“Then they start to confess.”Nina finally grasped something.She didn’t say anything more and silently finished the sandwiches before lying down with her back to Zachary.So that was it.He wanted her to take the bullet for Jane.Since Jane had drowned, his enemies had already discovered his beloved.Zachary’s weaknesses were hard to find, it was rare to have one, so how could he let it go?Originally, news of their wedding plans had already leaked out.Many had tested the waters in recent days, and some even found out that she had been to the hospital’s obstetrics department.By then, Jane broke up with Zachary.If Zachary had been looking for her openly, that would have been fine.But he didn’t look for her and went ahead with the wedding as planned.Now everyone would think that the rumors about his true love were true.Perhaps some would even think that Zachary’s search for Jane was a smokescreen to protect her.After that, all the arrows would be aimed at her.It w
“Madam Hall, please don’t get upset.” Jane stepped forward and gently patted Madam Hall’s chest. “You can’t get too emotional. Let us resolve our matters ourselves, for now, let’s eat.”Madam Hall could hardly eat, looking at Michael with some disappointment. “Are you trying to infuriate me?”Michael knelt before Madam Hall. “Grandma, please don’t be mad. Can I resolve this matter with Jane ourselves?”His kneeling made Jane feel a bit awkward.After all, it was her fault for not controlling herself and mentioned the matter to Madam Hall.If something happened to Madam Hall because of this, she was definitely responsible.“Grandma, let us talk about this ourselves. I’ll bring the food into the room, and you can eat alone, okay?”Madam Hall sighed and shot Michael a glare, allowing Jane to support her into her bedroom.Jane brought the food inside, and when she came back out, Michael was still kneeling.“Are you kneeling to me? Come on, I can’t accept this. Go get some wine, le
“But Zachary…” Jane seemed unable to find the right words to express her feelings. After a moment of thought, she said, “He… is different.”There was a hint of bitterness in her smile.“My breakup with him wasn’t just because of Nina. It was also because I felt I didn’t have the courage to go against the whole world with him. Because I loved him, I didn’t want him to become an enemy of his family and the world just because of me. He started off as a fine young man, but in the end, he would have nothing. Michael, since you said you like me, I think you can understand what I mean.”Listening to her confession about Zachary, Michael felt a pang of pain in his heart.But he believed that Jane was suffering even more.From the moment he met her, she had always been vibrant and radiant.Like a bird soaring freely, only finding a branch to rest on when she was tired.After resting, she would continue to embrace the sky.No one could make her stop flying.But now, she was here, expres
After listening, Zachary asked in a cold voice, “Abroad?”Ronan nodded. “We traced the call and found it was from a public phone booth.”“Since it didn’t get through and there’s no surveillance, we can’t determine who Nina contacted.”Zachary furrowed his brows but didn’t linger on this minor issue.He tidied himself up and went downstairs, only to be stopped by his parents.His grandparents were also present.It was yet another intense family meeting.He sat down on a single sofa, crossing his long legs and idly twirling a lighter in his hand.He didn’t speak.After a moment of silence in the living room, it was Rebecca who broke the ice.“Zachary, the child’s not yours. You should already know that, right?”“Yep.”“What are your plans then?”“What plans?”Zachary’s indifferent demeanor didn’t anger the Collins family. Since he had always been like this growing up, they felt it was a good thing—rational, detached, and careful, not swayed by emotions.Who would have th
Nina truly didn’t expect Zachary to visit her ward.However, she soon managed to pull a hint of mockery from within.For Jane, Zachary was willing to do anything.“Zachary, I don’t want to hold a wedding with you.”Zachary was peeling an apple, the knife dancing between his long fingers, leaving a vivid pattern on the fruit.Upon hearing this, the man didn’t even look up.His expression remained calm, focused solely on the apple.Nina could only see a girl-like face.But she didn’t care what he was carving, nor did she want to know.“I know you want me to be a shield to protect Jane, but I don’t want that.”Zachary set the apple down on the side table, his pale fingers still gripping the fruit knife.A slight movement caused the blade to gleam coldly.“What’s wrong? Weren’t you the one who would do whatever it takes to marry me?”Zachary’s lips barely curved into a faint smile. “Marrying me always comes at a painful cost. Unfortunately, it’s too late for you to realize thi
Michael raised his hand and mimed a zipper motion across his lips.The moment Jane's plane landed in the capital, Zachary received the news.He only learned of her arrival and didn’t try to stop her or seek her out.To his surprise, she contacted him first.“Where are you?” “Let’s talk over the phone.”Had she grown so distant after just a few days apart?Jane didn’t want to lose the bet so easily and wanted to do something. “If you don’t tell me where you are, I can just ask Frank.”Zachary simply told her to come to the First Infirmary before hanging up.Jane's companion, Michael, who was nearby, picked up on the tension.“Jane, you seem upset?”Jane shook her head. It was colder in Jeswood than in Larecton. She put on her red coat and walked out of the airport without replying.Upon arriving at the hospital, they headed to the VIP ward.Seeing Roy, Jane greeted him and asked, “Where’s Zachary?”Roy pointed towards the smoking area, and Jane walked over.Michael follo
Jane finally came to her senses and said thank you. "There's no need to thank me, Jane," Michael carefully applied burn ointment on Jane's hand. He even blew on it to prevent her from feeling pain. Jane had endured much worse injuries than this. However, looking at Michael's cautious demeanor warmed her heart. "Michael." "What is it, Jane?" Jane reached out to touch his head and said, "You won." Michael smiled. "Jane, then let bygones be bygones. We can’t go back in time, so let’s look forward." "Okay." Jane nodded. After applying the medicine, the two of them left the hospital. Roy followed Zachary and hid in a corner. He sighed softly to himself. When Rebecca found Michael's house, she was informed by Madam Hall that Jane had returned to Jeswood. She hurried back to Jeswood. The person she arranged said that Jane was on her way home, so she quickly instructed the driver to head there. The taxi didn’t enter the neighborhood but stopped a
Rebecca's expression suddenly turned darkened. It seemed that Zachary's determination to protect Jane could not be shaken by anyone. For the sake of a woman, he risked his own future. This caused Rebecca to find Jane even more displeasing. Jane was very good at reading people's emotions, since she was young, she had known when her father was drunk to a certain extent that she would be hit. Since Rebecca did not like her, she felt no need to say much. At that moment, she had broken up with Zachary. Moreover, even if she wanted to please this future mother-in-law, the other party was clearly unmoved. She didn’t want to be an ass-licker, but kept the basic manners. "Is there anything else you want? If not, I'll be going home." Rebecca hesitated, she did not want the wedding to happen, but she also did not wish for Zachary to reconcile with Jane. There was one more thing—Zachary had said not to ruin the wedding, or else… Jane noticed Rebecca was hesitating but
He didn’t even furrow his brows."If hitting me will make you feel better, go ahead and hit me. Just make sure I’m still alive after you’re done. That way, I’ll still be able to make arrangements for you if someone bullies you."Jane snorted coldly. "You’re the one who’s bullying me.""Well, I admit that." His gaze burned with intensity as he looked at her. "I can’t live without you."Jane sneered. "Oh, so because you can’t live without me, you bully me?""How can having sex be seen as bullying you?"‘He’s so annoying.’Jane didn’t want to talk about these ambiguous topics with him."Let go, I need to wash up."Zachary released her, but Jane, still irritated, kicked him.Zachary, however, seemed to be in a great mood.Once she finished her makeup and changed clothes, they went out to eat together.As Zachary introduced Nelana to her, Jane became more and more upset."You know so much about Nelana, you must have already arranged everything in advance. So, last night, you we
The phone was still turned off.But even though she was angry, Jane knew that Zachary wasn’t crazy enough to take someone’s life just because he was upset.She figured he just didn’t want her to contact Dominic tonight.She would call him tomorrow instead.However, when she woke up, she didn’t expect Dominic to be the one calling her first."Are you okay?"They both spoke at the same time.After saying that, both of them laughed.Dominic was still a little dazed. "Do you know what happened to me?""After I paid the bill yesterday, two tall and burly men in black suits dragged me into a car, and I passed out right away. I woke up this morning, having slept on the floor all night. My neck was sore from sleeping on the ground, and I think I might be catching a cold. Achoo—"Jane cursed Zachary inwardly.How petty! What was wrong with putting Dominic on his bed?"One of my friends is a weirdo, sorry for the trouble."Dominic sniffed. "It wasn’t too bad. By the way, is he your
Knock knock—There was a knock at the door.Zachary stood up to open it.Raymond handed him a chicken pizza.He sensed that the atmosphere wasn’t quite right and, gathering some courage, she asked, "Sir, you didn’t have anything for dinner. Should I have the hotel bring something over?"Zachary nodded and mentioned a few dishes.Raymond agreed and went to instruct the hotel.He happened to run into Ross on his way back and they chatted."I have no idea what Miss Greenwood might want. Mr. Collins doesn’t even know what he likes to eat himself, but he remembers what she likes."Ross, eating a sandwich, said, "Doesn’t Mr. Collins like roast chicken?"He remembered that when Miss Greenwood brought food to the Mr. Collins’s house last time, she had mentioned it.Raymond shot him a look. "You’re a blockhead. That’s what Miss Greenwood likes. Now, the things that Mr. Collins like are because they’re what Miss Greenwood likes."Ross blinked. "Oh."Raymond was rendered speechless.
Jane said, "This is not something you should be doing.""I caused the injury, so I should be the one to handle it.""I'll do it myself!"Zachary held her hands, "You can't see the injury, you have long nails as well. What if you hurt yourself again? I think I should apply the medicine."Jane felt helpless."Zachary, I’ll just ask you one thing, can you understand what I’m saying?""I’ve already ordered pizza. It’ll be delivered soon."‘As expected, he doesn’t understand what I said,’ thought Jane.Jane was no match for Zachary in terms of strength or words, so she ended up crying.Zachary stopped.Jane immediately broke free from his hands and sat on the other side of the bed."Do you only feel happy when you see me in pain?"Zachary pursed his lips. "No.""Then why do you insist on forcing me to do things I don't want to do? I’m a person, not some item that you can do whatever you want to.""Is that how you see me?" Zachary looked at her, his eyes darkened slightly. "I l
"I was just handling some matters, but I can't tell you. Please understand."Jane seemed to believe him and nodded. "I see."Raymond also nodded. "That's right."Jane smiled. "You were handling matters, but what about the others?""They also have their own matters to deal with.""So..." Jane’s gaze suddenly became sharp. "You all went off to work, but there's no one guarding the hotel entrance? Aren’t you worried that while he’s in bed with me, his enemies might come and kill him? After all, the bed is when a man is most vulnerable. You’re a man, so you should understand that, right?"For a moment, Raymond seemed distracted, as if he had seen his Mr. Collins casually asking him what mistake he had made.Then, with a cold tone, he would be sent off to Afrealia, just like Roy.The more you say, the more mistakes you make. He stopped explaining and simply said."Miss Greenwood, it’s not safe outside. You should stay in the hotel and wait for Mr. Collins."Jane didn’t believe the
He placed the pillow behind her waist and asked gently, "What do you want to eat? I’ll have someone prepare it."Jane glared at him and said, "Get out!"Zachary took her hand and said, "There’s a banquet tomorrow. Come with me."Jane pulled her hand back and replied coldly, "You’re really sick.""Yes, and you’re the reason I”m sick."Jane raised her hand, intending to hit him. "Get out!"Zachary grabbed her wrist and smiled.Jane felt that he was seriously ill and decided it was better to just leave.But as soon as she lifted the blanket, a cold wind blew, and she quickly pulled it back up."Turn around!"Her teeth were clenched in anger, wishing she could bite him.Zachary's gaze slid over her body. "What are you hiding?""I..."Jane covered his mouth. "Don’t be such a pervert."Zachary held her hand. "The banquet tomorrow has to do with the purpose of your trip. Are you really not going?""How do you know what I came here for?"Zachary didn’t answer, just looked at he
Annie saw the red marks on his neck as he moved.There was also a bite mark on his Adam's apple.Both marks told her of the wildness he had shared with Jane just moments ago.The thing she feared most had happened."And not even a day apart," Zachary said again, his voice was cold enough to send shivers down one’s spine.Annie met his sharp gaze, instinctively taking a step back.But then she felt it was wrong and moved forward to stand in front of him."What are you saying? I don’t understand," she said, reaching out to grab his arm.Zachary turned sideways to avoid her, and Ross immediately restrained Annie, kicking her in the knee and forcing her to kneel on the ground."Zachary!"Annie had never been so humiliated before.Since childhood, everyone had always revolved around her.She was given everything she wanted.Without speaking, people would rush to her, handing her things that were close to her heart.Zachary was no different, he had been delivered to her by her
"I had wanted to repay you before, but you refused. Turns out, you were saving it for such a situation. Zachary, is it fun to fool me around?"Zachary lifted his head, and his dark eyes were filled with deep desire.He had been restraining himself, and the veins on his arm were bulging.But this time, he wanted to ask her for a favor."Am I really so unworthy in your eyes?"It wasn’t that he was completely unacceptable, but after all, he had previously forced her against her will."You can’t have lost contact with your subordinates.""Nelana isn’t my turf. There are people here who don’t want me here."As for his business matters, Jane didn’t want to know or analyze anything.She simply said, "Anyway, I’m not suited to help you solve the current problem. If you want, you can get some cold water, and I’ll go buy some medicine for you."The corners of Zachary’s eyes drooped slightly, and he looked almost pitiful."Is it really that hard to help me?"Jane nodded. "I think we’r
Before Jane finished speaking, she watched as Zachary slowly stood up on his own.But then he suddenly leaned towards her.She quickly held him up.Zachary rested his head on her shoulder, his breath hot and heavy against her neck, so hot it felt alarming."Wait, weren't the people around you supposed to be sticking with you at all times? How did you end up like this, all alone?"She heard the man's voice, weak and faint."Take me back to the hotel..."Jane was really at her wit's end.He didn't even tell her the name of the hotel. How was she supposed to know where to take him?In the end, with no other choice, she reached into his pocket to find his phone.She searched both side pockets of his pants, but there was no phone.He was only wearing a white shirt, no coat.That meant his phone wasn't on him.No wonder he hadn't contacted his subordinates.But that didn't make sense either—his subordinates were supposed to be with him at all times.Before she could figure it