"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
Repeatedly recalling Grandpa's instructions.Before, Grandpa didn't approve of Ryan being with Jessica, just thinking she was a bit too complicated, but today... it seems completely different.What exactly did Jessica say to Grandpa?As the car entered the old mansion, I got out directly to leave. Ryan caught up in two big strides, pulling me into his arms.My body stiffened, and his head buried in my shoulder, he spoke somewhat helplessly, "Charlotte, stay with me tonight.""Just for one night.""Please."His words reminded me of the medical record I saw in the study during the day, and pity welled up inside me. "Alright."The atmosphere in the old mansion became heavy, just missing Grandpa made the whole house feel suddenly empty that night.Back in the bedroom, I took a hot bath, but when I came out, Ryan was nowhere to be seen.As I slept in the middle of the night, someone slowly embraced me from behind. Without turning around, I knew who it was.For some reason, in eve
The next day, when the servants blocked me at the gate of the old mansion, not allowing me to step out, I understood.Last night was indeed just a notification.I knew this was Ryan's idea; it had nothing to do with the servants. I patiently asked, "Where is Ryan?""Master left before dawn.""Did Albert return?""Not yet. Albert is handling the arrangements after Master's passing."I calmly said, "What if I insist on going out now?""Madam, you can't leave."The servant pointed to several black-clad bodyguards standing outside the French windows.I couldn't help but freeze.In these three years, Ryan's hypocrisy hadn't changed at all. Clearly, he told me to stay here for just one night, but now he wouldn't even let me step out of the main gate.For a moment, I even wondered if he was ever the same boy who used to kindly take me to the school clinic, who always tried to respect my dignity and invited me to dinner.Could eight years really change someone so drastically?In t
He was afraid I would call the police again, so he decided not to go to the company and instead held a video conference in the study.I sat in the courtyard all afternoon, feeling as if I was sitting on pins and needles.The next day was the day of my grandfather's funeral, with a somber and desolate atmosphere. It was drizzling lightly, the cold seeping into our hearts.I finally got out of the Frost family mansion and stood by Ryan's side, being led by him like a puppet on a string to receive the guests who came to mourn.His temper had been terrible these past two days, more like he was revealing his true nature rather than changing.I had no choice but to yield to him.I had told him again last night that my grandfather had never asked us not to divorce before he passed away, only that Jessica should not marry into the Frost family. He didn't believe me. He accused me of lying.But I was too tired to argue with him.During the funeral, I stood quietly on the sidelines in a
Upon hearing this, I couldn't help but be stunned for a moment but quickly understood the reason behind it.Jane furrowed his brows tightly, looking at me with confusion, and whispered, "Did Ryan suddenly change?""No," I replied, watching Jessica being escorted away by the bodyguards, gently pursing my lips. "He's just feeling guilty and wants to make amends."At the moment of Grandpa's passing, as his most beloved grandson, Ryan wasn't by his side. His absence on the day of Grandpa's death had greatly upset him. How could he not feel guilty, regretful, and self-blaming?His ultimate way of expressing it was to obey Grandpa's words and insist that I become the mistress of the Frost family for life. It had nothing to do with me as a person.After the funeral, I returned to the old mansion and helped Albert organize Grandpa's belongings. The servants had already tidied up once, leaving only Grandpa's everyday clothes.Every piece I held in my hands made me feel as if Grandpa hadn'
Tears streamed down my face in an instant as I tremblingly took the velvet box.Opening it, I saw two brilliant jade sculptures. One had floating flower patterns, the other did not.This grade of jadeite was hard to come by. It showed how much Grandpa cared.I carefully closed the lid and took a deep breath. "When did Grandpa find out about my pregnancy?"He knew long ago, but to take care of my emotions, he never asked me.Grandpa had passed away, but I still felt how much he cared.Albert said, "After the last family banquet, Mr. William had someone check your medical records... Don't blame him. He was only afraid of your health problems and worried about you intentionally hiding it from him.""Why would I blame..." I cried harder. "I only blame myself."If I had told Grandpa earlier, he could have been happier for a while longer.He didn’t need to be so careful and afraid to even ask me."Bringing an heir to the Frost family is already a good thing. Even if the old man has
I was momentarily stunned.I almost forgot about this matter.Grandpa had passed away, and Ryan, as the head of the Frost family, naturally had to move in.I freed myself from his grasp and compromised. "Forget it then."Later that evening, the servants prepared dinner, and Albert came to call us downstairs to eat.The vast old mansion seemed to be functioning in an orderly manner as usual.However, everyone's expressions were somewhat solemn.After dinner, I returned to my room to wash up and fell into a deep slumber.For two whole days, I had hardly closed my eyes. I was tired but couldn’t sleep.Now that everything had settled down, I slept particularly soundly, waking naturally only the next morning.Ryan was no longer there.These days, the company had been extremely busy, with rival companies trying to take advantage of this time to strike.When I arrived at work, I received many strange looks along the way.Although Ryan had promised not to have any more contact wit
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