Seeing the incoming call on my phone, I felt I was imagining things. After a moment's pause, I answered, "Hello.""Are you at home?"He sounded like he was in a vast, empty space, his voice low and tinged with weariness.I stood up and walked to the balcony, stretching my neck to relieve the stiffness, enduring the discomfort, and deliberately asked, "Hmm, are you still busy?"Thinking about it, Jessica had lost so much blood. How could he be at ease?"I'm almost done."For some reason, his voice cleared up a little. "The ticket is on the console by the entrance. Remember to take it when you leave."Although it was expected, hearing it from him still left a bitter taste in my mouth. "You're not coming?""What are you talking about? Let's meet at the entrance of the stadium..." He chuckled softly.But just as he was speaking, a weak yet desperate question interrupted him suddenly, "Ryan, who are you calling? Didn't you promise me..."The voice abruptly stopped.It wasn't Ryan
Perhaps the person I was waiting for would never come.The girl was clever, smiling brightly as she asked, "Are you waiting for someone, Miss?""Yes.""Your friend must be stuck in traffic, it's really jammed around the stadium right now."Maybe sensing my disappointment, she walked over with a comforting smile, tilting her head slightly. "I'll wait with you.""Aren't you going in?""I didn't get a ticket."She shrugged, her mouth turning down in disappointment and helplessness.I chuckled lightly. "Then stay with me."He wasn't going to come. I wasn't waiting for him to come.I was waiting for me to be totally disappointed.Another whole hour passed, until the crowd in the square thinned out and people gradually dispersed. My hand holding the phone was almost numb from the cold.The announcement came over the broadcast that entry was about to close."Charlotte."A warm voice suddenly sounded from behind.I turned around in pleasant surprise, seeing Jack in the same brow
"It's okay, I won't make fun of you." I patted his shoulder and changed the subject with a smile. "So you like Eason as well, but you never mentioned it before."Jack looked towards the stage, his voice tinged with melancholy. "It's natural to love something because of association.""She liked him?""Yeah, she was really into him back in university.""What a coincidence."I smiled. "I used to love listening to Eason's songs back in university too."He smiled knowingly. "Quite a coincidence."We were in VIP seats, with a perfect view of the performance, and no blind spots anywhere. With the familiar intro, the singer appeared on stage, instantly lifting the atmosphere in the entire arena, and causing countless fans to scream and sing along. Jack and I were like two outliers, quietly listening.Scenes from the past years flashed through my mind like a movie playing, frame after frame.Ten years agoI didn't know youYou didn't belong to meWe were still the sameKeeping compan
"What do you mean by that?"I was like a typical gossip girl who tried to get to the bottom of things. But then I felt that asking further would be impolite, so I could only leave it at that.The songs performed at today's concert were all on my favorite playlist. Even after the whole show, I still felt unsatisfied.As the singer left the stage, I had a surreal feeling of awakening from a big dream. I sat dumbfounded in my chair, watching the slowly departing crowd after the noise.The emptiness in my heart was terrifying. Until now, the phone I had been clutching in my hand still hadn't received any messages or calls from Ryan.During my absent-minded lapse, Jack was very respectful and didn't rush me at all. He just quietly waited by my side. It was only when I came to my senses that we followed the crowd and left together.Despite the security guards maintaining order and the crowded pushing, I was walking fine when suddenly a force pushed me from behind. I stumbled and almost
As the interior lights of the car came on, Ryan woke up almost instantly. His demeanor was tinged with annoyance from being disturbed. The next second, he turned his head and our eyes met."Is the concert over?" His expression suddenly softened, acting as if nothing had happened.As if him spending two days and nights with Jessica was just my imagination.I didn't want to pretend anymore. I was tired. "Ryan, I was there at the hospital yesterday. Ryan, I was probably standing about 10 meters away from you at that time, or maybe even closer.""I saw with my own eyes how my husband was so distracted by another woman.""I also heard you admitting in front of the nurse that you were her husband.""So when you called me yesterday, I already knew you were lying to me."I pulled the corner of my mouth and stared at him, speaking deliberately and slowly, "Oh, by the way, she's pregnant. You two are having a child, right?"With each word I said, his face became darker and darker!But t
Ryan squinted his eyes slightly, casually looking at me, lips curved. "Wanna try?"It was the same smile as usual, but I felt a chill run down my spine.It seemed like if I dared, he would snap my neck the next second."Let's give it a try."I followed the principle of not backing down.His face turned cold as frost, a sneer forming, ready to explode, when suddenly, his phone rang loudly.Jessica’s name immediately flashed through my mind.I couldn't help but marvel at how accurate a woman's sixth sense could be.It really was Jessica.Ryan furrowed his brows. He didn't pick up, and the ringtone continued to sound.If he wanted to decline the call, he had a hundred ways to do so.So obviously, he didn't want to."Ryan, where have you been? Why haven't you come back yet? The baby in my womb wants strawberry cake. Hurry up and get it for me!"The car's cramped space completely isolated us from the outside noise, and Jessica's gentle and charming voice rang clearly in my ears
"Gary, drive! Take her home," he said, then closed the car door straightaway.Gary promptly got into the car. "Mrs. Frost, my apologies."The doors were then locked.I could only watch helplessly as Ryan walked a short distance away and got into a bodyguard's car.Both cars started almost simultaneously but headed in completely different directions at the traffic light intersection.It was as if Ryan and I were never meant to walk side by side.I felt drained of all strength, slumping weakly into the seat, my mind in turmoil.Why did I bother?Wouldn’t it be better for him if I let them be?‘Ryan, what exactly do you want?’ I wondered.Gary drove, observing my expression cautiously before cautiously speaking up. "Mrs. Frost, you don't need to argue with Mr. Frost like this. After all, you are Mrs. Frost. You shouldn't worry too much about Jessica.""Gary." I rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in, and pursed my lips. "Do you also think that just because I have
I couldn't help but laugh.Ryan was going to take responsibility for her.What did she want from me?She should be going to Ryan.Jessica touched her belly. "You need to finalize your divorce quickly, or it'll delay getting my child registered.""Then you should go tell Ryan to hurry up."The company's headquarters had constant temperature-controlled air conditioning throughout the year. I took off my coat, hung it up, and picked up a spray bottle to water the row of plants in front of the French windows.Since Ryan refused to draw clear boundaries, I wasn't in a hurry either.I could just let Jessica make a fuss.Jessica sneered coldly. "Don't play this game of pretending to be indifferent while clinging to Ryan. I can actually understand you. Being an orphan, with no parents, grabbing onto the Frost family tree that ensures your comfort, you don't want to let go. It's human nature. But Charlotte, as a woman, you know when to feel shameful."She crossed her arms whilst laugh
Jane said, “This is obviously the Winston family trying to control the public opinion. How could they possibly admit it?”Jordan nodded. “Exactly.”Charlotte made a phone call to Frank. After hanging up, she turned to Jane and said, “Luthor’s father was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, but his condition isn’t good. He may not survive.”Jordan spoke first, “After all the evil he’s done, I think it’s a miracle he’s still alive. If he dies, it’s just what he deserves.”Jane put her arm around Jordan’s shoulders and shook her head. “Jordan, you’re still too young.”“What do you mean?”“Dead people don’t talk. If Luthor’s father dies, then all the responsibility will fall on him. Luthor is smart, he’ll get out of this unharmed, save the Winston family, and later, when the opportunity arises, he’ll still go after Zachary.”Jordan truly didn’t understand the power struggles of the big shots.She made a cutting gesture across her neck. “With such ruthless people in the W
#Paternity Test Report Proves the Whistleblower is a Mine Disaster Survivor#Luthor clicked on the topic and saw the surname "Stone." He felt his vision go dark.The entire family that died had the surname "Stone.""Zachary is staging an act, of course, it has to be convincing. So it’s normal that he knows these things," said Gregory, his hand trembling uncontrollably as he held the teacup. "We can’t scare ourselves. We need to stay calm and not make any rash moves…"Luthor kicked Gregory.All respect and morals were gone."Didn’t I warn you back then? The mine disaster was risky, and we absolutely couldn’t let small gains lead to big losses!"Gregory’s health had been in decline for many years.Although he had been getting treatment, it wasn’t enough compared to Luthor, who was in his prime.The kick sent Gregory to the ground, where he couldn’t get up for a long time. Weakly, he said, "I… I was just trying… for the Winston family to prosper…"Luthor sneered. "Are you happy
The weather was still a bit chilly right after the start of spring. It was the weekend, and there was light rain.In the morning, most of the people on holiday were in bed, playing with their phones.— #Lirad Mine Disaster#This hashtag surged to the top of trending topics at that moment.Luthor could manipulate public opinion, and Zachary could do the same.The former wanted to remove the hashtag from trending, while the latter spent money to keep it at number one.The video from Jasper, on the other hand, didn’t attract much attention anymore.All the focus was on the mine disaster hashtag, and the topic quickly surpassed ten million in views.And it was still growing.Luthor began to feel anxious and called Tim for an update.Tim said that no one had approached the place where the bodies were buried.But Luthor’s tense nerves did not relax because of that.He called a few trusted people.They all said they hadn’t seen anyone from Zachary’s side near the village."Even
"The living could no longer speak, and the only option is to start with the dead. If the autopsy confirms it was an unnatural death, then we can start the investigation. Luthor couldn’t hide everything."Zachary nodded. "You handle it. Solve problems that you come across by yourself.""Yes, Mr. Collins."Meanwhile, Westley overheard and said, "The Winston family is ruthless, and Luthor, as the one in power, is even worse. But his father was useless. Luthor had to clean up his mess many times.""During the mine disaster, Luthor was busy. He was in such a hurry, so it definitely wasn't handled properly."Zachary just hummed in response, sat down on the sofa, and started typing on his phone.Westley thought he was dealing with something, but when he got up to pour some water, he glanced over and realized he was chatting with Jane."What are you doing?" asked Zachary.Jane sent a picture. "Watching TV."Zachary opened it and smiled faintly. "What, learning the indomitable spirit f
Before Rick arrived, he had been briefed by Zachary.He had already anticipated the Greyson family’s reaction.So, he only delivered the message and didn’t say another word before leaving.Brandon and Amanda chased after him.Of course, they weren’t regretting their decision, it was more of a warning.“We had a chance to cooperate, it would’ve been a perfect match. The Greyson family has no blemishes that could harm Mr. Collins’s future. But it’s a pity, Mr. Collins chose a woman like that. Not only that, he’s hurt our daughter as well. It’s too late now for him to come to us for help.”Rick left, expressionless, and got into the car.It was an insult to his intelligence to say even one more word to such fools.With nothing to do at home, Jane suggested they play cards.But Jordan was more concerned, saying that in such a crisis, how could they entertain themselves?So the three of them stared at each other for a long while.Charlotte tried to lighten the mood. “How about I
Jane analyzed for her. "Let things escalate . We can clarify things afterwards, and it will be more convincing."Jordan’s eyes widened in disbelief. "You have another video that can turn the situation around?"The videos Jane had were all given to Zachary.The video he posted yesterday was almost everything.How he would handle it afterward, she had no idea."I trust Zachary.""He won’t let me get hurt."Jordan burped and said, "I shouldn’t be eating, just watching the both of you feed each other dog food is enough to fill me up."Jane and Charlotte exchanged a smile.The video posted by Luthor stayed hot on the trending list all night.Westley saw that Zachary had been standing by the French windows, smoking one cigarette after another.He asked, "Do you need any help?"The response was simple. "No need."Westley couldn’t quite understand.The video circulating online wasn’t very beneficial towards Jane.When parents beat their children, there was no legal standard to j
Charlotte was about to say something when she heard him speak in a meaningful tone. "It’s very dangerous outside. The safest place is to go home with me."She knew he was never serious for even a day.Charlotte shot him a glance.Frank raised his hand and gently pressed her head."What I said earlier was serious. When a beast is cornered, it might do anything, uncontrollable things. For the next few days, just stay at home."Charlotte glanced toward the living room and asked, "What about Zachary?"Frank understood immediately. "He’s fine."Charlotte nodded. "Thanks again. Go do what you have to. We’re about to eat."Frank raised his eyebrows, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "Do I just get a verbal thank you? We haven’t..."Charlotte quickly covered his mouth and pushed him toward the door.She was about to shut the door.Frank blocked it with his foot and quickly kissed her lips."I like this thank you gift."Before Charlotte could react, the man shut the door beh
At the same time, Zachary received a message."Mr. Collins, Luthor has gone to Lirad."He curved his lips."Reveal the evidence gradually."Raymond replied, "Got it."A lot of things happened on the internet every day.Celebrity gossip always ranked in the top ten.News about people like Jane, the "ungrateful daughter," would usually fade in a day.But because Luthor had paid for publicity, it stayed in the top ten.So, when the evidence was released, netizens were already watching."Plot twist, everyone!""Wow! This isn’t about disciplining a child, this is clearly domestic abuse!""The young lady almost got beaten to death. If it were me, I wouldn’t support such a wicked father either."Only part of the video showing Jane being abused was released as evidence.The rest would wait for the internet to stir up more heat for a while."What are you doing by the window?"Having gotten thirsty from drinking, Westley got up to get some water and was startled by Zachary.He w
In the end, Zachary was escorted out of the bar by Frank and Westley.When they noticed someone taking pictures, they pretended not to see.Once they got into the car, Zachary’s eyes instantly cleared.Frank patted Westley on the shoulder. "The task of taking him home is on you."He had to go back to see his precious daughter. Charlotte definitely wouldn't be coming home tonight.Westley got into the car, and the vehicle slowly pulled away.He rolled down the window and glanced through the rearview mirror.He said to Zachary, "It's already early morning, and they're still watching you. That's some determination."Zachary sneered. "I’m afraid Luthor hasn’t been able to sleep a wink lately."Westley didn’t comment.This was a battle where the entire family was at stake.They followed Zachary all the way to his home, and only then did those people retreat.When they got out of the car, Zachary stopped Westley."You don’t need to come up."But Westley replied, "I’m staying at