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
The girl asked one question. If she became Zachary's sister and married Caleb, could she finally achieve her dreams without anyone standing in her way?Frank nodded in response.He didn't say much more, and Whitney agreed. Changing her surname didn't matter.As long as she never had to return to the countryside, as long as she could escape those bloodsuckers.As long as, when she finally shone in her career, she wouldn't have to face those people who made advances because of her appearance, or those who used power to suppress her.But what she didn't expect was that after Caleb said those words, her face flushed.Had she finally woken up?This scene was quite entertaining.Caleb was a well-known playboy in Yelar.Even though everyone knew his flirtations were brief and didn't lead anywhere, all the daughters of affluent families and distinguished women in Yelar wanted a taste of being involved with him.Even those not up to the mark tried everything to win his favor.Those f
Expanding the Collins family's business would also be beneficial.If Zachary hadn't gotten married, marrying a girl from the Jackson family wouldn't have been out of the question.Thinking of this, Rebecca became even angrier."Among all these women who could help him, he chose one who can't offer him anything!"Eric quickly tried to calm her down."Enough, he hasn't affected the Collins family in any way. Why can't you tolerate a simple daughter-in-law? Besides, they even gave us a grandson."Mentioning the grandson made Rebecca even more furious, her eyes were burning with anger."They won't even let me see my grandson, insisting that I wait until after the wedding. I might as well not have given birth to him."Eric sighed."Are you sure about that?"Eric thought Zachary had done well in every aspect.Even if he had married Jane, it hadn't affected the Collins family.He had such an outstanding son and now a lovely grandson.In the future, he would nurture the grandson,
Jane's question made Jordan feel her face burn even more. It felt like it was about to catch fire.She stammered, "It was just hot in the room earlier, and, uh, I got excited... you know, sending my sister off to her wedding."Jane didn't believe her. The look on her face clearly showed shyness.Earlier, when she saw her talking closely with Westley, it was obvious they hadn't been saying anything nice.Jordan also felt that Westley, in her impression, had always been dignified, mature, and steady. Even when he was younger and treated her well, he knew his boundaries.But now, his mouth was full of flirtatious words. It was like the person he was before was a completely different personality.The procession of cars made its way through the streets, finally arriving at the largest hotel in Jeswood. Today, this hotel was exclusively hosting Zachary's wedding.Several floors were filled with guests. Even a large number of reporters had arrived.Originally, the love story between Z
Zachary's eyes gleamed with a smile. "At least you still have a bit of conscience."Jordan changed the subject. "How about this? Call me Aunt Jordan three times and I’ll admit you’re very sincere about marrying my sister."Frank, who had secretly returned, leaned against the doorframe and laughed without mercy.He received a cold glare from Zachary.Frank mentally prepared himself and cleared his throat."Aunt..."Westley couldn't help but laugh as well.Jordan turned and gave him a light slap.She looked back at Zachary and smiled. "Zachary, it's fine, I won't make things hard for you. Just go ahead and see if my sister will go with you."Zachary tried but Jane refused to leave with him.She said that she had hid her shoes in the room and would only leave if he found them.Zachary looked everywhere in the room but only found one of them.He guessed where the other one might be, but he didn't dare to let his gaze fall there, not wanting Frank and Westley to see it.Frank,
Frank pushed Westley into the room."You and your wife can remarry, but Zachary has secretly helped a lot, so I think you definitely can't just watch your friend fight alone, right?"Westley ignored him, pulled out a chair beside Jordan, and sat down."Sorry, I'm part of the bride's family.""You grew up wearing the same pants as Zachary. How can you just watch him fight alone?"Jane spoke up, stopping Frank from saying more."You two come have some cookies."She gave Charlotte a meaningful look, who handed a Pocky stick to Frank.Frank cocked his brows. "Honey, you're putting me in a tough spot. What if I kiss him? Wouldn't you think I've dirtied myself?"Zachary retorted coldly, "Don’t you think I feel the same?""Don't waste time," said Charlotte.Frank made a clicking sound with his tongue and held the Pocky stick between his long fingers, not moving for a long time.Zachary reached over, grabbed the Pocky, and bit it, saying vaguely, "Hurry up, don't waste time."Fran
Leanne was also coming to the wedding, and with Buck and the others accompanying her, they could easily match up.But when he landed with Jordan in his arms, no one stopped him.Buck stepped forward to report the situation."Mr. Collins guessed your plans. This is his wedding gift to you. He wants you to remember, be careful during your wedding."Westley smiled and held Jordan as they got into the car and headed to Jane's house.When Jane saw Jordan, she was quite surprised. "Didn't you say you wouldn't make it?"Jordan was still groggy from sleep. "It's all Westley's fault."Jane didn't ask further. "Hurry and change and get your makeup done."Jordan went to wash her face, feeling a bit more awake, and let the makeup artist work on her face.Westley didn't act as the best man, so he stayed here, but not inside the room—he was standing at the front door.When Zachary came up, he was the first person to see him.Frank teased, "Mr. Howard is now part of the bride's family?"W
Jordan clicked her tongue several times and patted his shoulder. "You're really sneaky."Westley wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms. "I'd prefer to hear something sweet from your.""Like?""Like, 'honey'."Jordan realized what he was about to do and quickly tried to run away."Don't even think about it. You tricked me into coming out of town for your friend. I'm going to punish you by not satisfying your desires for a month."Westley didn't take it seriously and effortlessly pulled her back."Weren't you just worried I wouldn't be able to perform? Now that you're fine, aren't you going to try it for yourself to clear your doubts?"Jordan scolded him, "You really can't change, can you? You promised you wouldn't trick me, and now you're starting again."Westley retorted, "How have I tricked you?"Jordan couldn't find a reply and just decided to act spoiled.Westley put on a serious expression and analyzed the situation. "Let me ask you this. Didn't y
She realized something was wrong as she spoke. "Are you doing this on purpose? You're helping your friend."She quickly called Charlotte to ask if she had any plans on the day of the wedding.Charlotte said she didn't, asking what was going on.Jordan thought for a moment and then told Charlotte the truth. "I think he's doing this on purpose. Does he think that, as Jane’s younger sister, I'll be the one who's more difficult to deal with, while you, as his best friend, would be easier?"Charlotte chuckled. "How did you know that, with me, Zachary would have it easy?"However, there was one thing—during her own wedding, Zachary had indeed helped Frank.At the time, Jane had blocked the door, and it was Zachary who had gotten her out.Frank had easily taken her away.Although Frank liked to watch the show, when it came to his friends, he wouldn't hesitate to act.When she had gotten married, there hadn't been so many bridesmaids.Jane was different—Jordan was her biological sist
Westley was indeed struggling.But since he was the one who made a mistake, he felt he should bear the consequences.Jordan, however, wasn't thinking about it that way.Although Westley was holding back, showing some reaction yet not too much.Jordan felt that Westley didn’t look too good.Could it be...This wasn't an easy topic to bring up. She hesitated for a long time but still didn't say anything.Westley watched her face go through a series of expressions and could pretty much guess what she was thinking.He flicked her forehead."Stop overthinking. There's nothing wrong with me—I'm perfectly healthy. Alright, now that you're better, just rest for a few more days, and I'll prove it to you."Jordan immediately pulled the blanket over herself. "Get lost."Westley patted her lightly through the blanket. "The guest bedroom is really cold.""The bed also feels hard, not as comfortable as the master bedroom."Jordan poked her head out of the covers. "But weren't you the on