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
After saying that, I picked up my bag from the chair and turned to leave."Bitch!" Bethany cursed angrily behind me.I clenched my fists, acting as if I hadn't heard her, focusing solely on getting away.But to my surprise, I soon found myself lost within the residence.After turning several corners, I glanced to see a courtyard that felt oddly familiar.Despite being large and clean, the courtyard had a deserted air, as if it hadn't been lived in for a long time.Driven by some strange impulse, I walked in. As soon as I stepped inside, the gate behind me slammed shut.In the next moment, a tall figure pressed me against the door.The familiar scent surrounded me, leaving me nowhere to escape.I looked up in shock, meeting his deep, dark eyes!His well-defined fingers gripped my waist, his gaze tender and gentle. "What are you doing in the Shaw family's residence?""It's none of your business!" I was instantly infuriated, trying to struggle but unable to move.Ryan stared a
Whether it was the announcement of the marriage or the notice of divorce, I complied without a hitch. I thought that would be the end of it, that we would each go our separate ways.But I didn't expect that even my mere presence would be intolerable to them.Ryan held me tightly, as if trying to meld me into his bones and flesh, his voice low and soothing. "No! Charlotte, that's not what I meant. Don't be so upset.""Then what do you mean?"I struggled to control my trembling body, speaking with biting sarcasm. "Are you saying you never thought about marrying her? Are you saying that sending me abroad was all for my sake?"What about the shot fired at me, or his defense of Bethany in front of Madam Shaw? What did those count for? A joke? Or was it that I deserved it?I wouldn't believe it again, and I didn't dare to.The harsh words from Bethany and her mother, though stinging, contained truth—I was never in the same world as Ryan.Once, because of Grandpa, I had briefly aligne
It was as if he was performing some grand ritual.To those who knew better, it was just closing the door and changing the code. To those who didn't, it might seem like he was praying to the gods.I then realized what was going on. "This is... your little fiancee's courtyard?"Frank's thick, rigid lashes fluttered slightly as he shot me a sideways glance. "You're asking even though you know?""You..." I couldn't help but ask, "Have you ever thought about what if you really can't find her?"He fixed his gaze on me, narrowing his eyes and curling his lips in a smirk. "Even then, I wouldn't lower myself to anyone's level, including yours.""Then you really are overthinking things." I almost choked on his words. "I wouldn’t want someone like you even if you threw yourself at me."Being hurt by Ryan because of his “true love” was enough.From now on, I would stay far away from men with a “true love” in their hearts.Besides, who was he? The heir of the Smith family, the sole success
Of course, he found her appealing.Otherwise, how could Ryan have changed his attitude so quickly, with both the marriage and the divorce?His thoughts aligned with Bethany's, and even with mine. Bethany raised her chin with confidence. "What do you think? I can't be less than Charlotte, can I?"What was I caught in the crossfire for?Fortunately, a servant soon came running in, saying, "Madam Shaw, Miss Shaw, Mrs. Shaw has returned."The person backing Bethany had come back.Bethany wiped her face with some tissue, then, with a triumphant air, took Ryan's arm and hurried out to 'report.'In my mind, I only had one thought. ‘I Can’t stay here anymore.’Bethany was annoying enough. Mrs. Shaw’s presence would only make things worse.I straightened up, looked at Madam Shaw, and spoke softly, "Grandma, I need to go back to Jelaston today. I'll leave now. Next time, I'll come back to visit you in Jeswood."Madam Shaw seemed a bit disappointed but didn't say much, only asking me to
Naturally, I knew it wasn't me, but I was used to responding.He squinted dangerously, revealing a hint of recklessness. "Those who've bullied you should pay some price."I laughed lightly. "And then?""There's nothing more." Frank shrugged, leaning back against the headrest with his eyelashes lowered, concealing all emotions. "You've always been on the Wilson family's household register. Before Lily disappeared, you were already Charlotte of the Wilson family.""But for some reason, just like Grandma, I occasionally find myself genuinely attracted to you."I immediately tensed up, watching him warily.He was instantly amused, the corners of his mouth lifting in a smirk. "What's with that expression? Do you think I'm desperate?""Well, you never know." I smiled and tightened my coat, trying to dispel the heavy atmosphere in the car.He yawned, dismissing it with a single phrase. "So childish."Then, he pulled out an eye mask from somewhere and fell asleep quietly.The next da
I was extremely puzzled.If it wasn't him, then who sent them?The RF Group is only something we've had dealings with through him...While I was contemplating this, Ian's voice on the phone suddenly brightened with realization. "Oh, yes, yes, yes, I remember now! It was me! I had my assistant order them. He must have made a mistake; I only intended for him to order 99, to wish your company great success and longevity."Ian sounded somewhat apologetic. "999 is indeed a bit excessive. Did it cause you any trouble?""Oh..."Looking at the flower baskets piling up from the elevator into the company, I smiled with a bit of a headache. "It's not really a trouble... I'll see if I can negotiate with the florist to return some of them. Otherwise, it costs too much.""No need, no need. He can afford that," Ian blurted out. Then cleared his throat and added, "My assistant is just here for something to do. He's quite wealthy. I'll deduct this from his bonus.""Alright." I thanked him again
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
She got up just around noon.After thinking for a moment, she decided to go see Westley.Westley wasn't in the bedroom, so she went downstairs to ask the staff.The servant pointed toward the kitchen, and she walked over, finding Westley cutting vegetables.A strip of bandages was wrapped around his exposed wrist.His pale lips and exhausted eyes suggested he was still in poor condition.Yet, he was cooking?Jordan pressed her lips together, her sleep had been poor, and her face didn’t look good either.She stood in place for a few seconds, then turned and walked away.If he didn’t take care of his own body, what business was it of hers?Westley glanced over but didn’t call her, continuing his task.Buck watched the whole scene, worried about Westley’s health, he was still running a fever.“Sir, you should rest. Let me arrange for someone to cook, and I’ll bring it up to you later. And Mrs. Howard... probably won’t care about you... You should take care of your health. Othe
Charlotte nodded. “So does unhygienic mean better taste?”Jane directly spoke to her belly, "Son, you have to treat your mother-in-law well in the future. Mommy won't be able to back you up. Mommy’s useless..."Charlotte raised her hand and poked her forehead. "Alright, stop the act.""You're even bringing the child up. We still don’t know if it's a boy."Jane said, "I want to arrange a marriage alliance with you. My child can sense his mother’s feelings and will surely fulfill his mother's wishes.""That's nonsense." Charlotte went out to buy what she wanted to eat.As soon as she sat in the car, she received a call from Frank."Is Mr. Smith slacking off again?"Frank chuckled. "I’m calling my wife. Is that not allowed anymore?"Charlotte had driven herself. She turned on the air conditioning and was thinking about going shopping. "I’ve got to go now. I'll be home tonight."Frank heard the sound of the engine and asked, "Did you go out?"Charlotte snorted, "You should know
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