"Divorce?"She laughed like she heard some joke. "He's been doing his best to delay the divorce, you think I can't tell? But that’s a good thing. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to get you here with just my own strength!"I grabbed the key word. "What do you mean?""What do I mean?"She revealed an intriguing smile. "You have offended someone you shouldn't have! Charlotte, don't be complacent anymore, in the face of power, me or you, are just ants that others can easily crush by lifting their feet."I had a vague guess in the back of my mind and tentatively followed up with, "This person you're talking about, is Bethany?"Other than her, I couldn't think of anyone else who had looked at me unfavorably recently.Jessica's eyes flashed for a moment, so fast that it was like an illusion on my part, and then she looked at me in amusement."You think I'd tell you?"She leaned over and looked at me, gritting her teeth. "I can't wait for you to die right now, I can't wait for her to act
I had just turned the doorknob when he grabbed the collar of my clothes from behind, his voice dark and malicious. "You little bitch! You dare deceive me, huh? Damn it, I'll show you!""No, please..."But no matter how I struggled, that one moment had drained all my strength, and I could only let him drag me towards the bed."Listen, is someone arguing in there?"Suddenly, a refined middle-aged man's voice came from the corridor outside."Oh... Dad, they've booked a room at the hotel, it's normal for young couples to argue. Let's go quickly, I just informed the restaurant to prepare our meal..."The man holding onto me instantly turned menacing, realizing I had unlocked the door.He threw me to the ground and reached to close the door, but someone pushed it open from outside!A pair of gleaming gentleman's shoes appeared in front of my eyes, then the gaze moved slightly upward to a pair of long legs clad in trousers.Thinking it was the middle-aged man who had spoken just now,
"He is Jessica's ex-husband." Ryan understood what I meant and explained softly, "This time, it's time for her to learn her lesson."At his words, I understood.Previously, due to my grandpa's dislike, Jessica had relied on brazenness to attend family banquets at the Frost family's old mansion, so I had never met Jessica's ex-husband.Now, treating her the way she treated others, even if it caused a scene, others would only think they were having a lover's spat.I believed in the principle of not offending others unless provoked, but if she wished me dead, I wouldn't show mercy either.Seeing me lost in thought, Ryan rubbed my head gently. "Are you hurt?"I shook my head. "No."Thinking back to the scene in the room, I still felt a lingering fear, and my hands were trembling slightly.Ryan's eyes darkened, and unexpectedly, I sensed a tinge of concern from him.He patiently held me, gently rubbing my back, softly reassuring, "It's okay now. You're safe, I'm here."After a whi
I didn't hear everything clearly, but I understood clearly what he was trying to express.A part of me that had been calm for a long time almost collapsed again.Nails scraped across the palm.A subtle pain awakened a hint of rationality. "Is it dry now?"Ryan seriously ran his fingers through my hair a few times. "Yeah, it's almost done."The sound of the hairdryer disappeared, leaving the room quiet.I nodded. "Okay... thank you."Suddenly, he hugged me from behind, his lips against my ear, cautiously and ambiguously probing, "Did you hear what I said, even a little?"A proud man like him might have been apologizing like this for the first time.Different from the casually insincere "I'm sorry" in the past, this time, he had truly let go of his dignity.I wanted to surrender at this moment, but I was too afraid, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, afraid of being like a moth to a flame.Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, prompted by reason, I said, "I heard. But, R
I had grown to love what he loves.How could I feel forced?Ryan's dark eyes glittered, compelling. "Then I’m not forcing myself either. Come on, eat."I couldn't bear it. "Your stomach can’t take it.""You've been doing this for three years, can't I do it even once? You're underestimating me too much," he spoke earnestly.I lowered my eyes. "Then do as you wish."After dinner, he took the initiative to wash the dishes, and I continued to work without guilt.Unlike Jack, I would feel embarrassed if Jack washed dishes, after all, we were just ordinary friends.But him, I had taken care of him for three years. Now, if he cooked and washed the dishes, it wasn't too much."Do you have any stomach medicine?"While I was studying the style of the company's first batch of new products, Ryan rubbed his stomach and settled into the nearby sofa.I couldn't help but want to laugh. I poured a cup of medicine and placed it in front of him. "Didn't you say I was underestimating you?"His
Immediately, the house fell into a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.Ryan's obsidian-like eyes stared at me unblinkingly, churning with unresolved emotions.The indifferent demeanor he once had towards everything seemed unsustainable now.The atmosphere became tense and oppressive.After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly got up, meticulously folding the blanket, grabbing the coat on the single sofa, draping it over his elbow, his voice low. "Sorry for disturbing you last night, I'll leave now."Unconsciously, I picked at my fingers and asked again, "The divorce certificate...""Let's talk about it later."Avoiding my gaze, Ryan's long lashes partially concealed his emotions. "Gary just called, you heard it too. I need to rush back to the company for a meeting."With those words, almost without giving me a chance to respond, he strode away with his long legs.As if afraid I would refuse him.I looked down at the floor, faintly hearing the sound of the elevat
Mrs. Shaw pulled out a chair and sat down, chin raised as she eyed me, exuding the aura of a wealthy person to its fullest."The current predicament of the Frost family, once news of cooperation with the Shaw family gets out, will naturally be resolved. But your obstruction will only hold Ryan back.""Yes, he indeed ranks among the best—appearance, family background, capability, character—there are few in Jelaston, or even nationwide, who can be compared to him. It's normal for you to hold onto him tightly.""However, you should consider if you're worthy. You, someone without even a supportive family, what do you have to secure the position of Mrs. Frost?"She spoke as if making idle chatter, but each word cut deep into my heart.I pinched my fingers and calmly replied, "Mrs. Shaw, I respect your seniority, but if you're going to blur the lines between right and wrong just for your daughter, don't blame me for being blunt."To hear her advocating displacing the original wife so b
Such a grand gesture.My gaze shifted to that cheque, where I saw a number starting with '5' and a long string of zeros. Never had I imagined that the melodramatic plots from novels would one day play out in my life. No, this was even more melodramatic than in novels. In novels, at least it was the male lead's mother who showed up with a cheque to kick out the female lead. What was happening to me?I found it utterly ridiculous. "Are you determined to get your way today?"She was determined to clear the obstacle that I represented for her beloved daughter.Mrs. Shaw remained cold and unyielding, her eyes devoid of warmth as she stared at me. "What do you think?"I picked up the check. Under her approving gaze, I tore it into pieces, dropped them lightly to the floor, and smiled. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. I don't buy into your threats and temptations!"People who had nothing left were the most frightening. The Shaw family might need to consider their reputation, but as for me,
Westley knew why Zachary specifically mentioned these two things.Once the wedding was held, the whole world would know they were married.And once they had the child, he and Jordan would be very closely connected.Even if the hidden matters came to light, and there were issues between the Howard and Jackson families, it wouldn't be easy for Jordan to distance herself from him.But Westley didn't want to do that.He still needed to ask Jordan, and if she wanted to know, he would give her the choice.He had never really given her the power to choose before, he had always been forcing her into decisions."I'll notify you."Zachary didn't get involved in this matter and didn't say anything else.He first took Jordan and Westley back home.When they got out of the car, Jane said to Jordan, "Don't overthink it, this is all caused by the previous generation, it has nothing to do with us. If you keep thinking about it, aren't you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?"Jor
But he always had doubts in his heart.He had thought it was just a professional habit.Now he realized, it might not be, and this could be another kind of warning — from Grandpa.Someone like him, who could cause trouble for the Jackson family, was really quite extraordinary."It'll be fine, trust me, okay?"Jordan turned to hug him, burying her head in his shoulder.Westley gently patted her back, offering silent comfort.When she fell asleep, he took his phone and went to the balcony.He called his father."What a surprise," said Jonathan. "But... there must be a reason why you’re calling me so late at night, right?"Westley held a cigarette in his hand but didn't light it.To be honest, he wasn't feeling certain either.Sometimes, it was actually better to stay a little confused."Dad, do you know about the Jackson family?"Jonathan was silent for a moment. "You want to ask about your grandfather and the Jackson family?""Yes.""I advise you not to know too much abo
Jane also felt that finding out wouldn't mean anything. On the contrary, it might cause a fuss."Then we won't look into it. Let's just pretend we don't know anything."Jordan followed, "I agree with my sister."Zachary and Westley quickly exchanged a look.Westley agreed, saying they wouldn't investigate.But he was the kind of person who couldn't leave any potential risks, so he still needed to be clear about the cause and effect himself.Back at the Jackson family, Westley accompanied Calvin to play chess.Aunt Emily asked Zachary how things went.Zachary smiled faintly, replying, "It went well. No issues."Aunt Emily nodded. "Did both of them meet their grandma?""They did," said Zachary. "The two sisters took a peek, and I spoke with Calandra for a bit with Westley."Aunt Emily's gaze flickered. "What did you talk about?""Nothing much. Just some casual things." Zachary took out his phone. "Aunt Emily, I have a work call to make.""Go ahead and do what you have to."
The friend who Elvis took a bullet for was the same person who had brought Jordan to the Howard family back then.Westley suddenly felt that something he had overlooked was becoming clear.Zachary also sensed that something was off and signaled him to continue speaking.Westley said, "That friend had been with my grandfather for many years, they passed away one after the other."Calandra's expression suddenly changed, and she tightly grasped Westley's hand.Westley's heart sank, but he didn't show any emotion on his face. He gently asked, "Grandma, are you feeling unwell?"Calandra suddenly pushed Westley away. "It's all your fault!""If you had helped, how could all of this have happened?" Then Calandra began crying. "If it weren't for necessity, how could I have done such things? How could I lose my daughter, my granddaughter?"Westley and Zachary exchanged a glance and looked at Ruth. "Ruth, help Grandma get some rest. If she needs medicine, give it to her.""Okay." Ruth ha
The fact that Jordan resembled her mother was well known to everyone.She felt quite happy about it, but just as she was about to speak, the care worker’s words caused her to feel extremely upset."You look so much like her, so it's better if you don't go in."Jane patted Jordan's back, signaling her not to be upset.This wasn't her fault. It was beyond their control.Jordan shook her head, signaling that she was fine.Jane turned to the care worker and asked, "Can I go in then?"The care worker examined Jane closely and said, "You resemble your father a little, but thankfully, not as much as Mr. Jackson. However, I still suggest you don't go in. Even the slightest stimulus could be dangerous for someone who's sick."Jane hugged Jordan. "We really are sisters."Jordan gave a wry smile.Westley gently patted her head. "I'll go in first to take a look. Don't worry."He then turned to the care worker. "Take them to a warm place."The care worker led Jane and Jordan to enter fr
Everything was discussed in the group chat."You're not going?"Jane glanced at her grandfather. There was a rift between him and her grandmother, so it wasn't very convenient. But Aunt Emily was her grandmother's biological daughter.Since their grandmother had already lost two daughters, she should cherish Aunt Emily and Aunt Orianna even more.Aunt Emily's face darkened slightly. "Your grandmother is ill, so I won't go this time. If you can't stand it, just come back immediately. It'll be fine."Jane comforted Aunt Emily. "It's fine, I'll handle it. I still have some confidence when it comes to easing relationships."Aunt Emily forced a smile. "There's no need to force it. We're happy that your grandmother can live this long, without any pain when she leaves. As daughters, we're also relieved."Jane was curious, but since this matter was painful for the Jackson family, she didn't ask further.Zachary and Westley arrived late and apologized to Aunt Emily and Calvin."It's fi
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Jordan was no longer the fool she once was. "If we go down for breakfast in the morning, will they think we did something?"Westley smiled, hugging her and admitting his mistake. "I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.""You apologize every time, but you'll still do the same thing next time."Westley had originally thought that their real first time should be in the honeymoon suite.But the Jackson family's residence was hers, and it had been prepared for her from the beginning.He was indeed feeling tempted, but seeing how embarrassed she was, he decided to hold back.But then she insisted on getting close to him that night.It wasn't like he was impotent, how could he resist?"As for this matter, I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m apologizing because I love you.""Jordy."When he called her that, there was a sense of helplessness in his tone.Jordan also felt that she had overreacted.But in the Jackson family's residence with Westley... she really felt s
Aunt Emily also felt awkward. "Jane, it's cold today..."Jane glanced at the time and felt it was about time.She then took Calvin and Aunt Emily back home.Aunt Emily personally went to cook for everyone. She was full of joy since Jane and Jordan returned.Jane first gave Calvin his medicine and, with some free time, played chess with him.She didn't know how to play at all, but Calvin was very patient and taught her bit by bit.At dinner, they finally saw Westley and Jordan.Jane noticed that Jordan clearly avoided eye contact, her cheeks flushed with a bit of redness, feeling embarrassed and shy.Westley, however, remained calm and composed, looking refreshed."Grandpa, dinner time." Jane put down her chess piece. "Let’s get Westley to play with you after dinner, he plays better than me. Otherwise, it's just boring here with me."Calvin was in a good mood. "It's fine, I enjoy playing with anyone."As long as they were all around, safe, happy, and healthy, he was fine with
In the middle of it, Westley went outside to get some food to replenish Jordan.Jordan buried herself under the blanket, feeling extremely embarrassed.In the end, she had been the one to go back on her own words."Have something to eat."Westley pulled her out of the blanket, put his shirt on her, and carried her to the sofa.Jordan gave him a resentful look.Her pout clearly showed she was angry, but Westley only wanted to kiss her."Westley!"Jordan suddenly pushed him away. "You're so annoying."Westley handed her some cutlery. "Well, you can be mad at me all you want but you’ve got to eat something first."Jordan really was hungry. She hadn't eaten anything all morning and had used up a lot of energy.She turned her frustration into appetite.Westley ate a little too.Jordan's eyes darted around, hesitating to speak. "When you went downstairs earlier..."Westley knew what she wanted to ask, but pretended not to understand. "What do you mean?"Jordan glared at him. "