Each word from him felt like an electric current, spreading from my ears to the core of my heart.I let out a long sigh of relief, finally understanding where his mood shift at noon had come from.Frank noticed my sense of relief. "Why are you still sighing?""Why are you asking?" I pinched his waist and huffed, "Your aura suddenly changed at noon, and it startled me."Frank was momentarily surprised and asked softly, "Why didn't you ask me about it then?""I..." I squeezed my palms, slowly piecing together my true self under his affection. No longer worried about appearances or fearing awkwardness, I simply looked up at him and said, "I was scared, Frank. I might not have truly received anything for a long time, so I was a bit insecure."As soon as I finished speaking, his hand was on my head, ruffling my hair. The man leaned down, his bright, intense eyes fixed on me, and spoke with helpless affection, "Take it slow, Charlotte. I'm only 30. Even if I don't live to a hundred, I
He gave me a sidelong glance. "A little more?""Not satisfied?""That's not it." Frank smiled. "Just wondering, when will it reach its peak?"I curved my lips into a smile. "Well, that depends on how you perform. Keep it up.""Keep it up? I'm already putting in the effort physically."Frank, with a tone of coaxing, slid his hand down to the base of my thigh. After feeling something, he gritted his teeth and said, "It's not that I don't respect the elderly, but I just want to ask, why haven't your elders left yet?"My face flushed intensely, and I slapped his hand away. "Seven days! There's no way it could be that quick. If it were that quick, I'd be in the hospital!"Frank closed his eyes, resigned. He lifted me down and pulled me toward the dining room. "I'm hungry."Julie had already prepared the meal: three dishes and a soup.I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the dishes and looked at Frank. "These are all my favorites?"Whenever it was the summer, I would lose my appet
After landing, he took a taxi directly to the hotel where Alana was staying. He left his luggage in the room next door to Alana's, intending to catch some sleep and deal with things in the morning. However, his mind wouldn't calm down.Unable to lie still, he got up and went out, knocking on the door of the adjacent room.The sound of the knock seemed very jarring in the quiet corridor.Alana, woken up and irritated, was scared by the unexpected disturbance in a foreign country. She called out from behind the door, "Who is it?"Alex's deep voice responded, "It's me."After a brief silence, the door opened, and Alana, bleary-eyed, looked at him. She rubbed her eyes uncertainly. "Alex? What are you doing here?"The usually alluring woman looked somewhat disheveled, wearing a single strap of her nightdress, with the other strap having fallen off and dangling loosely on her arm.Alex reached out and adjusted the strap on her shoulder. "Why are you wearing a nightdress?"Alana sna
After Alana said this, the man tightened his grip even more.The heat from his palm burned her wrist.It was excruciatingly hot.Alex was already dressed in a suit, his gray-striped outfit looking calm and formal, completely devoid of the lust from the bed. He said seriously, "Alana, taking emergency contraceptives will disrupt your hormones and harm your body."Alana found this amusing. "Having an abortion is even worse for your body. Don't you know that?""Then just have the baby." Alana looked at him. "Alex, don't tell me you actually think you're responsible? We're divorced, and now you want me to have a child for you?""Sure, trade it for 30% of the Jackson family shares!"She knew that Alex held 60% of the Jackson family's shares.Having a child would mean taking away half of his shares.It was a very high price to ask, but Alana was unflinching and justified in her demand.Alex frowned slightly. "Alana, I can offer you real estate equivalent to the value of those share
"That's it?" asked Alana."That's it," replied Alex.Alex looked at her. "What about your young boyfriend?"Alana had a young mixed-race boyfriend in her social circle. He was different from the person she had been seeing just half a month ago."If you don't leave, how’s going to show up?" said Alana.Alex asked calmly, "Where did you find this actor?"Alana was puzzled. "Actor?""Not an actor? Are you really changing boyfriends every two weeks? Alana, you don't do that."Knock knock—A lively young man opened the door from outside. Seeing the situation inside, he hesitated, knocked on the door, looked at Alana with a flirtatious smile, and said in fluent Engrian, "Alana, are we playing a game that involves three people today?"Alex's face darkened!The speed of his mood change was comparable to the weather.Alana glanced at Alex. "What do you think, Mr. Jackson?""Stop fooling around!" Alex's expression darkened further as he directly opened her suitcase and stuffed cloth
"You wouldn't understand even if I told you.""Try me.""Chasing after the one you love." Alana gave him a sidelong glance and muttered quietly, "You've never truly liked anyone, so how could you understand?"Alex's expression suddenly darkened, and he seemed momentarily lost in thought. "Who told you I've never loved anyone?""Who?" Alana smiled, her tone flirtatious and teasing. "Me?"That day, I got up holding the drowsy Danny and took him into the bathroom to brush his teeth.Julie was already in the kitchen making breakfast, and the sweet aroma of oat porridge filled the air."Charlotte!"Jane suddenly burst out of the guest room, frantically searching for me with her phone in hand. She stood at the bathroom door, jumping up and down with excitement. "We're famous again, completely famous!"I looked at her dark circles from a hangover and handed the toothpaste-squeezed toothbrush to Danny. "What?""The Charlotte Jewelry!" Jane handed me her phone. "Look! Last night, Yasm
On the other end of the line, Yasmin's voice was warm with a hint of a smile. "Charlotte, thank you so much. The dress you designed was fantastic. As soon as the awards ceremony ended last night, a top luxury brand contacted Joanne to sign her as their global ambassador."Hearing this, I was even more delighted. "Really? That's wonderful!"For celebrities, especially someone at Yasmin's level, there was no need to take on ordinary endorsements. They should go for top luxury brands. However, it was rare for Cherian celebrities to be chosen by such brands, so even being an ambassador is something to boast about among fans. Let alone being a global ambassador.Though for Yasmin, this might just be an extra bit of good fortune rather than a significant achievement."It's true." Yasmin smiled slightly, her tone easing. She asked, "Once the contract is successfully signed, there will be a celebration party. May I invite you to attend?"For some reason, I detected a hint of caution in he
The relationship between Charlotte and her seems pretty much settled...Of course, we would still go through the formalities, conduct the paternity test, and confirm the blood relationship thoroughly.During breakfast, Jane suddenly suggested that we consider opening a branch office in Jeswood. She had mentioned this to me before, but there hadn't been a pressing need for it. Jelaston was sufficient for the operations of the Charlotte Jewelry, so I thought it might be better to wait."Now that both the Charlotte Jewelry and you are completely popular, the company's scale is definitely insufficient."Jane, while sipping her porridge, analyzed clearly, "Our first offline store is in Jeswood. Once you return to the Shaw family, your focus will definitely be here. So, opening a branch office in Jeswood would be highly beneficial for both you and the Charlotte Jewelry."Without hesitation, I agreed, "I know."Yasmin had given us a boost. The financial data received earlier showed that
Zachary had already planned for today.He didn’t take Westley’s words to heart.He assumed Frank would explain things to Charlotte.Who knew Charlotte actually accompanied Jordan to Nelana?“It’s not that, it’s just a coincidence.”Jane chatted with Charlotte and asked about Jordan’s situation.Charlotte said, “Westley didn’t show up, so the young girl is very angry right now. I’m taking her to get some photos taken.”“Then after you’re done, come back. How can I celebrate without you here?”Nelana and Jeswood weren’t far from each other. Charlotte checked the time and agreed.“If you’re hungry, just eat something first. Don’t keep waiting. Once I’m on the plane, I’ll let you know. You can roughly estimate the timing.”“Alright!”Jane hung up the phone and looped her arm around Zachary’s. “I want to eat a strawberry cake.”Zachary helped her into the car and instructed Ross to drive to a cake shop.He got out of the car himself to buy it.As Jane ate, she asked, “So if We
“I don’t care! I must go back and put on some makeup!” Jane declared.Ross, who would rather face Zachary’s wrath than make Jane unhappy, immediately prepared to turn the car around.But Zachary stopped him. “Keep driving.”He gently patted Jane’s back to calm her down.“I know you’re excited about getting the certificate, but don’t get so worked up—think about the baby.”Was that what he thought this was about?Jane grabbed Zachary’s ear. “Are you getting old and becoming deaf? I said turn the car around! If you keep pretending not to hear me, don’t even think about me taking a photo with you to get the certificate when we get there!”In the end, Zachary had no choice but to compromise.Jane hadn’t done her makeup in a while. With the sudden pregnancy, she hadn’t had the time to prepare maternity-safe cosmetics.So they went to the mall, where she bought what she needed and applied a full, flawless makeup look.Feeling beautiful and confident, she finally went to the Civil A
Jordan planned to return to Nelana right after breakfast.Yasmin tried to persuade her to stay a few more days.But she was eager to return and finalize her divorce.Charlotte decided to accompany her since she hadn’t had the chance to visit Dominic and look at the finished products after Jane’s recent accident.Frank wanted to tag along, but Charlotte stopped him. “You stay here and handle things.”Frank sneered. “You’re just tired of me and keep coming up with reasons to stay apart.”Charlotte had been hearing this from him a lot lately and was immune to it by now.She patted his shoulder, linked arms with Jordan, and walked away.Frank was rendered speechless‘Fine.’Westley had never drunk so much alcohol before.Although he wasn’t completely wasted, there were still some things he remembered clearly.However, his headache was intense.Buck brought him some water, asked about his schedule, and reported on the events of the night before.Westley paused while drinking t
She could say nothing more.Moreover, even if she said something, it would be useless.Zachary achieved his goal and turned to leave.After the door to the ward closed, Rebecca picked up a piece of yellowing apple to eat.The old lady of the Collins family sighed, “We didn’t raise him in vain.”Rebecca wiped away tears, she still couldn’t bring herself to like Jane.But Zachary was her only son. At this point, there was nothing she could do to stop him.She could only look the other way and let it go.She said to Eric, “Jeswood is too cold. Take me to Clisfield. This is what you’ve promised me.”Spring had already arrived in Jeswood, it wasn’t cold at all.But Eric still immediately arranged for tickets to be booked.There were still several months before Zachary and Jane’s wedding.In the meantime, she could relax and gradually come to terms with things as time passed.Eric looked at the elderly couple. “Mom, Dad, come with us. The weather there is warm year-round.”Zach
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