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,
"Sure, it's been a while. Thanks, Miss Greenwood." Mentioning that old shop made my mouth water too. It served traditional bone broth with a touch of chili and vinegar, a specialty far different from the soup bases at chain restaurants, which often included sesame paste or milk.Just as we got into the car, the real estate agent came running after us, panting. "Ms. Wilson, Miss Greenwood, please wait! The owner of the property you viewed yesterday morning has responded. They are willing to lower the rent.""Which property?" asked Jane."The one next door, the office space across the street." The agent pointed to a tall building just across the road. The rent there was higher than this one, and while Jane and I were satisfied, we hadn't seriously considered taking it.After exchanging glances, Jane spoke up, declining, "Forget it. Even if they lower it, we don't have that much capital to invest in rent right now.""They're willing to lower it to this amount." The agent held up a fe
I repeatedly told myself not to care anymore, but when I heard he was in trouble, my body acted beyond control.It seemed like over these eight years, a conditioned reflex had formed.I couldn't help it.As I grabbed my car keys and rushed out, trying to remain calm, I confirmed, "He's at St. Heart, right? I'm coming over.""Yes, VIP ward number one," replied Gary.On the way to the St. Heart Hospital, I managed to keep my composure, but my thoughts were in disarray.Although the Frost Group's current situation wasn't particularly good, it still stood as one of Jelaston's top enterprises. Moreover, there was always the possibility of a turnaround.Who would dare to openly set Ryan up at a time like this?Despite being mentally prepared, upon arriving at the ward and seeing Ryan sitting pale-faced on the bed, staring blankly out the window while doctors changed the bandages on his arms and chest wounds and applied fresh gauze, I was still somewhat taken aback.In an instant, my
My eyelashes fluttered lightly as I took a silent deep breath. "It's different."Deciding to divorce doesn't mean I wanted something bad to happen to him.Ryan sat on the bed, reaching out his long arm to pull me closer, looking up at me. "How is it different?"His intense gaze left me flustered. "It's different in every way. If anyone got injured today, I would show concern.""Anyone?" He casually repeated the question, his tone turning cold and harsh. "If it were Jack in trouble today, would you rush over just as quickly?""Yes." I didn't hesitate to respond, as if to prove something, I added, "Maybe even faster."Jack was a very dear friend to me.When a good friend was hurt, no one would remain indifferent.The softness in Ryan's eyes suddenly vanished, replaced by a piercing gaze. "Would you also shamelessly stare at his upper body like you did just now?"It dawned on me then. He had just finished changing bandages and hadn't put on his shirt yet. Apart from the gauze on
"I want to explain."Westley embraced her, lowering his head to whisper, as though they were deeply in love."I won’t repeat the same mistakes again as before, and I won’t make the same mistake multiple times."Jordan shrank her neck, trying to avoid him.His warm breath brushed against her ear, it was ticklish.But she couldn’t break free from him, so she could only try to move away as much as possible."Let go of me first."Westley lowered his head and kissed her ear."Since you’re here, let’s finish what we started."Jordan was unwilling. "You handle your own problems, don’t drag me into your competition with other women."Westley stared at her for a moment, not loosening his arm but pulling her closer."She already holds a grudge against you. It’s safer for you to stay by my side. Oh, by the way, just so you know, she’s a princess."Jordan slapped the cream cake in her hand right onto his face.She couldn’t hide her emotions, anger clearly written on her face.She wan
Jordan finally finished planting all the saplings and now all she had to do was wait for them to bloom.But she probably wouldn’t be able to see the flowers. She hoped the pear trees would grow wildly here."Mrs. Howard." Buck brought her a dress. "Mr. Howard said that there is a party tonight and would like to request your company."Jordan refused without hesitation.Buck added, "There’s also an auction, with many fun and interesting items. Don’t you want to buy gifts for your sister and little nephew?"Mentioning her sister and nephew made Jordan waver.Jane liked interesting things, and Jordan couldn’t easily go out on her own to gather them.And now, she had the opportunity.But she didn’t want to attend the event with Westley."Mrs. Howard, if I were you, I would go."Jordan ignored him. He was on Westley’s side.Buck’s mouth twitched, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "When Mr. Howard broke your heart, you should have asked for more money from him, to get revenge and s
Carter had hit a wall at every turn.He had also been poked at his sore spot, and his long-established cold and distant persona was on the verge of crumbling."Forget about Zachary and the others, after all, they’re not very close. But how long have I known you? You won't help? I even helped you persuade Jordan."Westley didn’t fall for it. "As for you and Mandy, no one can help. I can’t bring her to Nelana now. You can try convincing Zachary, maybe there’s still a chance."Wasn’t that just stating the obvious?Carter said, "If I could get Zachary's help, would I be telling you all this?"Westley replied, "That’s your problem. Who told you to force her? Back then, she was just a young girl, barely an adult. It’s normal for her to be afraid of you and find you disgusting."A flash of sadness appeared in Carter's eyes."I was just too angry back then. It wasn’t intentional...""I’ve said that too." Westley put down the binoculars. "You saw my outcome. Obviously, it was useless."
"Jane, don't argue with Zachary. This time, I am staying here voluntarily," said Jordan."I’ve made a bet with Westley, and there will be a resolution in the end."Jane nodded. "I can let you handle this matter yourself, but you have to promise me that you won’t let yourself get hurt, and you won’t just keep sacrificing yourself. If it becomes unbearable, give it up. I’ll always be here to support you."Jordan nodded. "Okay."The two sisters chatted for a long time, and only when Jane started to feel sleepy did they end the video call.Jordan handed the phone to Buck and closed the door to her room.Buck was left standing there.He felt like he had been completely abandoned, as if everything around him had fallen apart.Anyway, as a sandwich in the middle, he was already crushed, so it didn’t matter anymore.For several days, Jordan got up to eat, and the food was always food prepared by the chef.She hadn’t seen Westley around.She couldn’t really say how she felt. She just
"He is faking his psychological illness," Jordan rebutted.Even if he had one, it had nothing to do with her.Even she didn’t have any psychological issues, how could someone with such a strong mind like Westley have any psychological issues?He shouldn’t blame her for everything.Having seen enough, she turned around and walked away.But Carter called her back. "He once took good care of you, and you're going to be this heartless?"Jordan wasn’t familiar with Carter. He was usually a man of few words with a cold personality.If she greeted him, he wouldn’t respond. If she talked too much, she might get an icy look in return.She really didn’t expect that one day, he would try to mediate between her and Westley."You should focus more on your own matters," she said.His own love life was a mess, so what right did he have to interfere in hers?Jordan’s emotions were written all over her face, she didn’t hide them.Carter could guess how she was feeling just by looking at her
Jane didn’t care about Westley. Even if he was feeling it now, it was too late for regrets.If he hadn’t acted the way he did, Jordan wouldn’t have suffered so much.Moreover, he had once ignored her cries for help, so now he shouldn’t blame Jordan for his injuries.“How’s my sister?” she asked.Roy replied, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Collins, Ms. Hickey is doing fine. Except for the lack of freedom, there are no other restrictions.”“When can I have a video call with her?”Roy thought for a moment. “Since Mr. Howard is now delirious, I can make the arrangements.”“Thank you,” said Jane.“It’s no trouble, it’s my job.”After hanging up the phone, Jane looked at Zachary and asked, “What do you think?”Zachary moved the phone a little farther away to avoid radiation.After finishing the massage, he helped her lie down and said, “I’m thinking what you’re thinking.”Jane gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re slick.”Zachary smirked and bent down to kiss her forehead.“Get some rest.”
"Mrs. Howard—"Buck watched helplessly as Jordan jumped into the sea.Before he could rush over, a figure was even faster than him."Sir!"Westley dived into the water, found Jordan, and dragged her to the shore.When Jordan was pulled onto the shore, she was still a bit dazed.Wasn't she just swimming? Why was there so much fuss?Buck gestured for people to bring a stretcher, lifted Westley onto it, and hurried back.Buck also called for the maids to help Jordan back.Jordan wiped her face, pushed the maid aside, and twisted the water out of her hair. "What happened?"Buck was anxious to check on Westley, but he couldn’t stop watching Jordan, worried she might jump into the sea again and trying to think of other ways to prevent it."Mr. Howard was saving you.""Why?" Jordan was confused. "I didn’t drown. What’s the need to save me?"Buck recalled what he had seen earlier. It seemed like... swimming?"Weren’t you... jumping into the sea?""Yes." Jordan didn’t notice Buck
"Nathan, you should head back and deal with your own matters. Let's not interfere with Jordan's matters anymore."Nathan didn’t expect Jane to say this. He paused for a moment before speaking. "You know better than I do what Westley has done. How can we just ignore it? Jordan is still young and hasn’t experienced much in terms of relationships. She lacks experience, what if she falls again..."Jane knew what he was talking about and comforted him. "Don’t worry. Jordan may have experienced little in terms of relationships, but she’s not a foolish girl. She knows how to handle things."Nathan asked, "Is it because there’s something Westley knows?""No, it’s because we can't let Westley continue making a scene. This matter still needs to be handled by the person involved."Nathan didn’t say anything more and told Jane not to worry. When it was close to her delivery, he would come back.Jane agreed and hung up the phone.She threw the phone onto the counter and hugged Zachary from b
Charlotte raised her hand and gently patted Jane’s shoulder."I understand, after all, she's your sister. But I think Jordan is very smart and capable, she can take care of herself. You can worry, but at the same time, take care of your own health. Then, when she comes back, you can love her properly."Jordan walked around the island.There was a helipad on the mountain with two helicopters.Out at sea, there was a large cruise ship docked.But she didn’t know how to pilot any of them, so there was no way to escape.In the end, she decided to just accept things as they were.If there was a problem, she would deal with it. If not, she’d wait."Mrs. Howard, Jasmine is looking for you."When Jordan returned to the villa, Buck handed her a phone.Hearing Jasmine’s name, she took it."Jasmine.""I'm relieved you're okay," said Jasmine, letting out a sigh of relief, then apologizing. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have drunk so much.""It’s not your fault."Since Westley had a plan to