Although we didn't usually live here, the housekeeping staff kept everything immaculate, with not a speck of dust in sight. Even the bedsheets and covers were changed every three days. There was a vintage-style wedding photo hanging on the bedside, touched up by a top-notch editor without a trace of Photoshop.When Ryan sat on the bed, I attempted to withdraw my wrist again, but he held on tight, furrowing his brow. "You won't even help me apply medicine before the divorce is finalized?""I'll get the first aid kit. What else would I use to wipe it for you?"Helpless, I had to compromise. Only then did he let go, relaxing his grip. "Go ahead."I found the first aid kit in the drawer, took out the iodine and ointment, and walked over to him, standing in front of him. The wound on his forehead was shocking, and I gently lowered my head, one hand supporting the back of his head, the other wiping away the blood stains.Grandpa had really laid into him; as soon as I wiped away the bloo
My heart skipped a beat.In an instant, an indescribable discomfort overwhelmed me. This ring—it was our wedding ring. Back when we got married, he might not have cared much, but Grandpa spared no expense for his granddaughter-in-law. A million dollars in wedding gifts, a luxury wedding house, and wedding rings custom-made by a top-tier jewelry designer. Later, the dowry went to my aunt to repay her for raising me. There was no place for me in the marital home. The only thing left to accompany me daily was this ring.When we first married, I joyfully wore it on my ring finger. Upon learning that I was also working at the Frost Group, Ryan immediately advised me to keep a low profile. That very day, I took it off and wore it around my neck on a delicate chain. I wore it like that for three whole years.Something that once brought me joy had now become a silent mockery. To Ryan, this ring and I were both unwelcome. I chuckled self-deprecatingly, "I just forgot to take it off."Indeed
I smiled faintly. "As long as you're not like that, it's fine."A hint of hurt flashed across his expression. "Am I really that bad in your eyes?""It could be worse. Those who abuse, do drugs, gamble—they're much worse than you.""Charlotte," he said, his face darkening. Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock on the door.Accompanied by Jessica's clear voice, "Ryan, I'm coming in."Before anyone could respond, the door clicked open and she walked in."Ryan, I'm here to help you with..."Her voice trailed off as soon as she saw me, her smile freezing on her face.I spoke calmly, "I'll leave first.""Charlotte."Jessica spoke with an air of cordiality, "Since we're getting divorced, we should maintain that appearance. Don't misunderstand, I'm just worried that malicious gossip might tarnish your reputation.""You're announcing our divorce personally before the state even issues us the divorce certificate?"I couldn't resist adding casually, "My reputation, no matte
Grandpa saw through me, and I nodded without hesitation. "Yes."He raised his hand, gesturing for Albert to bring something over—a yellowed medical record.As I took it and glanced at it, my heart felt like it was gripped tightly by an invisible hand.Ryan's childhood.Years spent with a psychologist...I looked up awkwardly, completely unable to believe this.That such a prodigy would be a regular visitor to the psychiatrist.It made sense, though.Born motherless, a father consumed by another woman, turning the household upside down, only doting on his stepdaughter.Psychological issues.It was all too normal."Over these years, I've wondered whether to tell him or not."Grandpa sighed, his eyes full of experience, "But someday, he will find out regardless. You can't hide it from him forever."Leaving the Frost family's old mansion with mixed emotions, on the way back, my right eyelid kept twitching.Normally, I didn't believe in these things, but today my chest felt ti
"Where's Jessica?" I avoided his gesture, choking out the question.Grandpa had the incident with Jessica, so why wasn't she here?Before I could finish, the sound of high heels hitting the corridor floor interrupted me. Jessica hurried over, her face pale with panic. "Ryan, is Grandpa okay? I'm sorry, it's hard to get a cab from the old mansion. I was delayed..."I cut her off sharply, "Why did Grandpa suddenly collapse?"A flicker of nervousness passed over Jessica's face, then she said, "I-I don't know. He just couldn't breathe suddenly and then passed out.""Just like that? You didn't say or do anything?" I didn't believe her.These past two years, Grandpa has been in good health, regularly getting check-ups. Even when he was so angry with Ryan, nothing happened, so it was impossible for him to fall ill for no reason."What are you implying? Charlotte, do you suspect I made Grandpa sick out of anger?"Jessica looked lost for words, suddenly clutching her stomach in pain, ca
"This isn't right..." I just felt something was off.Ryan pressed, "What's not right?"I concentrated for a moment. "Grandpa usually takes his medicine immediately when he feels unwell. Generally, he can recover. How did he just collapse this time?""Yes, whenever Grandpa came for his check-ups, I noticed he always had medicine ready in his pockets. If he had taken it in time today, it wouldn't have been so serious," the hospital director remarked.I looked coldly at Ryan. "Where's Jessica?""She's resting in the ward."After Ryan answered, his face darkened, and he asserted, "You suspect her? That's impossible. Despite her temper, she's not malicious. Besides, she's always obedient in front of Grandpa."Upon hearing this, for the first time, I couldn't contain my anger.Would someone with no malicious intent persistently try to seduce another woman's husband? I knew better than to try and wake someone pretending to be asleep.Feeling too lazy to argue with him, I turned to th
"Don't..." Jessica tugged at his sleeve. "I just want you to stay with me, just for a while. Can you do that? If not, then let me suffer to death!""Then suffer to death," Ryan replied coldly, though he poured her a cup of hot water in a detached manner. "Drink more hot water."Jessica snorted coldly. "Hot water doesn't cure illnesses."I stumbled back from their collision, almost falling. As I looked up, I witnessed their natural interaction.One was willing to pretend, the other was willing to believe.After Grandpa was taken to the ICU, the doctors advised against visiting for his elderly condition. I could only stand at the door, watching through the glass.Grandpa, usually kind and gentle, now relied on an oxygen mask to breathe. I felt unbearable sadness wash over me.Suddenly, I noticed Grandpa's fingers twitch.Excited, I turned to Albert. "Albert, did Grandpa move just now?""Yes, yes! You didn't see wrong, he's moving."Albert was also excited.I had thought Grandp
Thought Grandpa might plead for me not to divorce Ryan.But he didn't.I could keenly feel Grandpa's life slipping away bit by bit, his voice incredibly weak. "Whatever happens... don't let Jessica marry into our family. Guard the Frost family for me.""I will... I will..."I was on the verge of collapse, crying and nodding repeatedly. "Grandpa, did Jessica say something to you? Otherwise, why would you suddenly fall ill...""She..."A trace of disgust and anger flickered in Grandpa's eyes, but he sighed in the end. "Just remember what Grandpa said.""Okay... Charlotte remembers, every word."Choking up, I spoke, afraid to ask another word, fearing I might anger Grandpa again.But seeds of doubt were planted in my heart.Jessica must have said something to Grandpa."Dear, don't be sad. Take good care of the child in your belly."Grandpa used his last bit of strength, smiling kindly at me. "With this, Grandpa can rest in peace...""Beep..."The monitor emitted a sharp and
Westley knew why Zachary specifically mentioned these two things.Once the wedding was held, the whole world would know they were married.And once they had the child, he and Jordan would be very closely connected.Even if the hidden matters came to light, and there were issues between the Howard and Jackson families, it wouldn't be easy for Jordan to distance herself from him.But Westley didn't want to do that.He still needed to ask Jordan, and if she wanted to know, he would give her the choice.He had never really given her the power to choose before, he had always been forcing her into decisions."I'll notify you."Zachary didn't get involved in this matter and didn't say anything else.He first took Jordan and Westley back home.When they got out of the car, Jane said to Jordan, "Don't overthink it, this is all caused by the previous generation, it has nothing to do with us. If you keep thinking about it, aren't you punishing yourself for someone else's mistakes?"Jor
But he always had doubts in his heart.He had thought it was just a professional habit.Now he realized, it might not be, and this could be another kind of warning — from Grandpa.Someone like him, who could cause trouble for the Jackson family, was really quite extraordinary."It'll be fine, trust me, okay?"Jordan turned to hug him, burying her head in his shoulder.Westley gently patted her back, offering silent comfort.When she fell asleep, he took his phone and went to the balcony.He called his father."What a surprise," said Jonathan. "But... there must be a reason why you’re calling me so late at night, right?"Westley held a cigarette in his hand but didn't light it.To be honest, he wasn't feeling certain either.Sometimes, it was actually better to stay a little confused."Dad, do you know about the Jackson family?"Jonathan was silent for a moment. "You want to ask about your grandfather and the Jackson family?""Yes.""I advise you not to know too much abo
Jane also felt that finding out wouldn't mean anything. On the contrary, it might cause a fuss."Then we won't look into it. Let's just pretend we don't know anything."Jordan followed, "I agree with my sister."Zachary and Westley quickly exchanged a look.Westley agreed, saying they wouldn't investigate.But he was the kind of person who couldn't leave any potential risks, so he still needed to be clear about the cause and effect himself.Back at the Jackson family, Westley accompanied Calvin to play chess.Aunt Emily asked Zachary how things went.Zachary smiled faintly, replying, "It went well. No issues."Aunt Emily nodded. "Did both of them meet their grandma?""They did," said Zachary. "The two sisters took a peek, and I spoke with Calandra for a bit with Westley."Aunt Emily's gaze flickered. "What did you talk about?""Nothing much. Just some casual things." Zachary took out his phone. "Aunt Emily, I have a work call to make.""Go ahead and do what you have to."
The friend who Elvis took a bullet for was the same person who had brought Jordan to the Howard family back then.Westley suddenly felt that something he had overlooked was becoming clear.Zachary also sensed that something was off and signaled him to continue speaking.Westley said, "That friend had been with my grandfather for many years, they passed away one after the other."Calandra's expression suddenly changed, and she tightly grasped Westley's hand.Westley's heart sank, but he didn't show any emotion on his face. He gently asked, "Grandma, are you feeling unwell?"Calandra suddenly pushed Westley away. "It's all your fault!""If you had helped, how could all of this have happened?" Then Calandra began crying. "If it weren't for necessity, how could I have done such things? How could I lose my daughter, my granddaughter?"Westley and Zachary exchanged a glance and looked at Ruth. "Ruth, help Grandma get some rest. If she needs medicine, give it to her.""Okay." Ruth ha
The fact that Jordan resembled her mother was well known to everyone.She felt quite happy about it, but just as she was about to speak, the care worker’s words caused her to feel extremely upset."You look so much like her, so it's better if you don't go in."Jane patted Jordan's back, signaling her not to be upset.This wasn't her fault. It was beyond their control.Jordan shook her head, signaling that she was fine.Jane turned to the care worker and asked, "Can I go in then?"The care worker examined Jane closely and said, "You resemble your father a little, but thankfully, not as much as Mr. Jackson. However, I still suggest you don't go in. Even the slightest stimulus could be dangerous for someone who's sick."Jane hugged Jordan. "We really are sisters."Jordan gave a wry smile.Westley gently patted her head. "I'll go in first to take a look. Don't worry."He then turned to the care worker. "Take them to a warm place."The care worker led Jane and Jordan to enter fr
Everything was discussed in the group chat."You're not going?"Jane glanced at her grandfather. There was a rift between him and her grandmother, so it wasn't very convenient. But Aunt Emily was her grandmother's biological daughter.Since their grandmother had already lost two daughters, she should cherish Aunt Emily and Aunt Orianna even more.Aunt Emily's face darkened slightly. "Your grandmother is ill, so I won't go this time. If you can't stand it, just come back immediately. It'll be fine."Jane comforted Aunt Emily. "It's fine, I'll handle it. I still have some confidence when it comes to easing relationships."Aunt Emily forced a smile. "There's no need to force it. We're happy that your grandmother can live this long, without any pain when she leaves. As daughters, we're also relieved."Jane was curious, but since this matter was painful for the Jackson family, she didn't ask further.Zachary and Westley arrived late and apologized to Aunt Emily and Calvin."It's fi
"Do you think I'm stupid?" Jordan was no longer the fool she once was. "If we go down for breakfast in the morning, will they think we did something?"Westley smiled, hugging her and admitting his mistake. "I’m sorry, please don’t be mad.""You apologize every time, but you'll still do the same thing next time."Westley had originally thought that their real first time should be in the honeymoon suite.But the Jackson family's residence was hers, and it had been prepared for her from the beginning.He was indeed feeling tempted, but seeing how embarrassed she was, he decided to hold back.But then she insisted on getting close to him that night.It wasn't like he was impotent, how could he resist?"As for this matter, I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m apologizing because I love you.""Jordy."When he called her that, there was a sense of helplessness in his tone.Jordan also felt that she had overreacted.But in the Jackson family's residence with Westley... she really felt s
Aunt Emily also felt awkward. "Jane, it's cold today..."Jane glanced at the time and felt it was about time.She then took Calvin and Aunt Emily back home.Aunt Emily personally went to cook for everyone. She was full of joy since Jane and Jordan returned.Jane first gave Calvin his medicine and, with some free time, played chess with him.She didn't know how to play at all, but Calvin was very patient and taught her bit by bit.At dinner, they finally saw Westley and Jordan.Jane noticed that Jordan clearly avoided eye contact, her cheeks flushed with a bit of redness, feeling embarrassed and shy.Westley, however, remained calm and composed, looking refreshed."Grandpa, dinner time." Jane put down her chess piece. "Let’s get Westley to play with you after dinner, he plays better than me. Otherwise, it's just boring here with me."Calvin was in a good mood. "It's fine, I enjoy playing with anyone."As long as they were all around, safe, happy, and healthy, he was fine with
In the middle of it, Westley went outside to get some food to replenish Jordan.Jordan buried herself under the blanket, feeling extremely embarrassed.In the end, she had been the one to go back on her own words."Have something to eat."Westley pulled her out of the blanket, put his shirt on her, and carried her to the sofa.Jordan gave him a resentful look.Her pout clearly showed she was angry, but Westley only wanted to kiss her."Westley!"Jordan suddenly pushed him away. "You're so annoying."Westley handed her some cutlery. "Well, you can be mad at me all you want but you’ve got to eat something first."Jordan really was hungry. She hadn't eaten anything all morning and had used up a lot of energy.She turned her frustration into appetite.Westley ate a little too.Jordan's eyes darted around, hesitating to speak. "When you went downstairs earlier..."Westley knew what she wanted to ask, but pretended not to understand. "What do you mean?"Jordan glared at him. "