At a certain six-star hotel.After taking a shower, Christine received a phone call.On the other end of the line, Jack stood by the window, his half-closed eyes were fierce. "Did you not hear anything I said?"When he chose Christine, it was because she was vulnerable and easy to manipulate. She didn't seem very clever either. But if one day she disobeyed, Jack was prepared to deal with her without hesitation.Christine gripped her phone tightly. She hadn't expected Jack to get the news so quickly!Fortunately, she had anticipated that Jack might find out and come to question her. She wasn't too flustered, and presented the explanation she had prepared, feigning ignorance. "Did I do something wrong to make you angry?"Jack's face was dark. "Someone drugged Charlotte at the party!"Jack might tolerate other issues, but this particular matter was not something he would allow to happen."What?" Christine was genuinely surprised, sounding as if she didn't know anything. "Someone d
Christine stood by the French window for a while, and upon hearing some faint sounds outside, she turned around, drank the milk from the bedside in one go, and then went out with the empty cup in hand.Hearing the noise, Yasmin glanced up and, thinking about what Joanne had just told her, felt a pang of sympathy. She didn't understand how this girl had grown up, how much hardship she had endured. Even after returning for over a year, she still didn't genuinely bond with her biological mother.The girl was very guarded. Ultimately, it was her own fault for being so neglectful back then.If she hadn't been so careless...Seeing Christine, Yasmin first feigned ignorance and asked, "Mom, what's wrong?""Nothing." Suddenly, Yasmin reached out and hugged her, rubbing her head. "Sweetie, it doesn't matter what you call me, it's just a title. We have plenty of time to get used to it. We'll take it slow."The unexpected embrace made Christine freeze. Normally, Yasmin did like these affect
‘The person behind this better hope that I don’t find out who he or she is,’ he thought.Frank narrowed his eyes dangerously, walked to the living room, picked up his phone, and dialed a number. "Paulina, when did you become so slow?"The person on the other end of the line was a girl. "Frank, I’m just about to get in the elevator. I'm on my way."A minute later, the front door was pushed open from the outside. Paulina, wearing a red dress and high heels, entered. She looked momentarily stunned to see Frank standing in the living room. Why did she need to bring medicine if there were no other traditional medicine?Frank, who was still focused on the person in the bathroom, extended his hand. "Where's the medicine?"Paulina quickly came to her senses and handed him a small packet. "Just one pill is enough."As she spoke, her gaze swept around the living room. In an inconspicuous corner of the sofa, there was a pair of women's high heels.Frank usually paid attention to detail
On the other end of the line, Alana felt something was off.She cocked her brows and said, "What do you mean? Did someone else wear that bathrobe? Frank, confess honestly, and you'll get leniency. Resist, and..."Frank remained unconcerned, barely lifting an eyelid. "What are you going to do if I resist?"Alana smirked. "I’ll return to the country immediately and take my son away."Frank didn’t expect Alana to be so “ruthless”.Frank set aside his work, bit down on a cigarette, lit it, and took a drag. "Last night, it was Charlotte who came."Alana was shocked. "You’re progressing so quickly?"A bathrobe was involved!"Bullshit." Frank cursed with a laugh and got back to the point. "She was drugged. Most likely, it was Yasmin's daughter who did it."As soon as Charlotte returned last night, he had someone check the guest list from the party. The entire guest list was full of people from the entertainment industry, and the only person Charlotte knew was Yasmin. Yasmin's care fo
Alana quickly changed the topic to avoid him guessing the truth. "Do you remember what day tomorrow is?""What day is it?""Your own birthday!" Alana, frustrated at his lack of awareness, said, "It's such a great occasion. You should naturally invite Charlotte and introduce her to your childhood friends.""Oh." Frank seemed indifferent. "I'd forgotten. I'll see.""What are you waiting for?" Alana waved her hand. "I've already booked the place and I'll notify the people. You'd better muster up the courage with the help of alcohol and make a move."After hanging up, the housekeeper finished cleaning and left.Frank, enduring the pain in his legs, got up and walked slowly to the bathroom to retrieve the bathrobe Charlotte had worn. After confirming it was dry, he folded it carefully and placed it on the bedside table next to the ugly rabbit-shaped piggy bank.The piggy bank from 20 years ago was handmade by her. The current piggy bank was also handmade by her, 20 years later.As h
"Okay, thanks, Alana," I replied.As soon as I sent that message, Alana sent over the location.Since she knew Danny would be coming, she had booked a well-known club in Jeswood instead of a bar. The environment was quiet, and children were allowed.Jane leaned over. "Is this from Frank?""No, it's from his cousin."I handed the phone to her. "It's Frank's birthday tomorrow. Want to come along?"Jane was still upset about the afternoon's events. "Are you sure you want to go?""It's probably a misunderstanding. His friend will likely be there too. We could go and clear things up in person."If it was a misunderstanding, it was best to resolve it with a face-to-face conversation.Jane, clearly frustrated, gave me a look. "For your sake, fine!""You're the best!"I winked at her and picked up Danny from the carpet. "Danny, tomorrow is Uncle's birthday. Let's go out and pick out a gift for him!"I remembered Frank's birthday and had already prepared a gift. However, if we're ce
"Paulina..." Alan swallowed hard, trying to suppress the surge of desire in his eyes. "You shouldn't act like this. As a young woman, you need to have self-respect!"Paulina looked at him, seeing through him completely. "Aren't you interested in me?"Years ago, Frank had selected six people: two women and four men. The other woman was stationed in Northern Eulast. Among the men, the woman they had the most contact with was Paulina. It didn't surprise her that Alan might have feelings for her.After taking a nap, Danny grabbed my phone and called Frank.Frank answered quickly. "Uncle, happy birthday! Are you at the your office or at home?""At home.""Then let's go to your birthday party tonight together!""Okay." Frank seemed to be in a good mood, agreeing readily. Then he remembered something and his tone turned colder. "What about your pretty sister?""Which pretty sister?""You know.""Aunt!" Danny proudly handed me the phone. "Uncle's looking for you."I took the phone
"Frank..." Paulina softened her tone, playing the role of a confidante at the right moment. "Perhaps Charlotte made such a choice because she thought you had died in the explosion. It's not entirely her fault. After all, even the police reported your death..."Bang—Hearing the loud crash of something being thrown, Frank's phone line was abruptly cut off, leaving only the sound of static.Paulina's lips curved into a satisfied smile as she immersed herself in her work.Having been by Frank's side for so many years, she had learned one thing, in any situation, there was only success, never failure. In the past, she was reluctant to see Frank disappointed. Now, she didn't want to disappoint herself.Frank's eyes were bloodshot and full of rage. He was so agitated that he no longer cared about his leg pain and kicked the bin across the room. But the more he vented, the fiercer the fire inside him burned!Almost to the point of madness!Since Charlotte's return, his anger ha
Caleb was thinking that in the future, he could let her drink a little more.Of course, only when he was around.She looked kind of cute like this."I did say that, but didn't you just say you wanted to thank me?"Whitney felt that alcohol really wasn't a good thing.Even when hanging out with Jane and the others, she decided not to drink too much anymore.The rationality and logic that she was so proud of had completely vanished.She had never been as calm in front of Caleb as she was with others.Besides, there was a power imbalance between her and him.If she were sober, she wouldn't have been able to reject him anyway.Let alone now, when her mind was muddled.But maybe because she was muddled, she dared to say things that she didn’t usually dare to say."I just lost my balance earlier, and you helped me. Even if you don't accept verbal gratitude, that doesn't mean I owe you something this big."Caleb saw she could barely stand, so he held her by the waist to keep her
"But your reaction just now didn’t seem like you knew I was here."Jane tried to pull her leg back, but when she couldn't, she slapped him in frustration."It was called acting, understand? I didn't want you to look embarrassed, so I got those two out of the way first."Zachary rubbed her ankle with his thumb, as if he believed her. "Then should I be thanking you—for being so considerate?"Jane couldn't be bothered to argue. "Let go. I want to drink.""I'll drink with you."Meanwhile, Frank held Charlotte close and asked in a low voice, "Did she really know we were here?"Charlotte nodded. "What do you think? You really think Jane would mess around during her marriage? She might be bold, but she has boundaries. But you guys really are annoying."Frank hooked her chin with his thumb. "I knew it. You're being cold to me because you're sick of me. I've said it so many times, and you still wouldn't admit it."After saying that, he picked her up and walked out of the bar.He hadn'
Charlotte nudged him with her elbow, warning him not to stir things up.Jordan truly didn't dare to stay any longer. "Westley, take me home.""Okay." Westley finally got up. "You all take your time. If it gets too late, don't go back to the old house—just find a place to crash.""But..." Jordan suddenly felt like leaving wasn't such a good idea. "Maybe I'll stay and play a bit more."Westley simply dragged her out."Jane and Zachary...""You can't control what they do, so why bother worrying over nothing?"Jordan was settled into the passenger seat, her seatbelt fastened firmly.She didn't resist, mostly because she felt what Westley said made sense.Jane was way more capable than she was. This kind of minor drama would be easy for her to handle.Plus, with the smart and composed Charlotte around—It was better if she didn't add to the chaos.Once Westley got into the driver's seat, she asked, "Why did you guys show up? Especially you—didn't you say no seeing each other a w
But it was just a polite gesture—if they had been singing inside, they wouldn't have heard her anyway.So after knocking, she pushed the door open and went in.Charlotte and the others followed to take a look.When they saw the scene inside, they gasped.The four men from home were sitting around a cards table, all eyes on the door, each with a different expression.Zachary looked at Jane, who entered first, and said with a smile, "Honey, pick someone you like and give him a kiss."Jane took a step back and bumped into Charlotte's arms.That was when she noticed the big screen beside them—it was showing their own private room."You were watching us?"Zachary tapped the cards on the table with his long fingers, still smiling."If we weren't watching, how would we get to enjoy such an entertaining scene?"They had all been drinking.Whitney didn't hold her liquor well. She was already a little dazed. Although the room was fairly bright, everything seemed a little off to her.
Caleb didn't respond. Instead, he looked at Westley and played a card.Westley won.And it was a big pot as well.He cocked his brows. "Is this your wedding gift to me, Caleb?"Caleb asked, "Your wedding—Dr. Greyson won't be absent, will he? I heard you two are very close. You've been at death's door multiple times, and he's the one who saved you."Westley nodded. "Theoretically, yes. But I'm not sure if he might have some emergency.""Besides, it's not like you, Caleb, can't reach him. You helped him last time. It's impossible he'd ignore you now."Caleb could contact Carter, but if he did, it would mean helping Carter meet Mandy.He had no interest in meddling in romantic matters—too troublesome.But he couldn't get in touch with Tanner at all.Technically, there was no real need for him to attend Westley's wedding.Even if Whitney was invited by Jane, he himself wasn't obligated.He simply wanted to go, hoping to "accidentally" run into Carter.That way, it wouldn't loo
Frank pulled her into his arms and asked, "You really have to go out for drinks?"Charlotte nodded. "It's a girls-only night. No men allowed.""Oh?" The man repeated slowly and deliberately, "No… men… allowed?"Charlotte saw the look on his face and knew exactly what he was thinking."Only women. Even the drinks are for women.""Oh? Tell me, how do you tell if a drink is male or female?"Charlotte lightly patted his face twice. "The drinks women drink are for women. Got it?"Frank laughed. "Got it."Over on Jane's end, after finishing her call, she was about to go look for Jordan, but Zachary pulled her into the room and pinned her against the wall.His warm lips covered hers, then quickly pulled away.With his forehead against hers, the man asked, "Going out for drinks?"Jane hooked his chin with her finger. "What, Mr. Collins, trying to seduce your way into a drinking invitation?"Zachary chuckled lowly, kissed her again, and asked, "May I?""No."Jane rejected him comp
Jordan had grown up in the Howard family, but the person who had taken care of her since she was little had an old house.She arranged for Jane and the others to stay there, and she would also be getting married from that house.She didn't have many friends. Originally, Leanne was supposed to be her bridesmaid. Although she had a child, she had never been married.But Leanne wasn't sure if she could make it back in time, so she let Jane and Charlotte take over as substitutes for now. They would adjust accordingly later."Try on the dress. If there's a problem, I can still make adjustments."With the help of the two of them, Jordan put on the wedding dress.But Jane was most looking forward to the wedding dress.Both her and Charlotte's weddings were going to be Cherian style.Jordan, however, wanted a Western-style one.And Charlotte, who had designed clothes for many years, had never actually designed a wedding dress before.This was her first attempt, and she was very excit
"Okay, I won't bring it up anymore."Westley walked over with Jonathan and sat down.Miranda was very satisfied. "Finally, Jordy can have dinner with me again."Jordan smiled. "I'm also happy. I can still call you Mom.""Then let's drink to that.""Okay."Westley waited for the "mother and daughter" to finish speaking, then threw out a big announcement. "By the way, our wedding is on the 22nd of next month."Clang!The spoon in Miranda's hand fell."What did you say?""On the 22nd of next month, Jordy and I are getting married. We sincerely invite you and your husband to attend."Jordan was also shocked.She only knew that Charlotte's dress was being made, and they were picking the wedding date.But Westley hadn't told her about this in advance."Next month, it's almost the New Year.""Yes, it's a wedding before the New Year. Then we'll celebrate the New Year at home. I'm informing you in advance, my dear mom. You can prepare for the the New Year Eve dinner.""The New Y
Jonathan almost spit out the tea he was drinking."You have principles now?""Not the right time to talk nonsense."Westley. "Do you always talk in a way that pokes others' pain points?"Jonathan smiled for a moment. "If you've done it, don't be afraid of people talking about it."Westley didn't want to continue the conversation and stood up to leave.He went to the kitchen to find Jordan and found her eating ravioli."Didn't you say you'd help?" Westley sat next to her. "How come you're eating secretly? Give me a bite?"Jordan guarded the food. "It’s in the kitchen. There's still plenty in the pot.""But I want to eat from your bowl.""But I don't want to give you any."Westley laughed. "Okay."But while Jordan took a bite of the ravioli, he kissed her.Jordan's eyes widened as she felt the ravioli in her mouth being stolen away."You're disgusting."Westley smiled. "Sweet."Jordan couldn't eat anymore and pushed the remaining ravioli to him. "I'm not eating anymore."