'Jewelry?' I wondered.I furrowed my brows slightly and raised my voice to ask Ryan, who had just gone into the bathroom, "Ryan, Jessica's here. I'll head down to take a look."The next second, Ryan quickly walked out of the bathroom. His face was colder than ever. It was an expression that I had never seen."I'll go. It's none of your business, go wash up."The man who had always been calm in front of me suddenly had a trace of emotion in his voice. He sounded annoyed and nervous at the same time.A strange feeling arose in my heart. "I've already washed up. I was the one who squeezed the toothpaste on your toothbrush, have you forgotten?""Alright, let's head downstairs together then. We can't keep the guest waiting."I held his hand and walked down the stairs.The staircase was in a spiral. When we were halfway down, I could see Jessica wearing a white dress and sitting elegantly on the sofa.She also raised her head when she heard us coming down the stairs. When she saw mi
I was completely dumbfounded.I looked at the email over and over again as if I was trying to confirm something.I wasn’t seeing things.Jessica suddenly became the director of the Design Department, my superior.“Do you know her, Charlotte?”Jane could tell that something wasn’t right. She reached out and waved her in front of my eyes as she tried to guess what was going on.I put down my phone. “Yes, she’s Ryan’s stepsister that I told you about before.”After graduation, my roommates went their separate ways. But Jane and I had been good friends throughout university. We promised each other to stay in Jelaston and not go anywhere else.“Fuck! So she got this position because she’s Ryan’s stepsister?” cursed Jane.I was rendered speechless.‘She’s probably more than just his stepsister,’ I said inwardly.“Is Ryan out of his mind?” Jane continued to complain. “Why does she get to be the director? I’ve never heard of her in the design industry before, but Ryan just gave her the positio
Ryan almost agreed instantly and didn't hesitate at all.I wrapped my arms around his neck, curved my lips, and locked gazes with him. "Are you really willing to give me 10% of the company's shares?"His eyes were clear. "I'm giving the shares to you and not some outsider."At that moment, I had to admit that money was really good at proving loyalty.All the emotions that I had suppressed during the morning had finally eased.As if trying to prove something, I asked with a smile, "What about Jessica? Are you willing to give her shares?"He fell silent for a moment and then gave me a definite answer. "No.""Seriously?""Seriously. All I can give her is the director's position."Ryan pulled me into his arms and said in a warm and gentle voice, "I'll get Gary to bring the share transfer agreement in the afternoon. From today onwards, you're one of the Frost Group's shareholders. Everyone else will be working for you.""What about you?" I asked with a smile since I was in a bette
Jessica knew that Ryan was waiting for me.She was the one asking for us to give her a ride, but she still sat in the passenger seat.I really wanted to turn on my heels and leave, but reason told me to stay. I reached out my hand and said to Ryan, "Keys."Ryan remained silent and just placed the keys in my hand.I walked around the front of the car and sat in the driver's seat. I smiled as I looked at the surprised look on Jessica's face. "No problem at all. You're Ryan's sister, so it's normal for you to ask us to give you a lift."After saying so, I looked at Ryan, who was still standing next to the car. "Get in. Grandpa is probably already waiting for us."No one spoke throughout the journey.It was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.Jessica wanted to talk to Ryan, but she didn't because she probably felt that it would seem a little awkward if she kept on turning around to talk to Ryan.Ryan had probably sensed my unhappiness, so he opened a bottled drink and passed
Jessica's words made me freeze on the spot.I was completely gobsmacked.I would sometimes have doubts about their relationship, but my thoughts were proven wrong every time.Ryan and Jessica weren't related but they were both members of the Frost family. Technically, they were still brother and sister by name.Besides, both of them were married.I felt that there was no way that a talented man like Ryan would be involved in such an unbelievable thing.However, I was wrong. Not too far away, Ryan pinned Jessica to the wall. His cold and disdainful voice sounded. "You did it for me? You were the one who decided to marry someone else, what right have you got to ask me to do anything?""I..."The two questions rendered Jessica speechless. Tears streamed down her face as she helplessly grabbed the hem of Ryan's clothes."I'm sorry, Ryan. Please forgive me this once. Please! I had no choice back then...""I'm already married.""Can't you get a divorce?"Jessica was quite a stubb
Ryan was a little surprised at my actions, but said nothing.I pursed my lips and said softly, "What happened on the night of our wedding?"I could still remember waiting on the balcony the whole night for him.Ryan abandoned his newly wedded wife on the night of their wedding and left without saying a word.I thought it was because of something important and worried about his safety. I even thought that he was unhappy with something I had done and hoped that he would come back home soon.Back then, I was only 23 years old. I somehow was able to marry the man that I had a crush on for years.How could I not look forward to our marriage?I only found out today that he was with another woman during our wedding night.Everything sounded like a joke.Ryan didn't keep anything from me. His voice was still soft. "She went street racing that night and had an accident. I was notified by the police to pick her up."'What a coincidence. She just had to have an accident on the night of
I didn't want to understand Tom's perverted joke, but I still did.Jane chuckled and said, "It's not, but it didn't really satisfy me."I looked at Jane in disbelief as if asking her what she was talking about."We slept with each other once. It wasn't a great experience." Jane didn't care if Tom was right next to her or not.Tom stomped his foot sulkily. "That was my first time. What do you know anyway!""Stop right there! I can't be held responsible! You're just a playboy, so don't talk about your first time with me. You've probably lost your virginity to these anyway." Jane interrupted and pointed to Tom's hands.I looked at Tom, who was usually the playboy and saw him blush. Only then did I figure out what was going on.The two of them had a one-night stand and Tom was probably pursuing Jane at the moment.Jane ignored Tom and led me towards a private room. "A senior in university has returned to the country. Tom and the others organized this party and asked me to tag along
Every move they made felt like a slap in the face to me.My heart ached more and more.I had imagined such a scene countless times.As I watched what was happening, I began to feel cold even though I was at home."Charlotte, you're awake!" Jessica said with a smile when she turned around and saw me. "Come and have a taste of Ryan's cooking. I promise you it's delicious."As soon as she said those words, she began placing dishes on the dining table as if she were the hostess of the house.I took a deep breath, walked past her, looked at Ryan, and asked, "Why is she in our house?"Ryan brought out the last dish, removed his apron, and said coldly, "She'll get lost after having lunch.""How can you be so heartless? Are you really going to kick me out of the house?" Jessica glared at him."That's enough, Jessica! I'll kick you out myself if I get any more from you!" Ryan's was dark and sounded like his patience had run out."You're so mean," Jessica mumbled as she dragged me over to the di
Before Rick arrived, he had been briefed by Zachary.He had already anticipated the Greyson family’s reaction.So, he only delivered the message and didn’t say another word before leaving.Brandon and Amanda chased after him.Of course, they weren’t regretting their decision, it was more of a warning.“We had a chance to cooperate, it would’ve been a perfect match. The Greyson family has no blemishes that could harm Mr. Collins’s future. But it’s a pity, Mr. Collins chose a woman like that. Not only that, he’s hurt our daughter as well. It’s too late now for him to come to us for help.”Rick left, expressionless, and got into the car.It was an insult to his intelligence to say even one more word to such fools.With nothing to do at home, Jane suggested they play cards.But Jordan was more concerned, saying that in such a crisis, how could they entertain themselves?So the three of them stared at each other for a long while.Charlotte tried to lighten the mood. “How about I
Jane analyzed for her. "Let things escalate . We can clarify things afterwards, and it will be more convincing."Jordan’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You have another video that can turn the situation around?"The videos Jane had were all given to Zachary.The video he posted yesterday was almost everything.How he would handle it afterward, she had no idea."I trust Zachary.""He won’t let me get hurt."Jordan burped and said, "I shouldn’t be eating, just watching the both of you feed each other dog food is enough to fill me up."Jane and Charlotte exchanged a smile.The video posted by Luthor stayed hot on the trending list all night.Westley saw that Zachary had been standing by the French windows, smoking one cigarette after another.He asked, "Do you need any help?"The response was simple. "No need."Westley couldn’t quite understand.The video circulating online wasn’t very beneficial towards Jane.When parents beat their children, there was no legal standard to j
Charlotte was about to say something when she heard him speak in a meaningful tone. "It’s very dangerous outside. The safest place is to go home with me."She knew he was never serious for even a day.Charlotte shot him a glance.Frank raised his hand and gently pressed her head."What I said earlier was serious. When a beast is cornered, it might do anything, uncontrollable things. For the next few days, just stay at home."Charlotte glanced toward the living room and asked, "What about Zachary?"Frank understood immediately. "He’s fine."Charlotte nodded. "Thanks again. Go do what you have to. We’re about to eat."Frank raised his eyebrows, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "Do I just get a verbal thank you? We haven’t..."Charlotte quickly covered his mouth and pushed him toward the door.She was about to shut the door.Frank blocked it with his foot and quickly kissed her lips."I like this thank you gift."Before Charlotte could react, the man shut the door beh
At the same time, Zachary received a message."Mr. Collins, Luthor has gone to Lirad."He curved his lips."Reveal the evidence gradually."Raymond replied, "Got it."A lot of things happened on the internet every day.Celebrity gossip always ranked in the top ten.News about people like Jane, the "ungrateful daughter," would usually fade in a day.But because Luthor had paid for publicity, it stayed in the top ten.So, when the evidence was released, netizens were already watching."Plot twist, everyone!""Wow! This isn’t about disciplining a child, this is clearly domestic abuse!""The young lady almost got beaten to death. If it were me, I wouldn’t support such a wicked father either."Only part of the video showing Jane being abused was released as evidence.The rest would wait for the internet to stir up more heat for a while."What are you doing by the window?"Having gotten thirsty from drinking, Westley got up to get some water and was startled by Zachary.He w
In the end, Zachary was escorted out of the bar by Frank and Westley.When they noticed someone taking pictures, they pretended not to see.Once they got into the car, Zachary’s eyes instantly cleared.Frank patted Westley on the shoulder. "The task of taking him home is on you."He had to go back to see his precious daughter. Charlotte definitely wouldn't be coming home tonight.Westley got into the car, and the vehicle slowly pulled away.He rolled down the window and glanced through the rearview mirror.He said to Zachary, "It's already early morning, and they're still watching you. That's some determination."Zachary sneered. "I’m afraid Luthor hasn’t been able to sleep a wink lately."Westley didn’t comment.This was a battle where the entire family was at stake.They followed Zachary all the way to his home, and only then did those people retreat.When they got out of the car, Zachary stopped Westley."You don’t need to come up."But Westley replied, "I’m staying at
Jane didn’t dare to.Zachary was a madman. In this situation, if she caused any trouble, everything would fall apart."But..." Jane continued, "When Zachary ignored me during my pursuit, it was actually normal. After all, he had the right to reject me."Jordan furrowed her brows, clutching the pillow and striking it as if it were Westley. "I hate him. He’s just an old fool."Charlotte went to grab some wine and glasses. There was also the marinated food that Zachary had made in the fridge.She brought them over."If you can’t make sense of it, don’t dwell on it. We hardly get a chance like this. Let’s have a drink."Jordan perked up immediately.Jane put on a movie as background noise.Meanwhile, the people watching outside reported to Luthor."Zachary’s men have left. Only Frank and Westley’s men are with Jane.""We couldn’t see much inside, and with the curtains drawn, we couldn’t catch anything. It’s hard to tell if it's real or fake."Luthor was deep in thought, and Gre
Jane hurriedly stepped forward.She wasn’t doing it to help Westley.It was because Jordan was acting this way because of her.But she wasn’t really breaking up with Zachary.If there were serious problems between them because of her, she would be the one to blame."Well, Mr. Howard, it’s not convenient for you to come up to my place. Jordan will stay with me tonight. If there’s anything, you can talk about it tomorrow."As she spoke, she secretly gave Westley a look behind Jordan’s back.Westley understood.But he didn’t think Jane would say anything kind to help him repair his relationship with Jordan.After a moment of silence, he turned and left.Because even if he explained things to Jordan, she might not believe him.The reason for this breakup drama needed to come from the people involved.It would be better for him to talk about it later.Once they entered the house, Jane kicked off her shoes, not even bothering to put on slippers, and rushed to draw the curtains i
Frank gave Westley a nudge, "Aren’t you going to take her back yet? It’s a good opportunity, don’t waste it."Westley's mind slowly started to turn, until everything connected into a clear line."So this is..."Frank interrupted him with a look.They were being watched.Westley understood what Frank had meant by "owing a favor."While Zachary and Jane were acting, Jordan, feeling heartbroken for Jane, would naturally expect Westley to step in and comfort her, offering his help.This way, Jordan would have a change of heart.Even if she still thought he and Zachary were birds of a feather, their current fiery relationship would improve.With that, it would only be a matter of time before she forgave him."Let’s go."Frank noticed that Westley’s steps were noticeably lighter.He wrapped an arm around Zachary’s shoulder and got into another car.Now, it was time for him to start playing the "good friend.""Let’s have a drink."Once they were in the car, Raymond reported the
"When Jane was so upset, how could you bring up breaking up?"Zachary's lips twitched slightly, and he gritted his teeth, forcing himself to continue the act."I can't have any stains on my record right now. Jane, if you love me, let me go.""I..."Jane was interrupted again by Jordan."You!" She stomped her foot in anger, no longer caring about anything else, and pointed at Zachary’s nose, saying furiously, "I never imagined you were this kind of person! When you saved me, I thought you were a man of good character. But for the sake of your future, you gave up the person you loved! You're just like Westley, both of you are despicable!"The innocent Westley, who was being unjustly blamed, could only stare in disbelief. The veins on Zachary's forehead were twitching, and he almost couldn't keep up the act."This is between me and Jane."Jane pretended to wipe away nonexistent tears and whispered to Charlotte, "Ahem, I feel so guilty."Charlotte hugged Jane, seemingly offering