Christine desperately hoped that Jack would come up with a solution. Even if it was just to delay things for a while.Or...On the other end of the line, Jack's expression froze, and he asked coldly, "What happened?"He sensed that the situation was quite complicated. Christine was rarely this flustered and disoriented.Christine steadied herself, locked the door, and tried to regain her composure to explain the situation clearly. "Yasmin suspects my identity! That's not all..."As she spoke, she shook her head and said in a panic, "It's not just suspicion; she wants to do another paternity test!"Realizing this, she admired the man on the other end of the line immensely. She had thought that everything was foolproof once Yasmin accepted her. It was Jack who reminded her to always stay on guard.Even moving into this villa, he had advised her to install a bug in the study and Yasmin's bedroom to prevent being caught off guard if anything happened.She had only installed the bug
Regarding this, Jack was even more concerned than she was. Just like two years ago, when Charlotte was safely studying and receiving treatment in Frankes, with no one around who could rival his importance. He didn't have to worry about anyone taking Charlotte away. It was perfect.But he knew that Charlotte would not return.Jack exhaled deeply and rejected the idea. "No.""You must have a way... you definitely do..."Christine knew that Jack was ruthless. If he wanted, Charlotte could disappear!Hearing this, Jack was slightly taken aback. "What are you trying to say?""To, to..." Christine's dark thoughts kept surfacing, but she also knew that Jack had a fondness for Charlotte, that wretched woman. After a long pause, she finally said, "Lock her up! Or find a way to bind her...""Impossible!" Jack's face turned dark, his anger evident. "I warn you, keep your thoughts to yourself. As long as she's in Jeswood, you better ensure her safety. If anything like what happened at the l
The next morning.In a half-awake, half-dreaming state, I turned over and reached out to touch something extra beside me. No, it wasn't an object. It was a person. I jolted awake and realized I was in someone's embrace, and the owner of the embrace was... Looking at me with soft eyes, as if trying to use up all his tenderness, he asked, "Awake?" His voice was slightly raspy and hoarse. As my consciousness gradually cleared from last night, I felt a bit embarrassed. Then, I reached out and hugged him, snuggling closer into his arms, and boldly declared, "Not awake yet, still want to sleep."This sleep was a deep, restful one I hadn't had in a long time. Very comforting, with no dreams throughout the night. Frank cocked his brows and asked lazily, "Are you a little pig or something?""I’m your little pig." I nuzzled against his chest, the cool, minty scent somewhat invigorating. He chuckled. "Are you calling me a pig as well?""Not at all." I looked up at him and pl
There was a moment of silence in the air.Jack didn't seem surprised, his face still bearing a gentle smile. "I heard. Congratulations."He then turned to Frank. "Charlotte has endured a lot of hardship. I hope she won't have to suffer any more with you.""Otherwise, as her family, I won't let you off so easily."I expected the situation to be a bit awkward. Although Jack had promised to be just friends from now on, as adults, I could sense whether he had truly moved on or not. Over the past two years, he hadn't brought up emotional topics, but the concerns he showed every day was obvious. He didn't mention it, and I didn't want to force the issue or emphasize anything.Now that there was a chance to clear things up, he didn't show any unusual reaction, which was a relief.Jane waved her fist at Frank. "Count me in, Mr. Smith. Charlotte is my best and only friend. If you bully her, I won't care whether you are!""If I bully her..." Frank looked at me and said. "I'll be the
Having lived on the lower rungs of society for over twenty years, she knew exactly what kind of people the fans at that level would like.She entered the courtyard for this recording, greeting each of the Jacks one by one. With her identity as Yasmin's daughter, almost everyone who saw her was very warm and welcoming.There were cameras and program directors all over the place. Christine felt a bit dazed but was very well-behaved, presenting herself like a neighbor's daughter in front of the Jacks.She even brought gifts for everyone, including the production team.It was easy to imagine that once the show aired, there would be no shortage of praise for her.It wasn't until she entered her room in the evening, covered the camera with a piece of clothing, and took out her phone to call Jack that her expression turned serious.She didn't know how things were going on his end!Jack sat in the darkness, watching his phone ring incessantly, feeling extremely frustrated. But Chris
That evening, after finishing my shower, I was doing my skincare routine while urging Danny to go to bed.Jane walked in with an incredulous look on her face. "Christine is trending on social media!"I was applying toner and said, "It would be abnormal if she weren't."With Yasmin as her mother, she automatically had massive exposure from the start.Ordinary people didn't know that Christine had previously disappeared. They only thought that Yasmin had kept her protected under her wing for over 20 years, shielding her from public disturbance.Now that she was suddenly on a variety show, curiosity about Christine naturally surged, and many wanted to explore more about her."But the content of this trending topic is really strange!" Jane handed me her phone. "Look at this—what it's saying, about how beautiful and kind she is, calling her a beautiful fool, almost praising Christine to the heavens."“Christine is so warm!”“Christine gaining followers!”“Yasmin's daughter, a new cel
When I opened the door, there was a stranger standing outside.The man was dressed in a well-tailored suit vest, with a tall and upright posture, and a dark overcoat draped over his arm. He appeared to be in his thirties, with a dignified and inscrutable demeanor.He was like an elder.I didn't recognize this person and was momentarily confused. "Hello, who are you looking for?""Hello." He nodded slightly. "I'm looking for Daniel.""Daniel?"My brain briefly froze, then I realized and asked with a smile, "Is it Danny?""Yes.""And you are...?""I'm his father, Alex Jackson.""I see."His formal way of speaking made me quickly recall the few words Danny had used to introduce his father—an old-fashioned gentleman.Alex didn't rudely look inside the house but instead looked directly at me. "Today is the Jackson family's family dinner. I've come to pick him up."As far as I knew, the Jackson family was the most low-key but also the most intricate among the three great familie
Danny jumped up excitedly, gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, and said, "Aunt is the best!"Then he dashed towards the elevator and into his father's embrace.Alex carried the little one over and handed me back my phone, nodding politely. "I've already explained everything to Alana. I'll take Daniel with me now.""Aunt! I’ve got to go!" Danny blew me a kiss and said cutely, "But don't worry. I will be back before dark."‘You’re coming back?’I looked at him in surprise. Alex also furrowed his brows slightly, though he didn't say anything.I patted Danny's head. "Listen to your parents.""Okay!"The little one nodded vigorously."Ms. Wilson, we're leaving now. Sorry for the trouble," said Alex."It's... it's fine!"For some reason, Alex gave me a strong impression of an elder. Not just because of his demeanor, but there was an indescribable feeling about him.Alex carried the little one into the elevator, his tone calm. "You're not staying at home tonight, and you still want
"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
But Zachary’s path was different from Frank’s.He couldn’t be as reckless as Frank.Moreover, Frank had been persecuted many times before reaching this point.Zachary clearly had the option of taking a safer route, with no need to take risks.After all, he was her only son."I’ll go greet the guests, you two chat with Zachary."Frank nodded. After watching Rebecca leave, he walked over to Zachary and clinked his glass with his."Congratulations, birthday boy. You’re a year older"Zachary glanced at him. "We’re the same age.""Not the same. I was born a couple of months later than you, so I age a couple of months slower."Zachary had to continue socializing and ignored him.Frank led Charlotte to the lounge area to sit for a while.He brought her some of her favorite snacks.Charlotte had a few drinks and then needed to go to the restroom.Frank accompanied her.Suddenly, a flash of white appeared around the corner.He remembered that Annie was wearing a white gown that
They stayed at the place where the photos were taken for a while, then the group returned to the hotel.Jane suddenly remembered."Her husband is so rich, and she’s rich too, yet she only gave me a 1% discount!"Yasmin smiled and said, "I didn’t even get a discount at all. Giving you 1% off means we must get along well. When she was young, she was raised by her grandfather in the Howard family. But the Howard family is huge, with many rooms, and there were constant power struggles. Later, she married Westley, but he was often absent, and there weren’t many people backing her up. If she hadn’t become famous early on, she might have suffered financially. She wouldn’t touch the Howard family’s money, so being a bit stingy is understandable."Jane tucked her hands into her sleeves. "Maybe we got along so well because we have similar experiences."Charlotte gave Jane a hug. "It’s all in the past now.""Yes, it’s all in the past."After spending five days in St. Penalow, the group ret