "What are you doing?" They had originally planned to reach the border, but unexpectedly, a violent storm had forced a slight course change. This delay allowed the effects of th
Lexi said, "The plane will leave traces. By then, Zachary will find you. The ship will change at the border and private sea areas. Once she changes ships, it will be hard to track." Jane remembered when Jack had taken Charlotte away before. She felt a sense of unease. After all, Lexi wasn't someone she could fully trust. "I didn't expect you to be so timid." Lexi noticed Jane's worry. "I thought someone with your background, who dared to pursue someone as different as Zachary, and even date him, would have extraordinary courage." But wasn't Jane regretting it now? Otherwise, why would she be running away? She decided not to care anymore. With a firm heart, she boarded the ship. Lexi smiled in satisfaction, but then a cold glint appeared in her eyes as she spoke to the captain. "When we reach the border, throw her into the sea and feed her to the sharks." No matter where she went, as long as Zachary wanted to find her, it was just a matter of time.
Lexi was so angry that she wanted to smash something. She got up and walked away, with each step of her high heels hitting the ground, the sound echoing her immense fury. The more difficult it was to conquer, the more determined she became to conquer it! Zachary went directly back to the Collins family home. The Collins family members were somewhat uneasy. When they saw him come back alone, they were both shocked and suspicious. "Did Lexi not come back with you?" asked Rebecca. Zachary did not respond and walked upstairs with long strides. Rebecca, along with Sir Collins and Madam Collins, exchanged gazes, all feeling something was off. It was strange that Zachary had actually returned to the Collins family. "Sean." Rebecca saw someone else entering behind him and immediately asked, "Did you follow him the whole time? Did you notice anything unusual?" Sean bent slightly, his face carrying a polite smile as he respectfully replied, "No abnormalities w
The situation between Zachary and Jane's relationship had not been made public. It was normal for the employees at the company not to know about it. Zachary did not answer when people congratulated him, and Lexi stood silently by his side, not saying anything either. But to those around them, their actions were as good as an admission.Some people even offered their congratulations, but Zachary didn't acknowledge them. He didn't go upstairs. Instead, he turned and left the building. This time, he didn't even get into Lexi's car. The smell inside the car was too overwhelming, making him dizzy.Lexi followed him, and they entered a nearby cafe. He didn't go straight to Jane's place, but Lexi knew that was just a way of hiding his true intentions. However, she wasn't concerned. After all, the Collins family would never approve of him being with Jane. She just needed to give him a bit of time to play along."Mr. Collins, aren't you going to consider my suggestion?" Lexi asked with a sli
The shock from the Collins family was too much for her. She wouldn't take the initiative, nor would she have the courage to continue with him.So what other way did he have?He'd tried both soft and hard tactics, yet this situation was still more complicated than advanced mathematics.The next day.Lexi invited Zachary out.But the Collins family hesitated.Rebecca said, "Why don't you two spend some more time getting to know each other at home first?"Lexi smiled. "Mrs. Collins, I know what you're worried about, but that woman is no longer in Jeswood."Rebecca was aware of this.After all, they had been keeping an eye on Jane's movements. They even knew where she was staying.It was surprising that Lexi had just returned a day ago, yet she had already figured it out.This kind of method and family background was exactly what the Collins family needed.It was also what Zachary needed."I've erased all traces. Even if he wants to find her today, he won't be able to, and it