Bethany's face stiffened slightly as she snorted coldly. "So what if I did cut it myself?"Upon hearing this, I lost interest in continuing the argument and turned to Mrs. Shaw. "Mrs. Shaw, can I leave now?"I thought she was just getting revenge for her daughter. Now that the truth was clear, it had nothing to do with me.To my surprise, she affectionately pinched Bethany's cheek. "Are you out of your mind? Sacrificing your own reputation just to frame her?"Bethany pouted and said coquettishly, "Mom, I'm sorry! She's so stubborn; I had no choice but to resort to this method.""Alright." Mrs. Shaw said in a loving tone, "You go upstairs first. I will handle this."Her tone was gentle, without a hint of blame. She seemed to be the most indulgent mother in the world.Bethany smiled happily. "You’re the best, Mom!"With that, she skipped upstairs, and Mrs. Shaw looked at her with a warm smile, her demeanor very soft.Once Bethany's figure disappeared, Mrs. Shaw slowly withdrew h
I couldn't hear clearly. But she spoke so slowly that I could read her lips. Before I could look away, a figure hurriedly passed by me!It was Mr. Shaw.Soon, the sounds of objects crashing and faint arguments echoed from the living room.I heard my own name, as well as Ryan's. There were also mentions of online scandals.Finally, a clear and angry shout came from Mr. Shaw. "She's spoiled and headstrong, and you still have to make a fuss? Let her keep kneeling outside in this heavy snow, and if word gets out..."Suddenly, the snow stopped.I took me a while to realize that there was a shadow over my head. Looking up, I saw a large, pure black umbrella and Frank's deep, brown eyes!His face was expressionless as he handed me the umbrella. "Can you hold it?"I rubbed my somewhat numb hands. "I can..."Before I could finish, he shoved the umbrella into my hand.In the next moment, the man in the black leather jacket half-knelt on the ground, silently lifted me into his arms,
"It's okay." I picked up the towel and dried my hair. After my cold body had warmed up, I turned to Frank. "Did something happen online?"He countered with a question, "Isn't it your doing?""What?" I felt puzzled and asked. He looked at me for a moment, cocked his brows and said, "Alright, I overestimated you."With that, he took out his phone from his pocket and handed it to me. "Take a look yourself.""What’s your PIN?""Your birthday.""Huh?" I was momentarily taken aback.He cocked his brows. "What are you thinking? Your birthday is the same as hers.""Oh, next time be clearer." I freezing and wasn’t thinking straight.After unlocking the phone, I quickly found the information Mrs. Shaw had inquired about.There were revelations online about Bethany being a mistress, using despicable methods to force the original spouse into divorce, and even kidnapping the original spouse today.There were also videos from the Jelaston Summit underground parking lot, showing the kidn
These two questions were somewhat sharp. However, Frank's face showed no discomfort at all. He gestured for me to come closer. "Come a bit nearer, I'll tell you."I leaned in a little. "Go ahead."The space inside the car was small, and besides the driver, there was no one else, so why make such a mystery out of it?He leaned in slightly as well, a smile in his eyes, looking as infuriatingly smug as ever. "I can't stand overly stupid people."I straightened up abruptly and glared at him. "Should I thank you for guiding me then?""I don't mind."He smiled politely, always looking so annoyingly smug. Nevertheless, I couldn't deny his help. I lowered my gaze. "Thanks for what you did earlier."He tapped his well-manicured fingers on the window sill idly. "If I hadn't come, they would have let you go eventually.""But you'd have had to endure more hardships."Mrs. Shaw and Bethany wouldn't let it go easily. Especially with the online revelations, Mrs. Shaw would vent all her ang
He wasn’t asleep yet.I pursed my lips and said seriously, "I'm really sorry for breaking your piggy bank that day."Mentioning this, Frank pulled off his eye mask. His drowsy eyes showed a hint of displeasure. "Charlotte, you only let others bully you, but you still know how to make make me uncomfortable, don't you...""No." I hurriedly interrupted, pulling out the small rabbit made by the ceramicist, trying to soothe his emotions. "This, this is a replica of that rabbit. I had someone make it based on the original. The resemblance is quite good. I hope it can make up for my clumsiness that day."Out of both sentiment and reason, I shouldn't have touched that piggy bank. But at that moment, it felt like I was possessed, and I couldn't understand why I touched someone else's personal belongings. I had planned to make an identical one to return to him, but my skills weren't up to scratch, and it came out all wrong. In the end, I had to rely on the ceramicist.Frank stared at the ra
The next day, the sun rose as usual, and online rumors continued to spread.Even a few of the youngsters at the company now looked at me with added curiosity.Jane had come to my house last night to return my bag and phone, and she was full of self-reproach. She had reported the incident right away, but everyone shrugged it off when they heard it was the Shaw family. In short, without concrete evidence, nothing could be done.She said she was experiencing firsthand the benefits of power and the helplessness of ordinary people. She regretted not breaking up with He Ting earlier. Even if she had become a mistress, she would have had some recourse when I was in trouble yesterday.She was utterly foolish.At that moment, she walked into the office with two cups of coffee, placing one in front of me and sitting down in the chair across from me. Her expression was almost the same as it was last night.As I continued sketching the design for Madam Smith, I asked in confusion, "What's wr
Any irrational actions would come with a price for him.The Shaw family was too difficult to deal with. I didn’t want to drag him into the mess.He paused for a moment. "That's good."His voice was as gentle as ever, yet it seemed to carry a hint of disappointment.Before the call ended, a mature and composed woman suddenly appeared at the door of my office.I tensed up, nodded in her direction, and continued to listen to Jack's voice on the phone. "Charlotte, someday I'll be able to protect you really well."It sounded like a vow, like a promise.It was so sincere it was almost too much, like he was about to lay his heart out for me to see.If it weren't for the woman standing right in front of me, I might have been moved at that moment.But there were no "ifs."I remained silent for a moment before gently speaking. "Jack, I will become stronger gradually. One day, no one will be able to bully me."He seemed to sense the underlying meaning in my words. "Charlotte..."Meanw
I froze.There was a mix of surprise and bewilderment.Perhaps because the separation had been so undignified and there had been too many humiliations, I couldn't calmly converse with him after the divorce.The final definition of our relationship, for me, was clear, we would go our separate ways.No one should cause trouble to the other's life.I composed myself and looked at him with a blank expression. "Why are you here?""I..."Ryan flicked the ashes from his cigarette with his long fingers, and for the first time, his cold expression showed a hint of past warmth. "I came to find you.""For what?" I was somewhat puzzled.Did he remember me because he went bankrupt?Ryan's gaze was intense and unequivocal, his voice low. "To reconcile. Charlotte, we no longer have any concerns. You can continue to be Mrs. Frost with peace of mind."I was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed with absurdity.What did he take me for? Did he still see me as if we were married? Did he think
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