My head buzzed, and I watched as Jack fell straight in front of me. He coughed up blood but still smiled at me. Frank, who was tripped by Kevin, was a step slower than Jack. He saw Jack blocking the shot for me and froze for a moment before quickly coming over, covering my eyes with his hand. "Charlotte, don't look..."I instinctively shook my head and dazedly ran over. "Jack..."All the kindness Jack had shown me in the past surged back in an instant. Tears streamed down my face as I reached out to cover the gunshot wound that was gushing blood. I had no idea what to say.Alan helped Officer Locke capture Kanby, quickly controlling Kevin and Simone. With Frank's assistance, Officer Locke helped him deal with Kevin and Simone. Alan thanked them and sent them away.Jane came to me, holding my hand. "Charlotte..."Jack's face gradually turned pale, and he weakly smiled at me. "I'm fine, Charlotte... don't be afraid, I really am fine."When I was on the boat, I deeply regretted tr
I had a dream. And it was a nightmare— In the end, I dreamt of my grandma, talking to me with a kind look on her face. But I couldn't understand what she was saying. It felt like she was saying goodbye. But why was she saying goodbye to me? "Grandma, don't go!" I saw my grandma leaving and I was shouting and chasing after her in my dream. She was walking slowly, but I couldn't catch up with her no matter what. Suddenly, the scene changed, and I began fall, which jolted me awake. "Don't move." I was covered in cold sweat, my calf held by some force. It hurt so much I frowned and gasped. Gradually calming down, I saw Frank massaging my calf. "You cramped up." I did cramp, but he reacted faster than I did. "Frank, how long until we get back to Jeswood?" Frank glanced at his watch. "Around eight or nine tonight." "I want to go see Grandma as soon as we get back." Frank paused, then said, "Okay." I felt something was off. "Are you
I held her hand tightly. "The incident happened too suddenly, so you don't need to feel guilty. With the sound of the explosion and everything in chaos, I'm just grateful you weren't hurt.""You don't even know how powerful that explosion was. Zachary pulled me away because the chandelier fell. Later, when you and Frank went to the hospital, there were several more explosions. Ms. Jackson…"At that moment, Jane suddenly shut her mouth.I sensed something was off. "What happened to my mom?"Jane hesitated, clearly hiding something from me.Before I could press her further, there was a knock on the door.Jane immediately went to open it."Prof. Kilburn, please come in quickly."Prof. Kilburn thought Jane's demeanor made it seem like he was walking into a tiger's den.But he didn't think too much of it, assuming Jane was just worried about her friend.Even Prof. Kilburn had arrived, it still couldn’t take my mind off what Jane had just said.I saw Jane trying to slip away and c
I rarely saw this kind of emotion from Frank.He seemed like he was about to break.“If Dr. Travis and Prof. Kilburn say the same thing, that I can’t be stimulated, will you still tell me the truth?”Frank didn’t want to lie, but he couldn’t help it.Grandma was too important.And this explosion was indeed caused by Jack, but if we were to investigate further, it was still because of them.Grandma was truly innocent.From the Shaw family to Jack, Grandma had endured so much.Frank had never been this… careful before.“I can be honest with you, but you… I know emotions can sometimes be uncontrollable, but you can’t be too agitated.”As I listened to Frank's words, my heart gradually sank.Combined with the dream I had earlier, I had a really bad feeling.It was a result I couldn’t even dare to think about, something I completely couldn’t accept.“Don’t tell me, Grandma…"‘No, it can’t be...’ I denied inwardly.Grandma was a good person. She should be alive and well.She
Frank noticed that the person in his arms had stopped moving.Once he confirmed she was asleep, he gently laid her on the bed.Then he went to prepare a warm towel and wiped away her tear stains.After that, he quickly took a shower and climbed under the covers, pulling her back into his embrace.I had a long dream.From seeing Grandma to the days spent with her.Then came the kidnapping, the explosion…And Grandma passed away without me being able to see her one last time.Who should I blame?Blame Jack?But ultimately, I should blame myself.It was my lack of ability that failed to protect them.Grandma and the baby.The baby…“Charlotte…”I heard Frank calling me. He was standing not far away, looking at my abdomen with sadness in his eyes.His tone was one I had never heard before, so humble.“Do you really not want our baby anymore?”I quickly placed my hand on my belly. “What are you talking about? Our baby is still here…”But Frank seemed to not hear my words
And I knew he was looking forward to this child, one related to us by blood.I had promised him that if I got pregnant, I would definitely carry the baby to term.“I’m fine. I will protect this child and won’t let anything happen to her. Besides, I dreamt just now that the baby in my belly is a girl, a very cute girl.”Frank saw me smile and curved his lips slightly as well.But I knew we were both unhappy.There was no way to be happy. We could only try to lighten our moods a little, especially me.“Can you help me wash up? I feel terrible.”Frank nodded and got up to get some water.Prof. Kilburn and Zachary left the room.Jane approached, her eyes red. “I’m sorry, Charlotte.”I took her hand. “Why are you apologizing? It’s not your fault. The reason you kept it from me was for my own good.”After Frank finished wiping me down, I felt a bit drowsy again.Before long, I fell asleep once more.Once I had rested enough, I got up to eat.Frank handed me some cutlery, his ey
She looked like a flower beaten down by a storm.“Mom!”I hurried over and took her hand.She gently patted my head, and after a long pause, finally spoke, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault. I’m sorry for what happened to your grandma.”“Mom, this has nothing to do with you.”I looked at her injuries and frowned. “But how did you get hurt so badly?”“Compared to Grandma’s death, my injuries are minor.”She didn’t seem to care much, sighing with some guilt. “I keep thinking, if I hadn’t held the banquet, maybe they wouldn’t have had the chance, and you and Grandma wouldn’t…”“Mom!” I interrupted seriously her, wiping her tears. “Whether you held the banquet or not, we were in the open while they were in the dark. It’s impossible to prevent everything. So, it really has nothing to do with you! Don’t think that way!”My mom looked at me with pain in her eyes. I squeezed her hand and escorted her back to the ward.“Mom, you’re injured too. You should rest. I need to take Grandma to the c
"It's fine."Frank helped me to the place. I first settled Grandma next to Grandpa, then it was Ben's turn. After burying them, I knelt in front of Grandma's gravestone. The ground was covered in gravel, and after the rain, it mixed with the mud. There was a look of heartache in Frank's eyes. Although he was wearing long pants, they felt thin. However, he held back and said nothing and paid his respects as well. The others, including Jane, did the same. "Grandma, later on, I'll bring the child to see you. When she can talk, I'll have her call you Great-Grandma. You should take care of yourself on the other side. If you need anything, just tell me in my dream. Grandma, I'll take care of myself. Don't worry about me... Grandma, this is where I'll send you off." After saying that, I bowed. Frank accompanied me. He helped me up and bowed to Grandma again. He solemnly promised, "Grandma, rest assured, I will protect her thoroughly." I looked up at Fra
Jane didn’t care about Westley. Even if he was feeling it now, it was too late for regrets.If he hadn’t acted the way he did, Jordan wouldn’t have suffered so much.Moreover, he had once ignored her cries for help, so now he shouldn’t blame Jordan for his injuries.“How’s my sister?” she asked.Roy replied, “Don’t worry, Mrs. Collins, Ms. Hickey is doing fine. Except for the lack of freedom, there are no other restrictions.”“When can I have a video call with her?”Roy thought for a moment. “Since Mr. Howard is now delirious, I can make the arrangements.”“Thank you,” said Jane.“It’s no trouble, it’s my job.”After hanging up the phone, Jane looked at Zachary and asked, “What do you think?”Zachary moved the phone a little farther away to avoid radiation.After finishing the massage, he helped her lie down and said, “I’m thinking what you’re thinking.”Jane gave him a sidelong glance. “You’re slick.”Zachary smirked and bent down to kiss her forehead.“Get some rest.”
"Mrs. Howard—"Buck watched helplessly as Jordan jumped into the sea.Before he could rush over, a figure was even faster than him."Sir!"Westley dived into the water, found Jordan, and dragged her to the shore.When Jordan was pulled onto the shore, she was still a bit dazed.Wasn't she just swimming? Why was there so much fuss?Buck gestured for people to bring a stretcher, lifted Westley onto it, and hurried back.Buck also called for the maids to help Jordan back.Jordan wiped her face, pushed the maid aside, and twisted the water out of her hair. "What happened?"Buck was anxious to check on Westley, but he couldn’t stop watching Jordan, worried she might jump into the sea again and trying to think of other ways to prevent it."Mr. Howard was saving you.""Why?" Jordan was confused. "I didn’t drown. What’s the need to save me?"Buck recalled what he had seen earlier. It seemed like... swimming?"Weren’t you... jumping into the sea?""Yes." Jordan didn’t notice Buck
"Nathan, you should head back and deal with your own matters. Let's not interfere with Jordan's matters anymore."Nathan didn’t expect Jane to say this. He paused for a moment before speaking. "You know better than I do what Westley has done. How can we just ignore it? Jordan is still young and hasn’t experienced much in terms of relationships. She lacks experience, what if she falls again..."Jane knew what he was talking about and comforted him. "Don’t worry. Jordan may have experienced little in terms of relationships, but she’s not a foolish girl. She knows how to handle things."Nathan asked, "Is it because there’s something Westley knows?""No, it’s because we can't let Westley continue making a scene. This matter still needs to be handled by the person involved."Nathan didn’t say anything more and told Jane not to worry. When it was close to her delivery, he would come back.Jane agreed and hung up the phone.She threw the phone onto the counter and hugged Zachary from b
Charlotte raised her hand and gently patted Jane’s shoulder."I understand, after all, she's your sister. But I think Jordan is very smart and capable, she can take care of herself. You can worry, but at the same time, take care of your own health. Then, when she comes back, you can love her properly."Jordan walked around the island.There was a helipad on the mountain with two helicopters.Out at sea, there was a large cruise ship docked.But she didn’t know how to pilot any of them, so there was no way to escape.In the end, she decided to just accept things as they were.If there was a problem, she would deal with it. If not, she’d wait."Mrs. Howard, Jasmine is looking for you."When Jordan returned to the villa, Buck handed her a phone.Hearing Jasmine’s name, she took it."Jasmine.""I'm relieved you're okay," said Jasmine, letting out a sigh of relief, then apologizing. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have drunk so much.""It’s not your fault."Since Westley had a plan to
She got up just around noon.After thinking for a moment, she decided to go see Westley.Westley wasn't in the bedroom, so she went downstairs to ask the staff.The servant pointed toward the kitchen, and she walked over, finding Westley cutting vegetables.A strip of bandages was wrapped around his exposed wrist.His pale lips and exhausted eyes suggested he was still in poor condition.Yet, he was cooking?Jordan pressed her lips together, her sleep had been poor, and her face didn’t look good either.She stood in place for a few seconds, then turned and walked away.If he didn’t take care of his own body, what business was it of hers?Westley glanced over but didn’t call her, continuing his task.Buck watched the whole scene, worried about Westley’s health, he was still running a fever.“Sir, you should rest. Let me arrange for someone to cook, and I’ll bring it up to you later. And Mrs. Howard... probably won’t care about you... You should take care of your health. Othe
Charlotte nodded. “So does unhygienic mean better taste?”Jane directly spoke to her belly, "Son, you have to treat your mother-in-law well in the future. Mommy won't be able to back you up. Mommy’s useless..."Charlotte raised her hand and poked her forehead. "Alright, stop the act.""You're even bringing the child up. We still don’t know if it's a boy."Jane said, "I want to arrange a marriage alliance with you. My child can sense his mother’s feelings and will surely fulfill his mother's wishes.""That's nonsense." Charlotte went out to buy what she wanted to eat.As soon as she sat in the car, she received a call from Frank."Is Mr. Smith slacking off again?"Frank chuckled. "I’m calling my wife. Is that not allowed anymore?"Charlotte had driven herself. She turned on the air conditioning and was thinking about going shopping. "I’ve got to go now. I'll be home tonight."Frank heard the sound of the engine and asked, "Did you go out?"Charlotte snorted, "You should know
The fireworks were dazzling and brilliant.Westley looked up in a certain direction.At the moment the fireworks bloomed, a figure appeared in the window of that place.Jordan couldn’t sleep because of Westley’s injury.As she tossed and turned in bed, a sudden bright light appeared in front of the window.She walked over to the window, opened it, and saw the fireworks bursting in the night sky.There seemed to be a few figures on the beach.But Westley was tall enough that she could spot him at a glance.At that moment, she forgot to watch the fireworks.It was only when Westley raised his hand and pointed upward that she looked up.She realized that the fireworks formed a few words.“I’m sorry, Jordan.”“Happy birthday.”Jordan had originally planned to spend her birthday with Nathan and Jane.But when she was brought over by Westley, she completely forgot about her birthday.She glanced at the time, and it was exactly midnight.Her birthday had begun.The night sky
Jordan had eaten and drunk enough and was about to return to her room.Westley called out to her."Wait a moment."Jordan ignored him and kept on walking.But Westley grabbed her arms and she was pulled back.She lost her balance and fell into the man's arms.As she fell, she instinctively reached out to support herself.She felt something change under her hand.Jordan jumped up as if she had been burned.She forgot there was a grill nearby, and as she was about to fall into it, she was pulled away by a force.She only heard a series of cracking sounds, and she landed on something soft but firm.When she looked closely, it was Westley's chest. She was in his arms, and his tall frame was completely shielding her.Before she could react, Buck and the others arrived.The area was crowded."Quick, put out the fire!""Call a doctor. Don’t move Mr. Howard. Help Mrs. Howard up."Jordan was stunned as she was pulled up.It was then that she saw the scene on the ground.The gr
Frank took the soup from her hands and drank it in a few gulps.Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her passionately.It had been several days since they had been close like this.The heat built up quickly.By the time Charlotte reacted, she was already lying on the bed.She covered his mouth and gently pushed him away a little."Let's finish talking about the important things.""This is the important thing," Frank said as he moved her hand away and pressed it on top of her head. He bent down and started unbuttoning her blouse."Frank..."Charlotte's voice was broken by his actions.After several days of separation, his movements were obviously more intense.She couldn't hold back, and the corners of her eyes filled with tears, as the wave of emotions overwhelmed her...Zachary set the food on the dining table and went to the bedroom to carry Jane out.But Jane wanted to walk by herself, and Zachary helped her sit down.Jane picked up her cutlery and started eatin