He chuckled. "Charlotte, do you know how long you've been absent from my life?""How long?""Not counting the time before I found you." Frank didn't even pause, his tone haughty. "You've been absent for another 758 days. In those 758 days, I am no longer the person I used to be."I was initially touched, but upon hearing the last part, I asked, "What do you mean?""I've learned to cook now."He tilted his chiseled jaw, pressed me down onto the sofa, and calmly said, "Wait for the meal."With that, he went into the kitchen.I lay on the sofa backrest, initially worried, but seeing through the glass door that his movements were indeed skilled and smooth, I relaxed.I found a more comfortable position and watched his every move.My heart was so full, I wished time could just stop at that moment.The man was wearing a hand-tailored white shirt, with the sleeves casually rolled up, exposing his beautifully defined wrist bones and muscular forearms. The shirt's hem was tucked into
Frank's tall figure stiffened slightly before he let out a chuckle. The sound of running water from the faucet filled the room as he washed off the soap on his hands, wiped away the water stains, and turned around to pull me into his arms.The man lowered his head slightly, his eyes shining as he looked at me, and pinched my face. "Charlotte, it's because I'm not strong enough that I feel uneasy. It has nothing to do with you."I wrapped my arms around his neck and said earnestly, "You've already done a great job!""Charlotte..." He gently rubbed my face with his thumb, a trace of self-reproach crossing his eyes. "If I had truly done well enough, you wouldn't have been kidnapped when you were young, and two years ago, Luke wouldn't have found you and forced you back to Ryan.""How old were you when I was kidnapped?"I looked up at him, trying to ease his guilt. "And as for Luke finding me... in the end, none of these things are your fault."His fingertip rested on the corner of m
Moreover, whether or not she'll be kicked out was a matter for the future. But as soon as Charlotte returned, she would at least be given half of the Shaw family's asset.But all of this was originally hers!Why should that bitch Charlotte take it away?Mrs. Shaw looked at her helplessly. "Are you scared now?""Aren't you afraid?""Is being afraid useful?"A hint of ruthlessness appeared in Mrs. Shaw's eyes, as if she already had a countermeasure. "As long as you listen well, I promise you, not only will you not get less, but you'll get more in the end."Bethany was puzzled. "More?"Where could there be more?Mrs. Shaw's lips curved into a confident smile, her eye wrinkles hiding a bit of calculation. "You'll know soon enough."Bethany felt reassured. "Have you arranged everything?""What about the sanatorium... do we still need to think of a way to intervene?""No need!"Mrs. Shaw poured her another cup of tea and handed it to her. "Is it such a big deal? Is it worth gett
Last time, because she learned about my background, things ended on a sour note.So, when Yasmin called and brought up this topic, I was a bit surprised. After a moment of hesitation, I answered honestly, "It's a silver pendant, a rabbit silver pendant."On the other end of the line, Yasmin seemed a bit excited. "A rabbit silver pendant?""Yes." I confirmed it and explained, "I've worn that silver pendant since I was young. Two years ago, I had an accident, and the pendant went missing."Curious, I asked, "Ms. Jackson, why do you suddenly want to know about this?""I..." Yasmin seemed to be calming herself, organizing her words. Finally, she asked, "I also wanted to ask if you have some time now. I'd like to discuss something with you in person.""I do." I thought for a moment and agreed to meet up. I had a vague premonition that whatever Yasmin wanted to talk about was deeply connected to me.Yasmin tentatively asked, "Where do you live? Is it convenient if I come over?""Huh?
In front of him, I could just be myself, if it was Charlotte or Lily.Upon hearing this, Yasmin fell silent for a moment, took off her sunglasses, and her eyes were actually glistening with tears. The curve of her lips seemed to carry a hint of bitterness. "In the end, it's because your biological parents were so failures that you had to endure so much hardship..."I was a bit at a loss. "Ms. Jackson, what's wrong?""Charlotte..." Yasmin choked up for a moment, took out a jewelry box from her bag, and opened it to show me its contents. "The silver pendant you lost, is this it?"Seeing the transparent rabbit silver pendant, I was both surprised and overjoyed. "How did it end up with you? I thought I would never find it again..."Suddenly, Yasmin hugged me tightly!I was stunned, and a possible answer appeared in my mind...Unable to believe it, my eyes filled with tears. "Ms. Jackson...""Charlotte, if I said that I am your mother, who failed you, would you..."Yasmin, usually
"Who?""Simone Hickey or should I say Simone Shaw."Yasmin wiped away her tears and said with regret. "Back then, she and I were pregnant around the same time, but she gave birth prematurely. Therefore, we ended up giving birth on the same day.""I was alone back then and just wanted to get out of the hospital with you quickly, to distance ourselves from the Jackson family and the Shaw family.""Who knew her child died. And in order to marry into the Shaw family smoothly, she bribed the nurse to switch my child with hers..."The Simone Hickey she mentioned was Mrs. Shaw.Thinking about how Simone had that maternal face towards me when I was young, I felt a shiver down my spine. "So... what happened then...""In the dead of night, a nurse suddenly came in with my child, shouting, and the child was immediately sent for emergency treatment.""When the child was returned to me, the silver pendant was gone."Yasmin took a deep breath as she spoke. "It's my fault for trusting others
Looking at the little toddler, I suddenly realized that technically speaking I was his cousin. This meant that the two of us were from the same generation. But now, he was actually calling me his aunt.Danny was a true social butterfly. He looked up at Yasmin with a sweet face and called out, "Aunt!""Ah."Yasmin responded with a smile, patting his head. After Danny went off to the toy room, she said to Alana, "Even though the child has the surname Jackson, he looks very much like you, and his personality is much more likable."The implication was that Alex, or the Jackson family, was less so.Alana was not at all embarrassed. Instead, she seemed to find a kindred spirit in Yasmin and naturally became affectionate, "Yasmin, great minds think alike! Alex's personality is like an artifact just unearthed from the medieval times. I can't even imagine what would happen if Danny inherited his personality!"Yasmin chuckled, evidently understanding the situation with the Jackson family,
"Not at all."Yasmin smiled gently and took my hand. "I’m not here to discuss the dress either.""Then what is it?" asked Alana."Ask Charlotte." Yasmin glanced at the time, stood up, and explained to me, "Charlotte, I have a dinner appointment with the brand representatives. Do you want to come along?""I... I’ll pass."Originally, when she was connecting me with people, I always dealt with it in a way that considered social etiquette. Now suddenly, she became my... mother, and I was still trying to get used to it.She didn’t insist, but tentatively asked, "How about tomorrow’s celebration dinner? I’ll have Joanne come pick you up and take you to the Cloud. Is that okay?"Joanne was the person she trusted the most.With Joanne picking me up and taking me to the celebration dinner in the Cloud, it meant she wants to publicly acknowledge my background and was seeking my consent.I pursed my lips and nodded. "Okay."After seeing her to the elevator, as we were parting ways, I a
Westley ordered Buck to follow Jordan.Jordan apologized to Jane, "Jane, I'll make it up to you after I'm done."Jane envied her, being able to stay busy with work.She got up to help her tidy up. "Alright, go ahead, be careful on the road.""Okay, you take care and rest more, Jane," said Jordan, putting on her bag."Got it." Jane saw her off.Charlotte said, "I'll head back, I'll take her to the airport."She already knew everything.Jordan was sick, she had said herself she wasn't working.No matter how urgent the job, no matter how close they were as friends, there would always be a solution. There wasn't just one photographer in this world.Although Jordan's talent was unmatched by most people, it was too coincidental.After Zachary finished his call on the balcony, Jordan was about to fly abroad for a shoot.It was hard not to associate this with his influence.She didn't want to stay here and be disliked, so she left.She gave them space.Jane didn't ask anything,
"I won't participate in the photoshoot. Jordan, come here, I'll watch from the side."Jordan grabbed a chair for Jane, "Jane, let's start by taking photos whilst sitting down."She was about to help Jane when suddenly a cold gust of wind blew past.Someone else had already sat Jane down before her."Be careful."Jane pushed him away. "Go do what you have to. We sisters are having fun. Don't interrupt."Zachary's expression darkened slightly. "I'm not busy..."Jane gave a sarcastic smile. "I want to hang out with my friends. Is that okay, hubby?"Zachary turned and left, constantly looking back as he walked to the balcony.Jordan gave a thumbs up. "You've got the husband under control."Jane pushed some stray hair behind her ear and said proudly, "Oh, stop it."Jordan and Charlotte exchanged a glance and both smiled.The photoshoot proceeded steadily.On the balcony, Zachary called Westley."You're really useless, can't even keep your own wife."Westley was confused, "Wha
"What is it?" Jane urged. "But I won't listen to anything about Westley."Wasn't this just walking straight into a trap?Charlotte changed her approach. "I had Frank go to Nelana. I know that Jordan went to find Oliver."Jane's eyes shifted. "What I was going to tell you was about Jordan and Oliver's gossip, but it turns out you already knew."Charlotte entered the study with her. "If you don't want to hear about Westley, then tell me what you know."In the end, Jane still asked, "Is he really sick?"Charlotte nodded. "He had a surgery. They said there was a tumor in his kidney."Jane couldn't feel any sympathy for Westley, "He treated her so badly that he’s even punished by God."Charlotte didn't deny it, but asked, "Which one do you want to wear?""I actually want to wear them all, but Zachary won't let me.""It won't hurt to wait a couple of days. Once you're stable or after you give birth, you can still wear them."Jane sighed. "He's been overly cautious lately, but I'm
Jordan felt uneasy and said cautiously, "There's nothing. I really don't have any impure thoughts about Oliver.""Then that means you don't like him." Jane patted her head. "It's okay. We can still meet a soulmate in the future, right? Don't worry."Jordan wasn't worried about this. What concerned her was the upcoming photoshoot. Jane would be changing clothes back and forth, and she was sure that Zachary would use his sharp, cold gaze to slice her into pieces."So, this time, Jane, just wear one outfit. I'll take more pictures for you. When your belly gets bigger, we'll take maternity photos."Jane agreed, and Jordan secretly sighed in relief."I'll go get changed first."Jordan nodded, about to follow her in, when Zachary stopped her."She’s my wife, I'll handle it. No need to trouble yourself."‘We’re both women, what's there that can't be seen? Aren't we all the same?’She guessed that he was doing this on purpose because she had made Jane excited earlier.Jordan silently
Although Zachary wasn’t even looking at Jordan, the latter could still feel the coldness in his eyes.He was angry with her, blaming her for making Jane so emotional."Jane, I suddenly remembered, I have something to do, so I’ve got to go now."Jordan abruptly stood up, but in her haste, a wave of dizziness made her sit back down.It was strange. When she was at Oliver's house earlier, she felt the temperature had dropped a little.Why did she now feel light-headed?"Sit still and don't move."Jane pulled a blanket over her and urged Zachary, "Tell the doctor to hurry."Zachary could only stand up and make a phone call.Just as he picked up his phone, the doorbell rang.He opened the door and let the doctor in.The doctor asked, "Mr. Collins, what symptoms is Mrs. Collins experiencing?""It's not her." Zachary's voice was cold. "Go inside and take a look."The doctor walked in and saw a different girl with an unfamiliar face.He had seen Jane before, so he knew that this
"Mrs. Howard, Mrs. Collins is pregnant now. Because her condition is unstable, the doctor told her not to worry too much or think too much. So, let’s not trouble her too much. Mr. Collins said that as long as you don't mention your matter with Mr. Howard to Mrs. Collins, he can help you with the divorce. He can put in as much effort as you want."Jordan was stunned for a few seconds before reacting.She hadn't planned to say anything about her situation with Westley.They were already about to file for divorce, and there was nothing to talk about.She was here because of Oliver...However, she still responded, "Please tell Mr. Collins that he has nothing to worry about."It was enough for him to understand.Roy didn't say more.Jane was already waiting at the door.She kept checking her watch.She asked Zachary, "Why is Roy so slow? Next time, don't let him pick her up."Zachary peeled a grape and fed it to her one by one.Hearing this, he gently replied, "You can make the
Miranda didn't give him any face, "What's the use of your promise to me? You're not trying to chase me."Westley's breathing became heavy for a moment, and he couldn't be bothered to say anything.He was afraid he would be driven to the edge.However, Miranda didn't plan to stop. "Westley, a broken mirror is hard to mend. Even if you manage to glue the pieces together, the cracks will always remain.""Some things cannot be repaired.""When the heart has been broken, it's truly broken."Westley pressed his lips tightly together, "Mom, you once said that you didn’t want anyone else to be your daughter-in-law except Jordan."Miranda had said that.Jordan was someone she had watched grow up.She didn't have the chance to have a daughter, so she treated Jordan like her own.When she saw that the young girl had feelings for Westley, she was extremely happy.That way, Jordan would forever be part of the family.But unfortunately, her son didn't live up to expectations."No one th
At the moment, she had no work, and she wasn't familiar with Hulerwood.Even Nelana, which she was familiar with, didn't feel like a place she wanted to go back to.So, she wandered aimlessly.Buck followed her, neither too close nor too far.At the right time, he reported Jordan's situation to Westley.Jordan walked for a while and found a place to eat some spaghetti bolognese.After sitting by the roadside for a bit, she flew to Jeswood.At this time of year, the rare animals she could photograph had already been captured.Other than the red carpet shoot that Oliver mentioned, there were no other activities in the past few days.If she asked in the work group, Oliver would definitely know.Recently, she didn't want to be associated with him.She needed some time to calm down.Just in time, Jane said she wanted to shoot clothes for the Charlotte Jewelry.She could also chat with Jane to avoid getting stuck in a loop.Buck followed Jordan to the airport and guessed she wa
She couldn't settle down.Carter came to check on his post-surgery condition.Seeing him, it seemed he wouldn't need psychological treatment anymore.After recording his physical condition, Carter turned and left.It was Westley who stopped him, saying, "Why aren’t you asking me anything?"Carter had known him for many years.But he rarely asked about his private life.It was only when he helped him with his psychological issues that he learned about his relationship with Jordan.Originally, he didn't like gossip."I'm busy," Carter replied coldly, then started to walk away.Westley found him boring. "With a personality like yours, no wonder your non-blood-related sister doesn't like you."Carter stopped walking but still had his back to Westley.Westley waited for a while, hearing no response, and continued, "As a doctor, you face death almost every day. It's fine if you're cold by nature, but you can't be indifferent to everyone and everything.""She's been your sister f