I seemed not to have heard him and continued, "It's not just that she doesn't like me. You probably dislike me quite a bit too, right? But I know you're my biological father. Why would a father dislike his own child? Is it because of some enmity between my mother and you...?""Enough!" Mr. Shaw cut me off sharply, his face reddening. "You've been back in Jelaston for two years, and you've become just as unruly and aggressive as you were when you were younger?""Oh." I received the answer I wanted. "It seems my birth mother is indeed someone else."This was what the psychologist in Frankes had told me.The more people try to deflect or get agitated when you ask something, the more it indicated there was an issue.What I initially suspected was now a certainty.Mr. Shaw, who was usually quite elegant, looked at me with a hint of disgust. "Get lost!""Alright." I smiled slightly and turned swiftly before he could lose his temper further."Wait!" He suddenly called out to me. "Have
"What's next? Just confirming that he's doing well will be enough."I was momentarily taken aback but quickly realized something. "I don't want to anticipate anything anymore."I can't really describe my feelings toward Frank. The only thought I've had over the past two years is hoping to hear from him, hoping that he is still alive and well.The next day, Jane and I went to the Charlotte Jewelry together.Austin had been promoted to Deputy Director of the Design Department and now had his own independent office.When he saw me through the French windows at the company, he was overjoyed and rushed to Jane's office, "Ms. Wilson! You're finally back at the company. I've been looking forward to your return day and night.""You missed her so much?" Jane teased with a smile. "When she's not here, you're the one in charge, enjoying yourself. Why would you look forward to her coming back?"In the two years I was away, the Charlotte Jewelry had grown rapidly, even leasing the office spa
The scent was refreshing and comfortable, perfect for the summer. It was clear that Yasmin paid great attention to the quality of life. Before long, the door to the bedroom opened from the inside, and Yasmin emerged wearing a simple silk camisole dress. As expected of a perennial star in the entertainment industry, she was even more elegant and beautiful in person than in the videos and photos online, showing no signs of aging. At around 50 years old, she was still stunningly beautiful, a truly impressive celebrity."Ms. Jackson." I smiled and stood up to greet her. Jane also stood up and said, "Ms. Jackson, it's truly better to see you in person! The media photos don't capture even half of your beauty!"Yasmin had no pretense at all and playfully responded to Jane's compliment.With the assistant's introduction, she distinguished between me and Jane. She walked over in her slippers, her red lips slightly upturned. "Why are you standing? Please, take a seat."She pulled
Jelaston wasn’t a big place. When I decided to return to the country, I had already prepared myself for the possibility of running into him again. I just didn't expect it to be so soon.As I quickly withdrew my hand, I heard Yasmin said in surprise, "Mrs. Frost?""Yes.""She's the ex-wife."Ryan and I spoke almost simultaneously. I suppressed my irritation, looked at Yasmin, and smiled faintly. "Ms. Jackson, you're busy. We'll take our leave now.""Yes, Ms. Jackson, if you need anything, feel free to call me," Jane also said politely.As we were leaving, I vaguely heard Yasmin's voice behind us. "Mr. Frost, it looks like your ex-wife doesn't seem to like you."Just as we were about to leave the hotel, a black Continental drove away from the car park.I instinctively ran outside and saw a license plate that looked somewhat familiar.Jane chased after me. "What's wrong? Why are you running so fast? Did you see a ghost?""It's not that." I pointed to the Continental that had a
Frank was spinning a lighter in a daze, his cold face showed no emotions. "I don't know either."Alana Smith found this amusing. "Even someone like you can be confused sometimes?""I don't want to force her into anything.""Cut the crap." Alana suddenly exposed his pretense with a laugh. "Don't try to fool me. You know she's going to that hotel today, and you still insisted on driving that stupid car of yours, making it obvious, just so she'd notice.""And then, when she shows up, you're here hesitating, not even seeing her.""Frank..." Alana suddenly stood up, pointing at him with a knowing smile. "You're not playing hard to get, are you?"Frank slapped her hand away, trying to appear calm. "Your imagination is better than hers."Back then, I went back to Ryan and left him without hesitation. Even when Megan tried to inform me of Frank’s death, it was Ryan who answered the call. He hadn't dared to tell anyone that he had called later, in the dead of night, when he was overwhelm
Hearing this, I was a bit surprised.This time, it wasn't a threat.Rather, he was willing to go with me to get the divorce certificate first and then give me time to think about it.It was a bit unlike Ryan's usual style.Opportunities were rare and fleeting. I agreed gladly and checked the time. "Alright, how about tomorrow? Is he available tomorrow afternoon?"Gary hesitated for a moment and replied, "Yes.""Then please tell him that we'll meet at the Civil Affairs Bureau at two o’clock in the afternoon tomorrow."I found that I didn't have much of an emotional reaction.There was no sense of relief.Nor was there any other emotion.It felt as ordinary as arranging a meal with someone.I even wondered why I had been so deeply entangled in the past, experiencing repeated pain and disappointment.After hanging up, Gary walked into the CEO's office.He took a furtive glance at Ryan's expression and dared not speak.Ryan was sitting in his office chair, lifting his gaze fr
He squinted his eyes slightly. "It's fine. I have money."I was at a loss for words. After all, he was right. I could only nod. "Alright, then I... I'll leave now. I'll send the certificate to the Frost family's residence once it's ready."When I returned to the Charlotte Jewelry, someone was already in the office.Jack looked at me with a helpless expression. "Why did you just run back to the country without saying a word? If I hadn't talked to Dave, I wouldn't have known you were back.""I saw from your social media that you were on a business trip abroad." I smiled. "I was planning to tell you when you got back."As soon as I finished speaking, Jane walked in with a lively stride in high heels and cocked her brows. "Did you get it sorted this time?"I nodded. "Yes, I did.""Really?" Jane didn't believe it. "Show me."I had told her last night that I was going to get the divorce certificate from Ryan today.She was skeptical, thinking something would probably go wrong again.
Her words caused the previously light-hearted atmosphere in the private room to fall silent for a moment.I followed her gaze and saw Frank at a glance.The man held a wine glass with his slender fingers, his dark shirt sleeves casually rolled up, revealing his lean forearms. The watch on his wrist reflected a cold, dim light.At the sound, he cocked his brows slightly and glanced over. That was when we locked gazes.He was indeed alive.I felt both surprised and delighted, and a smile involuntarily spread across my lips, "Frank..."As I was about to say something, I suddenly realized that his gaze towards me was devoid of warmth, as if he were naturally an emotionless and indifferent person.It was no different from looking at a stranger.The man looked at me with a casual demeanor, seemingly waiting for me to speak first, yet also somewhat puzzled.It sent chills down my spine, cutting off all my words.The others in the room also looked at me with some confusion.Among th
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