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
Charlotte patted her head. "First, make a video call to that little girl." Jane quickly found her phone and opened the landlord's WhatsApp. As soon as the call connected, the little girl appeared on screen, her eyes red. Tears were still visible on her face. The landlord was sitting next to her, waiting, not having gone to sleep. Jane apologized, "Sorry to disturb your rest." "Don't say that." The landlord gently patted her daughter's head. "I'm just happy you're alright." Jane smiled at the little girl. "Thanks to Celine, I'm fine." The little girl leaned closer to the screen. "Jane, you're lying. Your lips are swollen." Jane cleared her throat. "I ate something spicy earlier." She quickly added to prevent the little girl from saying anything else, "Alright, go to sleep now. We'll talk more when you get out of school. Jane went through a lot today, and she's tired too." The little girl, very understanding, handed the phone to her mother and went to bed
The captain laughed. "Don't think that just because we're from abroad, we don't understand anything.""Young lady, if you want to buy some time, then I'll play along with you. But if you're hoping for someone to rescue you, I advise you to give up on that thought. This is the border. Domestic ships can't get through here."Well, you don't know Frank.There's no one who can stop him from going where he wants to go.Jane tried her best to suppress her fear. "Sir, I have all kinds of tricks. If I can make you guys happy, can you spare my life?"She reached out, grabbed the captain's belt, and moved closer."As long as you don't kill me, you'll be my savior. I'll be yours from now on and let you have your fun with me. Is that okay?"Although Jane hadn't dressed herself up recently.But her facial features were stunning. Those fox-like eyes with a smile in them were even more alluring.The captain kept swallowing saliva. Apparently, he was attracted.However, they had already rece
They were anxious, not just because of the situation, but because they feared Zachary would go mad and go abroad with Jane. Frank glanced at their expressions and immediately understood that they were aware of Lexi's plan to send Jane abroad. "I suggest that while Zachary is looking for Jane, you should take care of the Sanchez family's matters. Otherwise, when Zachary comes back, there will be hell to pay." Jane ate the meal the waiter brought and then felt drowsy. She fell into a light sleep, and when she opened her eyes again, it was already half past nine. She remembered the things she had told the little girl before leaving and quickly grabbed her phone to call. But just then, the door was suddenly kicked open. Several adult men stormed in and grabbed her, dragging her outside. "What are you doing?" They had originally planned to reach the border, but unexpectedly, a violent storm had forced a slight course change. This delay allowed the effects of th
Lexi said, "The plane will leave traces. By then, Zachary will find you. The ship will change at the border and private sea areas. Once she changes ships, it will be hard to track." Jane remembered when Jack had taken Charlotte away before. She felt a sense of unease. After all, Lexi wasn't someone she could fully trust. "I didn't expect you to be so timid." Lexi noticed Jane's worry. "I thought someone with your background, who dared to pursue someone as different as Zachary, and even date him, would have extraordinary courage." But wasn't Jane regretting it now? Otherwise, why would she be running away? She decided not to care anymore. With a firm heart, she boarded the ship. Lexi smiled in satisfaction, but then a cold glint appeared in her eyes as she spoke to the captain. "When we reach the border, throw her into the sea and feed her to the sharks." No matter where she went, as long as Zachary wanted to find her, it was just a matter of time.
Lexi was so angry that she wanted to smash something. She got up and walked away, with each step of her high heels hitting the ground, the sound echoing her immense fury. The more difficult it was to conquer, the more determined she became to conquer it! Zachary went directly back to the Collins family home. The Collins family members were somewhat uneasy. When they saw him come back alone, they were both shocked and suspicious. "Did Lexi not come back with you?" asked Rebecca. Zachary did not respond and walked upstairs with long strides. Rebecca, along with Sir Collins and Madam Collins, exchanged gazes, all feeling something was off. It was strange that Zachary had actually returned to the Collins family. "Sean." Rebecca saw someone else entering behind him and immediately asked, "Did you follow him the whole time? Did you notice anything unusual?" Sean bent slightly, his face carrying a polite smile as he respectfully replied, "No abnormalities w
The situation between Zachary and Jane's relationship had not been made public. It was normal for the employees at the company not to know about it. Zachary did not answer when people congratulated him, and Lexi stood silently by his side, not saying anything either. But to those around them, their actions were as good as an admission.Some people even offered their congratulations, but Zachary didn't acknowledge them. He didn't go upstairs. Instead, he turned and left the building. This time, he didn't even get into Lexi's car. The smell inside the car was too overwhelming, making him dizzy.Lexi followed him, and they entered a nearby cafe. He didn't go straight to Jane's place, but Lexi knew that was just a way of hiding his true intentions. However, she wasn't concerned. After all, the Collins family would never approve of him being with Jane. She just needed to give him a bit of time to play along."Mr. Collins, aren't you going to consider my suggestion?" Lexi asked with a sli
The shock from the Collins family was too much for her. She wouldn't take the initiative, nor would she have the courage to continue with him.So what other way did he have?He'd tried both soft and hard tactics, yet this situation was still more complicated than advanced mathematics.The next day.Lexi invited Zachary out.But the Collins family hesitated.Rebecca said, "Why don't you two spend some more time getting to know each other at home first?"Lexi smiled. "Mrs. Collins, I know what you're worried about, but that woman is no longer in Jeswood."Rebecca was aware of this.After all, they had been keeping an eye on Jane's movements. They even knew where she was staying.It was surprising that Lexi had just returned a day ago, yet she had already figured it out.This kind of method and family background was exactly what the Collins family needed.It was also what Zachary needed."I've erased all traces. Even if he wants to find her today, he won't be able to, and it
The landlord nodded understandingly. "You young people do have a lot of new ideas."They chatted casually and soon reached the large square.The stage had already been set up.They had arrived early, but there were already a lot of people gathered.Jane commented, "It's quite formal."The landlord proudly replied, "This isn't just a community event, there are even celebrities."Jane became a little curious and wanted to see what celebrities were here.It turned out to be an R-list boy band, along with a few elderly artists.Well, it was still a big stage.She watched for a while, but soon lost interest. She made an excuse to go to the bathroom.Under the cover of night, she wandered around.She spotted a small shop and bought a bag of cheese-flavored chips to eat.This kind of life, she thought, couldn't last long. She hoped Zachary would hurry up and get married, so he would stop bothering her."Jane..." Jane was lost in thought when the voice startled her, almost caus
"Stop dreaming."Lexi, despite her feelings for Zachary, couldn't suppress her anger anymore."You want to marry that woman? That's nothing but wishful thinking."Zachary's gaze was icy, and every word he spoke, from his thin lips, carried a chilling frost."Her name is Jane."Lexi, at this point in her life, had never met a man who not only showed no interest in her but also repeatedly poked at her vulnerabilities."The more you protect her, the more dangerous she becomes. My offer won't change. You'll come to me eventually."With that, she turned, her heels clicking sharply as she walked toward the door."Excuse me, open the door."Sean opened the door.Lexi held her head high as she walked downstairs.Sean was about to close the door when Zachary threw the food outside.He even "thoughtfully" closed the door after that.When Rebecca saw the untouched food that Sean had brought down, she couldn't help but feel some pity."Not eating yet?"She had just praised Lexi for