"Is that it?""That's it."I cocked my brows "You don't like him at all?""Maybe a little" Jane answered. She then smiled mockingly. "But that doesn't mean anything. My mom said that she married my dad because they loved each other.""Even so, they would still aim for each other's heads when they got into a fight. How could there possibly be feelings that would last forever in this world?"I knew she didn't believe in love. She didn't even believe in love from parents or relatives.When her father failed in doing business, he began drinking, gambling, and assaulting his wife and daughter.Her mother disappeared without a trace, leaving her to grow up with that unreliable father of hers. This caused her to be frequently beaten by her father.I was afraid she would be upset, so I changed the subject and asked with a smile, "Then why have you been so good to me all these years?"Jane rolled her eyes. "Who was the one crying on the rooftop in the dead of winter, and begged me not
Her words almost caused me to explode with anger.Ryan had spoiled her so much that she had no shame whatsoever.I curved my lips into a sneer and said, "Are you a member of the Frost family? Last time I remember, your dad had to beg Grandpa to allow you to have Frost as your surname. I don’t think you’re accepted into the Frost family since Grandpa hasn’t given the word yet. According to you, then I have more reason to say that this car belongs to me, because I am Ryan's lawfully wedded wife."I spoke deliberately, watching her expression change bit by bit, and a sense of satisfaction surged within me.Jessica gritted her teeth. "The two of you are getting divorced soon!""But we’re not divorced just yet, are we? As long as we're still married, I have more right to claim ownership of this car than you." I smirked."You have no shame!" She was furious as she glared at me fiercely. "If you’re going to divorce him then do it already! Why the hell are you still married to Ryan then?
I was rendered speechless.He was indeed good at putting the blame on others.I wanted to laugh but the pain on my face prevented me from doing so. "Did you even give me a chance to explain things just now?"Ryan would always become desperate about anything that was related to Jessica."Charlotte...""Alright, your 'sister' is still waiting for you in your car."I didn't want to say anything more to him, so I cut him off and got back into my car.As I closed the door, he grabbed the door handle. "Cover up the mark on your face, don't let Grandpa find out about what happened. Otherwise, he'll definitely..."Each word felt like a dagger to the heart. The pain was excruciating.I didn't have the courage to continue listening, so I slammed the door to prevent myself from hearing any more of what he was saying.Tears welled up in my eyes, I turned my face away hastily, so that he couldn't see the state of me.It was me who had been hit, yet he was worried about Jessica getting in
I smiled and found a seat, picking up the teacup the servant had just brought, and took a sip.The tea was fresh and the fragrance filled the air. It tasted soft and sweet.I smiled. "Grandpa always thinks of us whenever there's something good.""No wonder the old man favors you. You have such a sweet mouth!" Aunt Chloe chuckled.I smiled faintly and didn't say anything else.After chatting for a while, Albert came to invite everyone to the dining table.The seats for the family banquet had been arranged in advance.Grandpa sat in the main seat, with Uncle Luke, Aunt Chloe, and their daughter sitting respectively to his right.On the left were Ryan who had taken over the Frost family, myself, my father-in-law, and Jessica.Everyone's status in the family was clear at one glance.There was nothing Jessica could do even if she wasn't happy with the arrangement.She could make things difficult for me in other places, but at the Frost family's residence, she wouldn't dare do any
"Okay."I sat down beside him and met Grandpa's sharp and clear gaze. It was making me feel increasingly uneasy.In the spacious study, there was only Grandpa, me, and Albert, who was making tea at the side.As expected, Grandpa knew everything. "Are you still going to get divorced?"I didn't know what to say. I felt completely hopeless.There was no use hiding my pregnancy anymore. "Yes... How did you know?"Grandpa sighed, but he wasn't angry about being deceived. "You're independent and stubborn. You might make it seem that you don't really care about him, but have you ever taken your eyes off him before? Today was different, you didn't even give him a glance."There was a hint of regret in Grandpa's voice.After hearing those words, I choked and was at a loss for words.Yes, one couldn't hide one's feelings for someone, even if one cover one's mouth, their feelings could be seen through their eyes.Even Grandpa could see my feelings clearly, but Ryan still thought I liked
"It's exactly what you see in front of you." Grandpa's voice carried a trace of sorrow and regret. "It's our fault. It's the Frost family's fault for Wendy's tragedy. It's my fault that I've not been able to properly discipline my own son."My late mother-in-law had a beautiful name, Wendy Lawson. After hearing Grandpa's words, I was completely dumbstruck. It turned out, my mother-in-law didn't die from hard labor. She was pushed down the stairs when she was in her final weeks of pregnancy.The person who pushed her was none other than Ryan's stepmother, who treated him as her own, and ironically ended up in a coma in an attempt to save him. My mind was in turmoil. How could she treat Ryan so well and yet be the one who killed his biological mother? It didn't make sense at all.Before I could sort everything out in my head, Grandpa continued, "I don't understand why she could be so good to Ryan.""It's all..." Grandpa sneered. "It's all about personal interests.""After Ryan's
Now that Grandpa had asked me for a favor, I had no reason to turn him down. Ryan and I were already separated, and a divorce certificate would only make our division clearer. There was no rush for us to get a divorce agreement.Moreover, Grandpa's 80th birthday was just a month away. There wasn’t much time left at all.Later, Albert escorted me out of the study."Mr. William did this because he's worried that you and Mr. Frost will regret your decisions in the future. He wants you both to think things through a little longer."I pursed my lips and was about to speak when my phone rang.It was an unknown landline."Hello, is this a relative of Jane?""Yes.""This is Jelaston Police Station. Please come over as soon as possible."Before I could ask anything, they hung up.With no time to spare, I hurried downstairs. As soon as I stepped out of the elevator, I saw Jessica fuming with anger."You've gone over the line!" she exclaimed, moving to slap me, but I stopped her.
In public, Ryan maintained his usual aloof demeanor.The black trench coat added to his domineering aura.As he approached step by step, I suddenly felt uneasy.This matter could be big or small.Small, it could be settled with money. But big...With Ryan's power in Jelaston, it would be as easy as flipping a hand to make Jane go to jail.And undoubtedly, he would protect Jessica.As expected, he stood beside Jessica. His eyes were slightly lowered, lips lightly parted. "How do you want to deal with this?"I clenched my fists and before Jessica could speak, Jane pulled me behind her."I'll take full responsibility. This has nothing to do with Charlotte.""Jane!"I was anxious, but Jane glanced at me, and said disdainfully, "How are you going to deal with this? Beg your ex-husband publicly for my sake or beg the mistress who’s wrecking your marriage?"Before she finished, the atmosphere in the room became even more tense.Jessica sneered. "Who are you calling a mistress? Ac
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