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
Suddenly, I felt incredibly soft inside.With my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, I let him take control.Probably considering that there were both an adult and a child in the bedroom, Frank didn't overstep. He kept things brief, his gaze deep, and asked, "Go to my place?"My cheeks heated up, and I shot him a glare. "Jane didn’t come to take care of your nephew.""Only this once."He didn’t feel embarrassed at all.But I still declined politely. "No, it's too soon to establish our relationship. You can't rush things.""I’m not going to eat you." His gaze was teasing, his voice clear. "Besides, I just wanted to cuddle with you. You're on your period, so I can't go all out...""Frank!"‘He’s so shameless!’He was saying everything out loud.I desperately covered his mouth but still couldn't stop him from saying that word. My face grew even hotter, and I felt my earlobes turn red as if they might bleed.He gently moved my hand away, holding it in his and squeezing it, r
I lay in the hospital bed and nodded. "Yes, Frank."Initially, as I was searching for Frank, I had slowly come to accept the possibility that he might be dead. But lying in the hospital bed that time, I thought it through again.He definitely wasn't dead.That encounter on the street that day must have been some kind of divine guidance.After that, my condition improved rapidly, as if someone who was on the brink of death suddenly had hope for recovery.At that moment, Frank no longer had his usual nonchalant demeanor. His expression was serious. "No, Charlotte, you can't do this again...""Then you need to protect yourself."I wasn't afraid of his serious tone. I then said deliberately, "Frank, if you dare to get into trouble, I'll kill myself for you.""Are you threatening me?""Yes, I'm threatening you. Are you scared?""Yes." He was helpless against me, his eyes full of fear and affection. "I'm not afraid of anything except that something might happen to you.""Then prom
In Jelaston, at a private club.Glasses clinked and the atmosphere was lively.The man sitting in the main seat wore a high-end suit, his expression on his flawless face was very neutral, showing no sign of joy or anger.But even without saying a word, his presence alone was enough to dominate the entire room.The man sitting to his right, Felix Langford, stood up with a glass of wine. "Mr. Frost, we are absolutely sincere about this project. Whatever conditions the RF Group has, we can agree to."Whether the project was profitable or not was not important.What mattered was connecting with the RF Group.In Jelaston now, who wouldn’t want to work with the RF Group?One would show their sincerity by starting with a project. The rest could come later.However, having said this, the man in the main seat didn't even raise his head.Clearly, such gestures of goodwill were nothing new to the RF Group.Ryan glanced at his watch, then stood up calmly. "Since there's nothing new, you
He hoarsely said, "Let’s head home."The driver obediently headed towards Ryan’s house.Then came the three words from behind, "Go to Moon Lake Bay."The driver hesitated for a moment.He glanced at Ryan's expression in the rearview mirror, then turned the car around at the intersection.The rain continued to fall, pounding on the car body, but Ryan felt as if it was still pelting down on him.Bit by bit, it extinguished the inherent pride and nobility that was deeply ingrained in him.The car stopped in the courtyard of the Moon Lake Bay villa. Before the driver could open an umbrella, Ryan had already ignored the rain and stepped out of the car.Entering this villa again, entering the home he shared with Charlotte.He felt a disorienting sense of being lost in time.As if, just yesterday, after coming back from drinking at a social event, Charlotte would still be there, welcoming him the moment she heard the noise, helping him to the sofa.Carefully making him a hangover s
Ryan rarely heard her use that kind of tone.When they were together, Charlotte was mostly calm and gentle.She was adept at work and organized in life.She rarely spoke with such a girlish tone.Ryan ended the call in a panic, his large hand slipping and the phone thudding softly onto the carpet.It revealed a hint of the owner's helplessness.Ryan had originally wanted to ask, to confirm what exactly her relationship with Frank was.But hearing her happy tone, he no longer had the courage to ask or confirm.He knew well that he dared not, and did not deserve to.Moreover, even if he asked, what would it change?She was so wonderful, deserving of anyone's affection.In the end, his sudden realization seemed somewhat trivial compared to Frank's unwavering devotion over the years.But fortunately, he still had plenty of time.Frank could wait.So could he.He thought, in a despicable way, that as long as they weren't married, he might have a chance to seize the opportunit
If this were Jane, just a single cough would send him into a panic.Rebecca felt that Zachary now cared more about Jane than her.“Even if Jasper isn’t her biological father, how can you be so sure her real parents are good people? What if...”Zachary finished slicing the apple into small pieces, placed them on a plate, and handed it to his mother.His tone was unhurried. “I can accept anything. As I said before—I will marry no one but her.”Rebecca didn’t take the plate, so Zachary set it aside.The apple, left untouched, began to oxidize and turn brown.Zachary lightly tapped the apple with the fruit knife and said, “There are more than one path in front of me.”Rebecca opened her mouth to speak, but Zachary interrupted her.He pulled out a photo and handed it to her.“The Collins family doesn’t only have me for the official route. There is a sister who can take my place.”Rebecca was stunned. “What sister?”Zachary produced a document. “A recently acknowledged goddaughte
“I forgive you, I forgive you.” Jane ruffled his hair. “Such juicy gossip is worth forgiving. But I’m warning you, don’t try to trick me again next time.”Zachary raised his hand. “I promise.”Jane was satisfied. She ate her fill, felt sleepy, and went to bed.Zachary tucked her in carefully and planted a kiss on her forehead.“I’m heading to the hospital.”“Okay.”At midnight, Raymond released the results of the paternity test.Originally, not many people were paying attention to Jasper’s situation anymore.After all, so much happens every day, and with Zachary’s maneuvering, the buzz had already died down.But as soon as the paternity test result was revealed, it caused an uproar.“I knew it. With the way he was behaving, how could the child be his? And yet, he dared to make such a fuss.”“All those people defending Jasper should apologize!”“Unbelievable. This scum is still alive and even dared to go online to play the victim. If I ever see him, I’ll make sure to give hi
Jane felt that Zachary had too many tricks up his sleeve.Moreover, she felt that it was better not to fully trust men.There was no such thing as absolute honesty.Even she couldn’t achieve that herself.Jane leaned back against the sofa, looking into his eyes.Her stare made Zachary feel a chill down his spine. He cleared his throat and asked, “Why are you looking at me like that?”Jane gave a sarcastic smile.Zachary was rendered speechless.He tactically glanced at his watch and asked, “Are you sleepy?”“Nope.”“Hungry?”“Nope.”Jane raised her hand and patted his face. “Playing tricks on me?”This feeling was like looking at himself.For a moment, Zachary didn’t know how to react.The corners of his lips twitched slightly as he said, “I’m just trying to discuss things with you.”“Oh, okay.” Jane nodded. “I believe you.”He realized he was wrong—he shouldn’t have tried to help Westley.Zachary hugged her, trying to appease her. “He deserves it. From now on, I won’
Jane found it both infuriating and funny. “Well, he deserved it.”Zachary agreed with her and said, “Westley did try to distance himself from her, but during the years from her university to her career, he kept an eye on her the entire time.Especially because Jordan never dated anyone, he kept wondering whether she truly liked him as a person or if it was because he hadn’t acted cold enough.”“The dramatic part is that when Jordan turned 20, Sir Howard fell gravely ill and insisted that they get married. Back then, Westley saw the excitement and joy in Jordan’s eyes. So, he drafted an agreement that stated they would divorce after Sir Howard passed away. After they registered their marriage, he went to work in another city and didn’t return to the Howard family for three years.”Jane clicked her tongue several times. “His grandfather was gravely ill, and he didn’t even go to see him?”“There were people reporting the situation to him. His grandfather’s illness was a foregone conc
Zachary curved his lips into a faint smile. “You’re so nosy. Why didn’t you become a journalist? Going into fashion seems like such a waste of talent. Maybe you could have got rid of a lot of scumbags.”Jane slapped him lightly. “That’s not what I want to hear.”Zachary honestly didn’t know much about Tanner’s situation.He wasn’t particularly close to the Greyson family—Westley probably knew more of the details than he did.“All I know is that things didn’t end on a good note. For the specifics, you’d have to ask Westley.”Jane stared at him intently, her gaze unwavering.Her stare finally made Zachary a bit uncomfortable.“What?”Jane crossed her arms, narrowed her eyes, and said, “Are you thinking I’ll go ask Westley? That way, he can use this as leverage to make me help him with Jordan?”Zachary massage his temples. “You do know me pretty well.”Jane lifted her chin proudly. “Of course.”Zachary reached out and hooked her chin lightly with his finger. “It’s not about mak
Jane turned his face toward her and gave him a quick kiss.Zachary closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath to calm himself.“What is this? Are you so happy you want to ‘finish off’ your husband to celebrate?”“Stop talking nonsense.” Jane smacked him lightly on the head. “It’s a joyous day, don’t say such unlucky things.”Zachary grabbed her hand. “Then what are you trying to do?”“Are you happy seeing me suffer?”“Do I look like that kind of person? I’ve been feeling awful because of your morning sickness. You can’t eat, and I can’t help—it makes me anxious.”“How about you fix that smile of yours before saying that?”Jane burst out laughing, collapsing into his arms.Zachary sighed helplessly. “I really can’t win against you.”“If you want to ask something, just ask—no need for all this.”Jane sat up. “You should eat something first.”“No need.”Just hearing the word “eat” made Zachary feel queasy.“I know my limits.”“You have stomach problems. What ‘limits’ do
"First, let me apologize for keeping this from you for so long."Jane’s curiosity was piqued to its peak. “What is it? Hurry up and tell me.”Zachary wanted to approach the matter gradually, but after giving it some thought, he decided that Jane would likely be more happy than upset about the truth. So, he said it outright.“Jasper isn’t your biological father.”Silence.Jane’s eyes gradually widened, so much so that they seemed about to pop out.She was too shocked to speak.She wanted to ask something, her mouth open, but no sound came out.For a moment, she wondered if she had misheard him.The dark days of her past, the beatings and scoldings, flashed in her mind like a slideshow.For years, she had felt that having a father like Jasper was a stain on her life.On the outside, she put on a tough appearance and claimed she had no heart.But deep down, she was insecure and sensitive.After falling in love with Zachary, she lived in constant fear that her background would
Jordan sat beside Yasmin, pulling faces to amuse Sparrow.She joked with Yasmin, “If you don’t walk the red carpet, I won’t be able to capture stunning photos anymore.”“You’ve got quite the sweet tongue.” Yasmin chuckled. “At my age, there are so many younger women now—each one vibrant and beautiful.”“It’s different. It’s your aura. Others can’t exude the same aura.”While they chatted, Frank pulled Charlotte back to their place across the street.After closing the door, Frank immediately scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom.He had been in Northern Manya for a while, looking but not indulging. He had been holding back too long.Charlotte saw his eagerness and found it both funny and exasperating.Just a moment ago, he had been so happy about sleeping with their daughter. Now, it seemed she was no longer on his mind.Stopping his burning hands, she asked, “When you dropped Westley off, did he say anything?”Frank didn’t want to talk at all—he just wanted action.
‘I’ll never fulfill his wish,’ thought Zachary.“Aboard the same boat, there’s no abandoning ship—they can only sink together.”Frank’s phone vibrated. He smirked and said, “The families of the mining accident victims are not determined to keep their mouths shut as before. Have you finished investigating the human trafficking lead on your side?”Zachary also received updates from Rick and the others.He glanced at his watch. “Let’s go home first. We’ll handle it tomorrow.”Frank didn’t mind.Letting those people have one more peaceful night of sleep wasn’t a problem.Although, in reality, those people couldn’t sleep at all.The quieter Zachary’s side was, the more terrified they became.They couldn’t even arrange to meet him.Like headless flies, they wandered aimlessly in their homes.Some had even developed grey hair from the stress.When Frank returned home, things were lively on Sparrow’s side.Charlotte looked at him and said, “Jordan is staying over tonight. She want