Hearing this, Frank pulled me close again, still deliberately keeping a stern expression. "And what else, Charlotte? Say it all at once."I was slightly taken aback. "What else did you find out?""What should I have found out?"My gaze flickered, growing uncertain. I didn't know how extensive his network was. But since he could find out that Jack owned the house I was living in, he must have known other things as well...I hugged him and hesitantly said, "Frank, it wasn't that serious... And it's already been cured."This time, he was the one who was stunned."Cured?""Yes." I nodded. "Jack introduced me to a very skilled psychologist, a very kind woman who helped me a lot...""A psychologist?" He suddenly grabbed my shoulders, pulling us apart, his eyes filled with turbulence!I then realized something. "You... didn't know?""Psychologist..." Frank murmured, looking deeply into my eyes. "You... had depression? When did this happen?""A long time ago!" I was sure he didn't k
Before he could finish speaking, the office door was pushed open. Paulina walked in with a dark face, glaring at him through gritted teeth!Alan waited for a moment. Seeing that Frank still hadn't spoken, he said, "Frank, I'll hang up now. If you need anything, call me anytime. I'll send the relevant documents to your email right away."Smack—As soon as Alan hung up the phone, a powerful slap landed on his face!Alan gasped, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with his thumb, and forced a smile. "As expected of a black belt. Even slaps are so forceful.""Alan, you're so shameless!"Paulina's eyes, hidden behind black-rimmed glasses, burned with anger as she glared at him. "How dare you tell Frank?""Because it was my people who found out," said Alan. "Because Frank gave me the life I have now. Paulina, whether it's you, me, or anyone else, none of us has the right to betray Frank."Alan had never had any principles in his work. Over the years, he had committed many
"Alana asked me to buy these." Frank, with his brown eyes fixed on me, said meaningfully, "She said that if I want to pursue you, I should always be ready to be living together and prepare these feminine hygiene products."I felt my ears flush with heat. "Who said anything about living with you? Besides, we're still just friends!""Alright, alright," He pulled me closer, brushing his lips against mine briefly, his lips glistening. "Friends who can kiss and hug, is that satisfactory?""Pervert!" Embarrassed and angry, I quickly pulled away and stood up.Frank grabbed my wrist and looked up at me. "Then what would you call our relationship?""I'm not going to say." I gave him a scolding look. "Since when does pursuing someone mean they have to be the one to make the first move?""What about my birthday present?"I felt that his mood seemed a bit off. Originally, I planned to find another chance to give him the gift, but I didn't want to wait any longer. "The gift... just wait a mo
However, two years ago, I had never seen him smoke. Nor had I ever smelled smoke on him.It must have been be... really unbearable.The man’s kiss was gentle yet passionate. It felt like he was giving me everything he had.I seemed to have lost all my strength. I could only stand because of the his arm that was wrapped around my waist.Frank seemed to have sensed something. He slowly backed up as he kissed me. He parted my legs after sitting down on the sofa and told me to sit on him.His voice was hoarse, "Your period really knows how to pick its timing."My cheeks grew even hotter. "It comes at this time every month. It can't be helped.""It's okay." His gaze was deep, and his voice very low. "I'll wait. Charlotte, in these 20 years, the thing I'm best at is waiting."I threaded my fingers through his hair and gently kissed his brow, using the term of address I had always avoided in childhood. "Franky, thank you."He was taken aback, his eyes reflecting surprise and pleasure
Just now, Frank made it clear over the phone, and Charlie understood it perfectly.The Frank was off the market!It was hard to know which beauty managed to make Frank let go of his true love and turn to her arms.But it didn’t matter.Ever since the events from two years ago, these brothers had been hoping Frank would move on and embrace a new life.Now, their goal had been achieved.Regardless of who this new girlfriend was, in their eyes, anyone who could win Frank's heart was no ordinary person!Charlie vowed to clear all obstacles for the Frank’s new girlfriend to prevent any misunderstandings between the new her and Frank because of this Charlotte.Upon hearing this, Jane was somewhat incredulous, even more excited than Charlie. "What did you say? He has a girlfriend?"Just half an hour ago, Charlotte had asked her to bring Danny over first, while Charlotte stayed alone with Frank at Region Gardens.Now, Charlie was telling her that Frank had a girlfriend.Who else cou
Moreover, when he went to Frank's house yesterday, he didn't mention anything about getting back together with Charlotte.After sorting out his thoughts, Charlie shook his head firmly. "It's impossible. Zachary, you don't know Frank well enough..."Zachary was too lazy to respond.He knew Frank's mindset all too well.Someone who could wait for a person for over 20 years with no hope at all wouldn't easily change targets.Besides, Charlotte’s best friend, Jane, had come to Jeswood, so, Charlotte had probably come too.But when Frank heard Jane was in Jeswood yesterday, he didn't show the slightest surprise.What did that mean?It meant he already knew.It meant he was still steadfastly on the same path.It meant Charlie was in for some bad luck.Jane, finding Charlie's foolishness amusing, suggested, "How about we make a bet?"Charlie asked, "A bet on what?""A bet... on whether Frank's girlfriend is Charlotte.""Alright, let's bet on it..." Charlie started with a rhythmi
After the dinner party, several more of Frank's friends arrived for the second half of the evening. And there was an unexpected guest.This was the first time I had seen Luke, the illegitimate son of the Smith family. He was dressed in a black suit and pushed open the door to the private room. Leaning against the door, his face, which bore a slight resemblance to Frank's, wore a sinister expression. He tapped his fingers on the door.Frank's expression remained unchanged, as if he was completely unaware of the person's presence. He casually played a card. "Four of spades.""Six of diamonds," said Zachary.“Looks like I win again,” said Frank with a satisfied look on his face."Damn, are you cheating or what?" exclaimed Charlie.The remaining two players were speechless.They were playing high stakes, and Frank ended up with a seven-figure win.Zachary chuckled. "Looks like your girlfriend is bringing you good luck.""Probably." Frank's modesty was contradicted by the smile i
"Are you really going to pretend that the explosion in the lab has nothing to do with you?" Charlie's temper flared, and he made it clear, adding, "Don't think that the Smith family is really in your pocket. As an illegitimate child, what can you use to establish yourself in the Smith family?""At least right now, the person in the Smith family is me, not you, isn't it?" Luke smiled and looked at Frank. "Anyway, I've delivered the message from Dad. Whether or not you come back is your own business."As he turned to leave, he smirked again. "By the way, happy birthday. I didn't expect you'd still be here celebrating."With that, he left.Charlie was fuming. "What's that supposed to mean? Is he lamenting that Frank didn't die in the lab two years ago?""Enough, Charlie." Zachary's expression remained calm. "Why are you arguing with a dog?"Seeing that both Zachary and Frank were unaffected, Charlie also calmed down and turned to Frank. "Frank, was the explosion two years ago just t
Even with two people between them, Westley could hear clearly. She was sitting right next to them—how could she possibly not have heard?Charlotte glanced at Westley, then raised her hand to gently smooth Jordan’s hair."Just small talk. Why are you so nervous? I was just thinking, if you don’t have someone you like, once you’re divorced, I could introduce someone to you."Westley gripped the glass in his hand tightly.The transparent glass began to show faint cracks.Frank’s lips curved slightly, and a hint of mischief flashed through his eyes."Mr. Howard, if you’re getting divorced, you shouldn’t stay single. The Howard family still needs a proper hostess to run the household."Westley’s sharp phoenix-like eyes narrowed slightly.What kind of game were these two playing, singing in such perfect harmony?"I have no intention of getting a divorce."Frank dragged out an exaggerated "oh" and shifted slightly, moving the arm he had draped over the back of Charlotte’s chair. His
After all, most marriages were alliances based on mutual interests, with little emotional connection at the beginning.As the ties between the two families grew closer and pressure to have children increased, feelings gradually developed.His mistake lay in the three years of neglect.Even when he knew she was struggling, he didn’t step in to help.His purpose was to make her forget her feelings for him.But when she truly forgot, the pain in his heart became unbearable."If even the marriage certificate is gone, I’m afraid..."It was the first time Frank had ever heard the word "afraid" come out of Westley’s mouth.The Howard family was a renowned and powerful family. When others were still struggling with startups or working regular jobs, they had already monopolized the shipping industry and begun expanding into other sectors.As the eldest son, Westley had not only been showered with love since birth but also carried the responsibility of ensuring the Howard family’s conti
It was the habit of someone accustomed to a high position."What’s wrong?" the man asked, his deep voice carrying a clear warmth."Look at you, acting so cheap. If you’re happy, just smile. Why pretend?"Frank, after all, was now happily settled.Seeing others in turmoil, he liked to tease them."No wonder you can’t win your wife back."Westley was rendered speechless.Jordan, not wanting to join the topic, quickly ran off.Frank joked, "See? Your wife just ran off again."Westley clenched his molars tightly.One by one, these happy people were taking turns mocking him."If you’re not going to help, at least don’t make things worse."Frank clicked his tongue and said, "Wow, the resentment is strong."Charlotte, holding Frank’s arm, tried to smooth things over. "That’s enough, Mr. Smith. Stop making fun of others."Westley was rendered speechless.‘Thanks. Appreciate that...’Charlotte added, "And stop mentioning Zachary’s pregnancy symptoms—it’s a sign of love."Frank
“These are all the photos of landscapes and animals you’ve taken over the years?”“Yes, I didn’t have anything else to gift, but I thought the baby could experience these through pictures while young and then go see them in person when older.”“You’re so thoughtful! I’ll thank you on behalf of this little embryo, Auntie.”Jane genuinely liked it. After flipping through the album, she instinctively tried to pass it to someone nearby but then remembered that Zachary had gotten out of the car when Jordan got in. He was now riding in the vehicle behind them.She placed the album into the front passenger seat’s storage compartment and then started chatting with Jordan about her recent experiences.Jordan said, “Not much, really. Things went pretty smoothly overall. I gave all the photos to the media. I hope it can raise awareness and help save more girls. That place was hell on earth for them.”Jane nodded. “You did an amazing job.”After her praise, she asked, “What do you want to e
The Collins family’s expressions all changed.Although Madam Collins had spoken so casually, deep down, she was certainly still displeased about Zachary marrying Jane.She had simply seen the deeper truth. Zachary was resolute about Jane.She also understood that Zachary was no longer someone they could control.But when this was bluntly laid bare, her chest still tightened.“What do you mean by that?” Rebecca pressed.Sean merely replied, “That’s all I can say. And that’s because of the bond we share as former master and servant. After all, now I must follow Mr. Collins’s orders.”The room fell into a prolonged silence.Madam Collins broke it with a soft chuckle.She looked at Rebecca and said, “You said he doesn’t acknowledge you as his mother, yet he could have quietly gone off to register the marriage without us knowing, but instead, he let Sean inform us.”Rebecca didn’t immediately react.Madam Collins clarified, “He specifically instructed Sean to pass the news to you
At the hospital.Rebecca listened to Sean's report.When she heard that Zachary had come to the hospital, she immediately panicked. "I knew that woman was bad luck! Ever since Zachary got together with her, he's been plagued with all sorts of misfortune and illness!"Eric hesitated before speaking. "Zachary went to see the doctor because of morning sickness?""What?"Rebecca couldn't believe her ears. "Do you even hear how ridiculous that sounds?"Sean chimed in, "It’s true."Rebecca was rendered speechless.Sean explained, "I consulted with an expert. This kind of situation is rare but does happen. If a husband deeply loves his wife, seeing her suffer during pregnancy can cause him to experience symptoms like morning sickness."At that moment, Rebecca felt like a beehive had exploded in her ears.All she could hear was a loud buzzing noise.It took her a long moment to recover before she scoffed."He’s such a good husband, isn’t he? I risked my life to give birth to him an
Jane leaned in for a sniff. "Smells so good."Zachary’s worries were unnecessary, she only took a few bites before losing interest.The rest ended up in his stomach.Which then found its way to the toilet, and finally, down the drain.After Zachary rinsed his mouth, Jane peeled an orange for him. "Try this, see if it helps."Zachary ate the orange directly from her hand.It was so sour it made his teeth ache.Still, it seemed to provide some relief.Jane poured him some water."You don’t need to take care of me, I can handle myself.""And I can handle myself too," Jane retorted. "Why are you always doing things for me, then?""It’s different—you’re pregnant."Zachary drank a sip of the water, mostly because she had poured it."I’m just throwing up a little," said Jane.She had experienced it before—constant retching, even with nothing left in her stomach. That kind of discomfort was hard to endure.His voice was hoarse by now, which showed just how bad it had gotten.At
However, the test results showed nothing wrong.Even after being in a coma for those days, his body remained strong thanks to the nutritional IV.As long as he avoided alcohol and irritating foods, his gastritis wouldn't flare up.It certainly wouldn't become severe enough to cause this kind of reaction.Yet Zachary's vomiting was even more intense than her pregnancy nausea.Even though there was nothing left to throw up—not even stomach acid—if he kept going, he might end up vomiting bile.It really didn’t seem like the symptoms of someone perfectly healthy.So Jane contacted Tanner.After hearing her description, Tanner chuckled.Jane felt as though Tanner was gloating."Isn’t this great? He’s throwing up for you, so you can feel a bit better."Jane was taken aback.Over the time she had spent taking Zachary to the doctor, she truly hadn’t felt any discomfort herself.She had thought it was because she hadn’t eaten much, so her symptoms were temporarily subsiding."Dr.
Jane washed her face, took a moment to gather herself, then straightened up and hugged him."Stop reflecting on yourself already, hearing it makes my pregnancy symptoms worse."The tactic worked well, as she didn’t hear any more apologies from him afterward."I feel like eating an orange. Could you peel one for me?"Zachary immediately carried her to the sofa, tucked a blanket over her, and sat beside her to peel the orange.He meticulously removed every single white thread from the orange segments.Resting her chin on her hand, Jane watched him and teased, "You’re treating me even better now that I’m pregnant. Do you love the baby more than me?"Without hesitation, Zachary replied, "It’s because pregnancy is hard on you. If you hadn’t agreed to have the baby, I wouldn’t have kept—"Before he could finish, Jane kicked him, silencing him.He handed her the peeled orange.Jane couldn’t taste her mood anymore, so she focused on eating the orange.Zachary felt his teeth ache jus