"Huh?" I was puzzled, "Waiting for me to finish work?"What the hell is he up to now?"I had a friend drop me off just now. I don't have a car." As he spoke, he extended his wrist towards me to show the time. "You're about to finish work soon. Can you give me a lift?""I'll call a taxi for you." I took out my phone, but he frowned and said softly, "I never travel in taxis."‘Alright then. It's only natural for a prince to have a prince's airs.’I had nothing to say. "Then you can wait here."I turned and went back into my office. It wasn't long before Jane came over.She gave me a knowing look, "Why is that prince from the Smith family staying here and not leaving?""Waiting for a lift," I replied helplessly.Jane sat in the chair opposite me, resting her elbows on the desk and supporting her face with her hands."I just saw that the mother and daughter seem to be quite afraid of him. Maybe you should try to improve your relationship with him? If something happens, he could
My first reaction was a moment of bewilderment, followed by amusement. ‘Vicious?’When they kidnapped me and left me injured from head to toe, they didn't reflect on their own actions. Now, I merely had Zack replicate my injuries onto Bethany. It seemed that they have a different set of standards for others.So the daughters from affluent families were more precious and the ordinary people were inferior? The two sets of standards were really unreasonable."Are you going to speak or not? Feeling guilty, are you? Fine, since you've played the part of the villain, don't blame me for retaliating!" Mrs. Shaw continued to shout angrily on the other end of the line.The phone was connected via the car's Bluetooth, so Frank naturally heard everything clearly.I barely had a chance to speak before Frank started, "Mrs. Shaw, it's unfair to accuse Ms. Wilson. I've been at her company all afternoon just to get a lift and haven't seen her associating with anyone suspicious."With just a few w
‘Does he have a personal vendetta with Bethany?’He lowered his head and his tone was casual. "Don't flatter yourself. I just happened to want to deal with her too."I readily agreed, "Alright then, today's matter is on you."Not only could I get revenge on Bethany, but I could also distance myself from the situation. Why not?Frank glanced at me sideways, a chuckle escaped his throat. "Charlotte, you really know how to take advantage of opportunities, don't you?""Kind of!" I smiled. "By the way, when did you find out about this?"Frank looked at me as if I were naive. "Do you think Zack would take action without informing me first?"I frowned and thought about it, then understood. "I see."Zack would have informed Frank about it. If Frank gave his approval, it would mean Zack was doing Frank a favor, especially since I had requested his support that day. If something went wrong, Frank would cover for him.If Frank intervened, Zack would avoid the risk of retaliation from the
We were all adults here. Given the conversations we had recently, I understood what his gestures and attentions meant.I was somewhat at a loss for how to respond.I had already said what needed to be said on that day.Frequent refusals could lead to awkwardness and might even jeopardize our friendship.Jack hesitated slightly. "Charlotte, have I given you any burden?"I fiddled with my cutlery, and before I could speak, he continued thoughtfully, "I've said before, you don't need to respond to anything. Just consider this as care between friends.""In the future, when you're ready to start a new relationship, we can take it slow," he added.My heart warmed.Had I not experienced the failed marriage with Ryan, or if I were still at an impulsive age, hearing those words might have led me to fall deeply for him.But now, I... was too afraid.The cost of becoming emotionally involved was too great.I slowly loosened my grip on the cutlery. "What if that day never comes?"Since
Most people knock on doors with a pattern of either two short knocks and one long or two long and one short.But this person outside was different. Knock knock, knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock knock, knock—Knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock, knock knock, knock knock, knock, knock—Knock, knock—knock! Knock, knock—knock!The knocking rhythm even reminded me of a familiar childhood tune.But that didn't help with my morning grumpiness.I shuffled out of the bedroom in my slippers, grumpily opened the door, and saw Frank standing there in a loose hoodie, his hair somewhat disheveled.Seeing me still in my pajamas, he smirked. "Charlotte, do you remember that you need to go to Jeswood today?""Of course I remember. I sent you a WhatsApp message last night asking about the departure time, but you didn't reply."Since I still needed his help with the Jeswood market, my morning grumpiness showed, though it was somewhat considerate."I was just trying to let you sleep in
The Smith family mansion was expansive, exuding both heritage and a vintage charm. It was clear at a glance that the house had been passed down through generations. While the exterior had been renovated, the interior still retained traces of its historical past.Unlike the opulence I had imagined, the mansion had a more understated elegance. Even a small decorative porcelain vase in the corner was a Medieval antique, worth over a hundred million.Frank had long, slender legs but walked at a leisurely pace, with his hands casually in his pockets, unhurried.He guided me past the vast dining hall and headed straight for the back garden. From a distance, I saw two elegantly dressed elderly ladies.One was sitting by the fireplace, sipping tea, while the other was pruning a nearby potted plant with scissors.Frank walked over, poured himself a cup of tea, and with a playful grin, said, "Madams, you're in much better shape than me. You're still doing outdoor activities even in this c
The atmosphere was very comfortable.After chatting for a while, I took out a soft tape measure from my bag to take the measurements of Madam Smith.Frank instructed, "Ms. Wilson, make sure to take measurements for Madam Shaw as well.""Sure."The more people, the more design orders—something I was more than happy to accommodate.Madam Shaw waved her hand, "I don't need it...""Grandma!"Frank interrupted, coaxing her gently, "If you refuse, it will look like I'm showing favoritism.""Alright, alright," Madam Shaw agreed with a smile.Just after finishing the measurements, the butler came to announce that dinner was ready.However, Frank received a phone call and had to leave suddenly. Before he left, he handed me a room card.I didn't want to stay any longer, so I said, "I should be going too. I'll leave with you.""Charlotte," Madam Smith called out warmly. "Don't mind him. Stay and enjoy the meal. After dinner, I'll arrange for the driver to take you to the hotel.""Don
Although Frank constantly talked about money, he arranged for me to stay at a six-star hotel in Jeswood.I originally planned to return to Jelaston that night, but Frank said on the phone, "I'm going to Jelaston tomorrow. I can give you a ride back.""Alright."Might as well enjoy a free Bentley ride.The next day, I intended to sleep in until I woke up naturally, but a phone call disturbed me."Come downstairs."It was Frank's lazy voice.After being woken up by him for two consecutive days, I couldn't help but feel irritated. "Dude, did you stay up all night again?""Oh, is someone cranky in the morning?"I took a deep breath to calm myself and forced a smile. "Of course not, just concerned about you. Mr. Smith, what's the occasion so early in the morning?"Frank yawned. "Madam Shaw wants to see you.""Huh?" I was a bit surprised, and affected by his yawn, I got out of bed while yawning and asked, "Now?"He suddenly spoke sharply, "When do you think? Do you think I have n
Knock knock—There was a knock at the door.Zachary stood up to open it.Raymond handed him a chicken pizza.He sensed that the atmosphere wasn’t quite right and, gathering some courage, she asked, "Sir, you didn’t have anything for dinner. Should I have the hotel bring something over?"Zachary nodded and mentioned a few dishes.Raymond agreed and went to instruct the hotel.He happened to run into Ross on his way back and they chatted."I have no idea what Miss Greenwood might want. Mr. Collins doesn’t even know what he likes to eat himself, but he remembers what she likes."Ross, eating a sandwich, said, "Doesn’t Mr. Collins like roast chicken?"He remembered that when Miss Greenwood brought food to the Mr. Collins’s house last time, she had mentioned it.Raymond shot him a look. "You’re a blockhead. That’s what Miss Greenwood likes. Now, the things that Mr. Collins like are because they’re what Miss Greenwood likes."Ross blinked. "Oh."Raymond was rendered speechless.
Jane said, "This is not something you should be doing.""I caused the injury, so I should be the one to handle it.""I'll do it myself!"Zachary held her hands, "You can't see the injury, you have long nails as well. What if you hurt yourself again? I think I should apply the medicine."Jane felt helpless."Zachary, I’ll just ask you one thing, can you understand what I’m saying?""I’ve already ordered pizza. It’ll be delivered soon."‘As expected, he doesn’t understand what I said,’ thought Jane.Jane was no match for Zachary in terms of strength or words, so she ended up crying.Zachary stopped.Jane immediately broke free from his hands and sat on the other side of the bed."Do you only feel happy when you see me in pain?"Zachary pursed his lips. "No.""Then why do you insist on forcing me to do things I don't want to do? I’m a person, not some item that you can do whatever you want to.""Is that how you see me?" Zachary looked at her, his eyes darkened slightly. "I l
"I was just handling some matters, but I can't tell you. Please understand."Jane seemed to believe him and nodded. "I see."Raymond also nodded. "That's right."Jane smiled. "You were handling matters, but what about the others?""They also have their own matters to deal with.""So..." Jane’s gaze suddenly became sharp. "You all went off to work, but there's no one guarding the hotel entrance? Aren’t you worried that while he’s in bed with me, his enemies might come and kill him? After all, the bed is when a man is most vulnerable. You’re a man, so you should understand that, right?"For a moment, Raymond seemed distracted, as if he had seen his Mr. Collins casually asking him what mistake he had made.Then, with a cold tone, he would be sent off to Afrealia, just like Roy.The more you say, the more mistakes you make. He stopped explaining and simply said."Miss Greenwood, it’s not safe outside. You should stay in the hotel and wait for Mr. Collins."Jane didn’t believe the
He placed the pillow behind her waist and asked gently, "What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone prepare it."Jane glared at him and said, "Get out!"Zachary took her hand and said, "There’s a banquet tomorrow. Come with me."Jane pulled her hand back and replied coldly, "You’re really sick.""Yes, and you’re the reason I”m sick."Jane raised her hand, intending to hit him. "Get out!"Zachary grabbed her wrist and smiled.Jane felt that he was seriously ill and decided it was better to just leave.But as soon as she lifted the blanket, a cold wind blew, and she quickly pulled it back up."Turn around!"Her teeth were clenched in anger, wishing she could bite him.Zachary's gaze slid over her body. "What are you hiding?""I..."Jane covered his mouth. "Don’t be such a pervert."Zachary held her hand. "The banquet tomorrow has to do with the purpose of your trip. Are you really not going?""How do you know what I came here for?"Zachary didn’t answer, just looked at he
Annie saw the red marks on his neck as he moved.There was also a bite mark on his Adam's apple.Both marks told her of the wildness he had shared with Jane just moments ago.The thing she feared most had happened."And not even a day apart," Zachary said again, his voice was cold enough to send shivers down one’s spine.Annie met his sharp gaze, instinctively taking a step back.But then she felt it was wrong and moved forward to stand in front of him."What are you saying? I don’t understand," she said, reaching out to grab his arm.Zachary turned sideways to avoid her, and Ross immediately restrained Annie, kicking her in the knee and forcing her to kneel on the ground."Zachary!"Annie had never been so humiliated before.Since childhood, everyone had always revolved around her.She was given everything she wanted.Without speaking, people would rush to her, handing her things that were close to her heart.Zachary was no different, he had been delivered to her by her
"I had wanted to repay you before, but you refused. Turns out, you were saving it for such a situation. Zachary, is it fun to fool me around?"Zachary lifted his head, and his dark eyes were filled with deep desire.He had been restraining himself, and the veins on his arm were bulging.But this time, he wanted to ask her for a favor."Am I really so unworthy in your eyes?"It wasn’t that he was completely unacceptable, but after all, he had previously forced her against her will."You can’t have lost contact with your subordinates.""Nelana isn’t my turf. There are people here who don’t want me here."As for his business matters, Jane didn’t want to know or analyze anything.She simply said, "Anyway, I’m not suited to help you solve the current problem. If you want, you can get some cold water, and I’ll go buy some medicine for you."The corners of Zachary’s eyes drooped slightly, and he looked almost pitiful."Is it really that hard to help me?"Jane nodded. "I think we’r
Before Jane finished speaking, she watched as Zachary slowly stood up on his own.But then he suddenly leaned towards her.She quickly held him up.Zachary rested his head on her shoulder, his breath hot and heavy against her neck, so hot it felt alarming."Wait, weren't the people around you supposed to be sticking with you at all times? How did you end up like this, all alone?"She heard the man's voice, weak and faint."Take me back to the hotel..."Jane was really at her wit's end.He didn't even tell her the name of the hotel. How was she supposed to know where to take him?In the end, with no other choice, she reached into his pocket to find his phone.She searched both side pockets of his pants, but there was no phone.He was only wearing a white shirt, no coat.That meant his phone wasn't on him.No wonder he hadn't contacted his subordinates.But that didn't make sense either—his subordinates were supposed to be with him at all times.Before she could figure it
"People are really into these things now. I often see them on live streams," said Jane.Dominic poured her a cup of barley tea. "The houses people want aren’t just any ordinary houses."Jane knew buying a house wasn't easy. It had taken her some time to secure her little place.If it weren't for Charlotte helping her out, she probably wouldn't have gotten it so quickly."Don’t worry. If I like what I see this time, when I go back and combine it with our brand, we'll promote it. You’ll be able to make money and buy a house.""That sounds good. I know how influential your brand is."The two of them chatted happily in the private room.In the room next door, however, the atmosphere was cold and tense.Annie, seemingly unaware, picked up some food for Zachary and even peeled an apple for him."I grew up in Nelana. I have lung issues, so I’m not really suited to Jeswood’s weather.""This restaurant has been around for almost 100 years. It’s a Nelana specialty. Try this, the apples
At the hospital.After confirming that everything was fine, Zachary immediately went to the airport.Frank glanced at the time. "Leaving overnight?"Zachary nodded, a look of exhaustion between his brows.Frank took Charlotte and left the hospital with him, only to see two cars.He asked, "Is Annie going with you?"Zachary nodded again.Frank was confused. "What kind of game is this?""Let's go."Zachary didn't answer, opened the car door, and bent down to sit inside.After the two cars drove off, Charlotte asked, "Last night, did you interfere too much?"Frank touched his chin. "I shouldn't have...""Shouldn't have what?""Can't I tell who he likes?"The two of them went home to pack and then went to their respective companies.Charlotte noticed that Jane's dark circles under her eyes couldn't even be covered by foundation. She asked, "Did you go clubbing last night?"Jane shook her head. "I couldn't sleep, maybe the jet lag still hasn't passed."Charlotte immediately