“I had Kevin, also known as K, try to find a way to get the antidote.”I was surprised. “He agreed?”“Hmm, but the chances are slim. We need to make additional preparations.”Frank raised his hand, gently smoothing the frown on my forehead with his thumb. “Besides that, Uncle has already asked Dr. Travis to think of ways to delay the onset of the poison. Additionally, your mother and I have arranged for Grandma's blood to be sent to top research institutes abroad. As long as there is enough time, they should be able to develop an antidote.”“Charlotte, trust me, Grandma will be fine.”I looked into his brown eyes, feeling a sense of calmness wash over me. Like when I was a child, I reached out and ruffled his hair. “Frank, thank you.”The next day, I had finished washing up before the doctor came for the rounds.Yesterday, I urged Frank to go home and get a good night's sleep, but he refused and insisted on staying with me on the sofa for the night.After the doctor finished ch
“Stop being so bitter. According to my friends in the circle, this time several forces have joined together to pressure the platform and reduce the hype. I heard even her ex-husband got involved. Maybe her own family background isn’t simple; at the very least, she’s a well-bred young lady.”“Stop talking. Even being related to Frank is already quite lucky. How impressive could her ex-husband and family background be?”“If her family or ex-husband were impressive, I’d eat shit whilst being upside down.”I glanced at the online gossip but felt almost no emotional impact. Since my experience with public opinion involving Jessica, I’ve stopped taking such matters seriously.Jane noticed I wasn’t upset and felt relieved. “I wasn’t sure whether I should tell you, but seeing you not take it seriously makes me feel better.”“Don’t worry.” I smiled a little. “My mindset is strong right now.”Rumors and gossip were beyond my control, and getting angry about them was unnecessary.Just as I
I immediately realized something. “By the way, how is your wound healing? I’ve been staying with Grandma these past few days and haven’t had a chance to visit you.”Feeling a bit embarrassed, I noted that he had been injured for my sake, and yet I hadn’t even visited him.“It’s just a minor injury, nothing serious.”Jack seemed to sense that I might feel guilty and downplayed it. “It should be mostly healed in a while. Grandma’s condition is the real issue. By the way, how is she?”My expression grew slightly somber. “We’ve managed to delay the onset of the poison for now, but I don’t know if we can wait for the antidote to be developed.”“Developing an antidote?” Jack looked surprised. “Wasn’t the antidote with that K last time? With Frank’s methods, he should be able to deal with him.”“Jack, are you here at the hospital to change the dressing, or are you here specifically to check on Charlotte?” Jane changed the subject with a smile and teased, “Speaking of which, Charlotte is
It was unlikely for me to get pregnant after only one time.By the time I arrived at the company and finished the meeting, it was almost evening. I had come with Jane’s ride. I was getting ready to take a cab back to the hospital.Jane offered to give me a ride, and I gave her a sidelong glance, teasing, “I saw you messaging Zachary during the meeting. It’s better not to let me delay your… progress.”Jane smiled brightly. “Oh, have you learned to spy on screens now?”“Just a coincidence, just a coincidence.” I gave a shy smile.She had been sitting at my lower left during the meeting, leaning sideways against the table to reply to messages, so it was impossible not to see.As I was speaking, my phone rang—it was Frank.“Finished with the meeting?”His lazy and casual voice came from the other end of the phone, and I couldn’t help but smile, “Yes, just finished. I’m planning to go back to the hospital to see Grandma, then head home.”After several rounds of acupuncture from Dr.
His clear voice carried an unusual seriousness. When I met his dark brown eyes, filled with almost drowning affection, I even forgot to breathe.My heartbeat missed a beat. I really wanted to nod and agree, unable to bring myself to say anything to reject him. But I wasn’t in my early twenties anymore. After a few moments of breathing, reason eventually prevailed.I gently pursed my lip. “I want to wait… until the current matters are settled.”Seeing the disappointment flicker in his eyes, I was afraid he might misunderstand, so I couldn’t help but explain, “These issues are like ticking time bombs. Whether it’s Lucas, Bethany, Simone, or K and the person behind him, if we have a child now, our concerns and their opportunities will just increase. Frank, I also hope we can have a child soon. I believe we will work hard to be great parents.”“But not right now.”“Charlotte.” Frank’s lips suddenly curved into a smile. “Do you feel like your words make you sound like a terrible pers
When we got home, Julie had just prepared a delicious and aromatic dinner. Knowing that Grandma was coming back with us, Julie had even made a medicinal meal to help with Grandma's recovery.The meal was extremely pleasant.However, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Grandma seemed a bit troubled. She kept serving me food, as if she wanted to show her care for me with all her strength.Later on, Grandma urged Frank to take a shower. Frank noticed that Grandma wanted to speak with me privately and cooperated willingly.“Charlotte, come in with Grandma.”While Julie was still tidying up the dining area, Grandma called me into her room.I suspected that she had something important to discuss with me and felt very uneasy. “Grandma, you…”“Take this and keep it safe.”Before I could finish, Grandma took out a brown paper bag from her purse and handed it to me.I panicked. “Grandma, I can’t accept this!”Grandma smiled in relief. “Do you know what it is?”“Well…” I pursed my lips.
Before I could finish speaking, Grandma continued, “My little Lily has grown up and wants to support Grandma, right?”I pursed my lips. “But I still haven’t been able to do anything for you. Even the antidote, we don’t know when it will be available.”“What’s there to be afraid of?”Grandma was much more open-minded than I was and sighed, “I’ve been thinking about your grandfather for a long time. If it weren’t for the Shaw family, I would have gone to join him long ago.”“It’s just that you have to work hard to hold up this mess of the Shaw family. Grandma doesn’t want you involved, but there’s no other way.”“I know, I know…”Hearing Grandma’s tone as if she was arranging her final affairs, tears streamed down my face. I clung to her, crying and choking up, “When I was little, I envied other kids who had grandparents. Now that I finally have you, I don’t want you to leave me. I don’t want to lose you.”At that moment, I understood the burden Frank carried on his shoulders.Th
“You’ve already showered…”I heard the hidden meaning in Frank's words and pretended to be oblivious to tease him, “Put me down.”“No.” Frank looked down. He had a mischievous grin on his lips as he kicked open the bathroom door. Hot water and kisses came down together, stealing my breath away. Later, he played around until I could barely stand. He simply supported me by my thighs and held me at his waist. I thought the bath would be like before, lasting until midnight, but instead, after just one round, I was wrapped in a towel and carried to bed.Feeling a bit embarrassed, I pulled the blanket over myself, leaving only my eyes visible as I looked at Frank.Frank met my gaze and chuckled. “You’d better not say those two words.”I huffed, “How do you know what I’m about to say?”“I know perfectly well.”Frank leaned closer, gently brushing his nose against mine, and drawled, “That’s because I’m your husband—”He dragged out the last word on purpose. My face heated up wi
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