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
"Alright," I agreed.Madam Shaw looked at Frank, "Frank, go have breakfast in the dining room. After you're done, bring a portion for Ms. Wilson.""Sure." Frank glanced at us with suspicion but said nothing more and headed towards the dining room in a casual manner.I thought Madam Shaw was going to take me to the wardrobe, but instead, her warm hand suddenly grabbed mine. "Come, sit.""Alright."A bit flustered by the attention, I sat down and didn’t dare move my hand.I realized I had never met my grandparents or great-grandparents. I don't remember if they didn't like me or if something else was the reason.Madam Shaw's aging face reflected nostalgia as she held my hand a bit tighter. "After seeing you yesterday, I dreamed about my little granddaughter last night. She kept wanting to play with you, it seems she really likes you."She smiled. "I woke up in the middle of the night, wondering if she hoped I would take good care of you."I was touched and softly said, "Madam Sh
No one expected that, despite Madam Shaw's kind and benevolent appearance, her first response to Ryan would be so sharp.I struggled to hold back my smile with great effort.Yet, it seemed that I was the only one who could find any amusement in this situation.The atmosphere was awkward and tense.The real embarrassment wasn't the comment itself but the fact that I, the ex-wife, was right there.I lowered my head slightly and looked out the window, trying to minimize my presence.The snow outside, not yet melted, dazzled and made it hard to see.I felt a gaze fixed on me and then heard Ryan's deep and calm voice. "Yes, recently divorced."Madam Shaw glanced at Bethany, her expression growing colder. "I've also heard that you played a part in it?""Grandma..." Bethany frowned, throwing a subtle glare at me. She adjusted her skirt and sat next to Madam Shaw, shaking her arm."Who told you such nonsense? Ryan's marriage had long since fallen apart... I just...""I'm asking you
In addition to the scandal involving Jessica and John, Ryan had to be cautious. Any small misstep could lead to countless people taking advantage of his vulnerability.When Madam Shaw criticized him, Ryan probably had to endure it.Unexpectedly, he didn't show the slightest discomfort. His expression remained inscrutable as he said calmly, "I'll prove to you if I’m qualified or not.""Grandma." Bethany was overjoyed. "Just listen to him, aren't you satisfied now...""To you, he's naturally qualified, and there's no need to prove anything."Madam Shaw sat with perfect posture, her demeanor impeccable. "As long as you and your mother are satisfied."The first part was a rejection, but now she agreed without hesitation.Bethany was bewildered. "What do you mean...""If he were to be a husband for Lily, he would fall short!" Madam Shaw looked at her steadily. "For you, he's more than enough."Her tone was calm, lacking any hint of disdain.But it was like a massive slap to the fa
I walked away, so I couldn't hear everything clearly. However, the term "ill-fated lovers" was crystal clear.As someone who was single, this term had nothing to do with me.The Shaw family’s residence was enormous. As Madam Shaw mentioned, I eventually had to ask a servant for directions to find the dining room."Are you Ms. Wilson that Madam Shaw has been mentioning since early this morning?"The butler, who happened to be near the dining room, noticed me and promptly instructed a servant to prepare another breakfast for me.I smiled slightly, thanked him, and quietly began eating.Only then did the butler leave.As I ate, someone suddenly cast a shadow beside me, and the next moment, the person couldn't wait to express their frustration."Charlotte, I warn you, stay away from my family! I don't care what you're plotting, don't try to get on my Grandma's good side!"I continued sipping my oat porridge, unbothered. "What am I plotting?"Bethany snorted and felt irritated. "W
The fireworks were dazzling and brilliant.Westley looked up in a certain direction.At the moment the fireworks bloomed, a figure appeared in the window of that place.Jordan couldn’t sleep because of Westley’s injury.As she tossed and turned in bed, a sudden bright light appeared in front of the window.She walked over to the window, opened it, and saw the fireworks bursting in the night sky.There seemed to be a few figures on the beach.But Westley was tall enough that she could spot him at a glance.At that moment, she forgot to watch the fireworks.It was only when Westley raised his hand and pointed upward that she looked up.She realized that the fireworks formed a few words.“I’m sorry, Jordan.”“Happy birthday.”Jordan had originally planned to spend her birthday with Nathan and Jane.But when she was brought over by Westley, she completely forgot about her birthday.She glanced at the time, and it was exactly midnight.Her birthday had begun.The night sky
Jordan had eaten and drunk enough and was about to return to her room.Westley called out to her."Wait a moment."Jordan ignored him and kept on walking.But Westley grabbed her arms and she was pulled back.She lost her balance and fell into the man's arms.As she fell, she instinctively reached out to support herself.She felt something change under her hand.Jordan jumped up as if she had been burned.She forgot there was a grill nearby, and as she was about to fall into it, she was pulled away by a force.She only heard a series of cracking sounds, and she landed on something soft but firm.When she looked closely, it was Westley's chest. She was in his arms, and his tall frame was completely shielding her.Before she could react, Buck and the others arrived.The area was crowded."Quick, put out the fire!""Call a doctor. Don’t move Mr. Howard. Help Mrs. Howard up."Jordan was stunned as she was pulled up.It was then that she saw the scene on the ground.The gr
Frank took the soup from her hands and drank it in a few gulps.Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.It had been several days since they had been close like this.The heat built up quickly.By the time Charlotte reacted, she was already lying on the bed.She covered his mouth and gently pushed him away a little."Let's finish talking about the important things.""This is the important thing," Frank said as he moved her hand away and pressed it on top of her head. He bent down and started unbuttoning her blouse."Frank..."Charlotte's voice was broken by his actions.After several days of separation, his movements were obviously more intense.She couldn't hold back, and the corners of her eyes filled with tears, as the wave of emotions overwhelmed her...Zachary set the food on the dining table and went to the bedroom to carry Jane out.But Jane wanted to walk by herself, and Zachary helped her sit down.Jane picked up her cutlery and started eatin
"Mr. Jackson, what are you talking about? Westley isn’t a fool. Since he managed to take Jordan from your turf in Impelia, it shows he was well-prepared. This preparation probably started a long time ago, and once he found out you were Jordan's cousin, he just sped up the process."Nathan caught the key point. "So, you and Zachary both guessed that Westley would take Jordan and make all the necessary preparations, but you didn’t say a word?"Frank leaned against the doorframe lazily and said, "I don’t know, I’m not close to Westley. As for Zachary, I’m not sure either. Recently, he’s been too busy with his wife and hasn’t been drinking with me anymore."Nathan didn’t believe him, but didn’t say much.Westley taking Jordan from him was his fault.When he was younger, he couldn’t protect his cousin from being taken away.Now, even with power in his hands, he still couldn’t do anything.He had to ask others for help."You keep searching abroad, I’ll assist you domestically." Fra
On the small table beside them, there were several bottles cluttered around.There were no labels on them.Jordan was cautious and didn’t drink immediately. She picked up a bottle, sniffed it to make sure there was no alcohol smell before inserting the straw and sipping slowly.Westley lit a cigarette, biting it at the corner of his mouth. He flipped the lamb skewers over and sprinkled them with cumin.Watching her unnecessary actions, he laughed. "It doesn’t really matter if you’re drunk or not. On my turf, if I want to do something, do you think you can resist?"Jordan paused.She suddenly remembered that the bet wasn’t clearly defined.“Westley, you said that if I’m moved, but before I’m moved, you can’t do anything out of line. You’re clear about that, right?”Westley handed her the grilled lamb skewer and flicked the ash off his cigarette.He glanced at her and said deliberately, "Wrong."Jordan took a big bite of the lamb skewer.She couldn’t help but exclaim, "So deli
Jordan finished her meal and was taken away by Westley.They took a helicopter and then transferred to a ship.In the end, she had no idea where they were.The journey was bumpy, and after days and nights, she was physically and mentally exhausted.Yet, she refused to say a word to Westley.She buried herself under the blankets.Everything she could say or do, she had already done.Now, she could only pray for heaven to open its eyes and make Westley a decent person, letting her go back."How about a bet?"Westley pulled the blanket off, helping her sit up."There are still some days before Jane gives birth.""We’ll forget our grudges for now. If, during this time, you can develop feelings for me, then you’ll lose, and we’ll remarry. If you don’t fall for me, I’ll let you go back."Jordan's mind was racing.She felt like Westley wouldn’t let her go so easily.But there was no flaw in his words.For her, it still seemed to give her an advantage.After all, she only felt
Jane said lightly, “Do you think Westley would let you find him easily?”“No, but if we keep chasing him, we will eventually find him.” Zachary brought the food to her. “Eat something.”Jane refused his feeding, took the plate and ate by herself.Zachary then placed some more food in front of her.Jane said, “You don’t need to take care of me. I can eat by myself. You should eat too.”Those words made Zachary feel a sense of relief.It seemed she wasn’t angry, nor was she blaming him.“This matter was indeed my oversight. I thought that since Jordan was with your cousin in Impelia, Westley wouldn’t be able to reach her. But I never expected that he would be so bold and take Jordan away directly.”Jane understood. “You want me to put the blame on my cousin, right?”Zachary replied without changing his expression, “How could that be? This matter is entirely my responsibility.”Jane didn’t say anything, only remarking, “When I give birth, I want to see Jordan.”Zachary reassure
Westley handed her the phone.“Tell him yourself.”Jordan was surprised the moment she took the phone, but then she realized something didn’t feel right.He gave it to her so easily...She snapped, “You did this on purpose!”Westley didn’t deny it.Jordan didn’t care much about that anymore and immediately dialed Zachary’s number.When Zachary saw the caller ID, his right eyelid twitched violently.Frank glanced at him. “Why aren’t you answering?”Zachary sighed in frustration. “Stop watching the show, you answer it.”Frank raised his hands. “My wife and your wife are on the same page.”Frank’s position was the same as Zachary’s. He didn’t dare answer the phone either.He pursed his lips as he didn’t have the right to criticize Frank.This phone felt like something that neither of them wanted to have anything to do with.In the end, Zachary still answered it.“Westley, you only have one chance...”“It’s me, Zachary.”Zachary thought something was terribly wrong. “Give
Westley was indeed cunning, but when Zachary said he couldn’t guess Westley’s plan, that was purely pretending to be ignorant.Even he knew that intercepting a plane wouldn’t work.Since Nathan was pursuing so closely, if Westley wanted to take someone away, he must have prepared multiple plans.For example, parachuting mid-way.But he was enjoying watching the drama and didn’t expose it.“I do have some responsibility in this matter.” Nathan was always someone who took responsibility for his actions. “But the responsibility of not saving Jordan falls on you.”Zachary felt like his head was going to explode.He could roughly guess where Westley had parachuted.But that place had many landing spots, and it wasn’t something that could be found in just a day or two.Moreover, since Westley dared to take Jordan away from Nathan, he must have made detailed plans.Knowing they were searching, he would definitely change locations.This was a tug-of-war.It was hard to explain to J