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
Then the call was hung up.He guessed that, within three hours, his boss would definitely arrive.Sure enough, when he was sending Jordan to the airport, he ran into the hurriedly arriving Westley.Jordan didn't want to stay there any longer, and after sending the photos, she immediately planned to leave.Westley's appearance didn't surprise her much.Buck followed along, so he knew she had expected it."How are you? Are you hurt anywhere?"Westley grabbed Jordan's hand and thoroughly checked her over.When he saw the red marks on her wrist, his gaze immediately turned cold.Buck quickly said, "It's been dealt with. He won't get away with it."However, Westley still had a very grim expression. He pulled Jordan toward the VIP lounge.Jordan didn't want to go and forcefully tried to shake him off.But she didn't expect that the restraint she could never break free from before was now easily shaken off.She watched in disbelief as Westley collapsed, his abdomen soaked in bloo
Jordan felt disgusted.It was typical for the man to act so arrogantly."What's going on?" The designer, who had been sending the models off the stage, noticed that the crowd had gathered.He finally made his way through the crowd to the center of the circle.As soon as he saw the man, his expression immediately changed. He smiled obsequiously and said, "Who upset you?"The man raised his hand and pointed at Jordan. "Did you bring her here?"The designer followed the direction of his finger and looked over.Upon seeing Jordan, he immediately understood.This man from the Howard family was known for liking beautiful women, which was why he had invested in the fashion show.In the past, he had turned a blind eye to his investments, but now that it was Jordan, he had to think twice.After all, Jordan was not only a well-known photographer, but also a disciple of Oliver.The Sykes family was not on the same level as the Howard family, but it was still not something he could affo
Upon hearing the name, Buck sneered.He was nowhere near as powerful as Zachary.Buck couldn’t believe how arrogant they were being with only a little bit of power.He immediately struck with a swift move.The man winced in pain and released his grip.Buck shielded Jordan behind him.The models on stage began to exit.The standoff caught people's attention.They heard a man cursing loudly, "Damn, you dare hit me? I'll make you regret this, whether you believe it or not!""I don't believe it."Buck couldn't be bothered to waste time on such an idiot. He took out his phone and made a call.More people from the audience at the show started gathering around.Some recognized the man and whispered to each other, "Isn't that a member of the Howard family?""I heard he's the brother-in-law of the head of Howard family's."Buck had excellent hearing. When he caught this conversation, he recalled the man's name. It turned out the person was from a branch of the Howard family, kept
Jordan had nothing more to say and could only show her work to the designer.At the front desk, Buck found the best viewing spot. This way, he could immediately send updates to Westley about Jordan’s situation.At the back of the stage, Jordan took a few simple photos first.The models gathered around and saw the photos she had taken.The casual shots showed her impressive skills."Does you own a studio or a company, Miss?""A company.""Then, Miss, can I book you now? When I get married, I hope you can do the whole process of my wedding photoshoot."Jordan politely declined, "Wedding photos are not my main area of work. I can't take this job, but I can recommend photographers for you."One of the models asked, "What about personal portraits?"Jordan wasn't into those either. "Sorry, most of the time I photograph animals and red carpet events. I don't have time for personal portraits."Suddenly, someone picked up Jordan's work badge."I thought you looked familiar. You're t
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