"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
Perhaps it was because life had been unusually smooth recently.When he mentioned Ryan, I was momentarily dazed, feeling as if it were a distant memory. These days, the Charlotte who was mired in pain and struggle seemed like a different person.Frank pinched my cheek. "What are you daydreaming about?""Nothing." I shook my head, unable to pinpoint my exact feelings, and followed his lead, asking, "What does this matter have anything to do with Ryan?"I was somewhat aware of Ryan's influence spreading into Jeswood. His help to Frank was beyond my expectations, but it seemed somewhat anticipated.He had never been a truly bad person. In fact, he could be considered a good person—good boss, good grandson, good adopted son, good half-brother... but he was not a good husband.Only I was left hurt in a world where everything seemed to fall into place.After finishing his meal, Frank acted casually but with clear signs of his upbringing. He took a napkin and said frankly, "It's a bit
Then, Frank casually stood up, finished his soy milk in one gulp, and set the cup down. "In that case, Ms. Wilson, you must keep this retreat option open for me. If I can't make it, I'll come back to rely on you.""Uncle!"The little one, who was sipping milk from a bottle, looked at him with a hint of resentment, pouting. "Don't you have to go to work today?"Frank's tender expression faded, and he shot a sideways glance at the child. "Little brat, you're complaining already?"The child huffed lightly. "When you're here, Aunt is monopolized by you!"Frank was driven away by the child.After sending Frank into the elevator, the little one climbed onto me using hands and feet, and planted a kiss on my face. "Aunt, who do you like more, me or Uncle?"I chuckled. "Of course, it’s you."‘But I love your uncle,’ I added inwardly.As night fell, at the top-tier club in Jelaston.Located in a quiet area amidst the hustle and bustle, the club operated on a membership basis, with a si
"Diana..." Ryan tugged at his thin lips, dragging out the name as if he were savoring the words.Diana dared not look directly at the man's pitch-black eyes, fearing she might give herself away. She only heard Ryan laugh coldly and ask sharply, "Who sent you?"Ryan could guess that someone who had had dealings with him and had ulterior motives was behind her.To cater to his preferences, naturally, there was no such thing as a free lunch.Diana was taken aback by how astutely the man saw through her. Her face turned pale as she took a deep breath and recited the lines she had prepared."No one sent me. I'm just here for a part-time job...""Miss West." Ryan, with his long legs crossed, took a drag from his cigarette, his chin lowered, with a cold and hard line to his jaw, his voice deep and menacing. "Since you're here, you must know who I am. I can find out anything that the person behind you can find out. Anything he can give you, I can give you. In other words, I'm known for m
Felix believed his words were well-reasoned and justified, but the next second, he saw Ryan nod dismissively. "You have a point."Just as he breathed a sigh of relief, Ryan's expression darkened as he extinguished the cigarette butt. "I'll break one of your legs for this, and then we'll consider it over."Felix suddenly clung to Ryan's leg, pleading desperately. "Mr. Frost, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have been so blinded. Please spare me..."The leg injury he had sustained last time in Jeswood had not fully healed, and now he was about to lose another leg!Realizing that pleading with Ryan was futile, he turned to Ian for help. "Ian, Ian! Help me, I'm begging you...""Serves you right."Ian didn't wait for Ryan to explode but ordered his subordinates to forcibly drag Felix away.Diana, pale-faced, felt the stark division of social classes in the world!Felix could easily manipulate her.But in front of Ryan, he was treated like a dog.With such a commotion, Ryan lost interest. He
Jeswood International Airport.Alana strode out of the airport in red high heels, bending down to get into the Rolls-Royce that had been waiting outside.As she moved, the long skirt fluttered, revealing a slender, fair calf.Alex's eyes darkened slightly as he thought about how that leg had been wrapped around his waist when he was with her the morning before.After leaving the airport motorway, the car drove straight towards the city center.Alana was in a good mood and hummed a tune softly.Just like in her own car."Hello?"Beside her, Alex suddenly took a phone call, his expression serious yet slightly excited. "Is the information accurate?""Okay, I understand! She's living in the Cloud now, right? Send me the address on WhatsApp."After hanging up, Alana glanced at him. "So excited, did your second uncle pass away?"Alex's second uncle had been causing trouble and setting traps for him, even kidnapping Danny.The thought of Danny's injuries at that time made Alana gr
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