Aspen had suffered severe emotional trauma, but physically, she was mostly fine with just a few minor injuries. After she got treated, the police arrived at the hospital to take her statement. Along with them came Gwyneth and Colin."Ms. Nicholls, if you need someone to blame, then blame me. Yell at me, hit me if you want—but please, don't go after Zac," Gwyneth pleaded, her voice shaking."He's still young. He has his whole future ahead of him. If you do this… you'll ruin his life forever!" As she spoke, she suddenly dropped to her knees in front of Aspen.Aspen watched her with a mixture of disbelief and amusement. She sat there, covered in bruises, still shaken from what had happened, yet Gwyneth could still act as if none of it mattered—like Aspen was the one being unreasonable. It was almost laughable.Just as she was about to speak, a cold, disdainful voice interrupted. "Name your price."Aspen looked up and met Colin's icy gaze. Her heart clenched.Of course, he must h
Gwyneth struggled to her feet, looking pitiful as she gazed at Colin. She said, "You know he's my only brother. If anything happens to him, I won't be able to go on! Colin, please help me. As long as Ms. Nicholls is willing to let this go, I'll do whatever it takes."Tears streamed down her face as she spoke, and before Colin could react, she burrowed into his arms, wrapping herself around his waist, clinging to him like a spoiled child. Seeing her like this made Colin feel uneasy. In the end, he could only let out a helpless sigh. "I'll figure something out."She had always held a special place in his heart. Even though a flicker of frustration lingered deep inside him, his first instinct was still to protect her.Hearing this, Gwyneth finally breathed a sigh of relief. Clutching his hand tightly, she pleaded, "We don't even know what's happening inside right now. Colin, you have to help me! Zac has always been weak—he can't handle something like this. Please!""Alright." Colin
Aspen didn't care about Colin's situation at all, but since Aren was still in there, she had no choice but to go. The moment she arrived at the police station's entrance, Gwyneth came charging at her like a madwoman and slapped her across the face.She shouted, "You vicious bitch! Framing Zac wasn't enough for you, huh? Now you have to drag Colin down too? You're absolutely shameless!""Are you out of your damn mind?" Without hesitation, Aspen grabbed Gwyneth's wrist and slapped her right back.Clenching her jaw, she spat, "Who the hell do you think you are, yelling at me? Zac brought this on himself. He deserves whatever punishment he gets. What does that have to do with me?""Aspen! Let me go!" Gwyneth struggled desperately, trying to yank her hand free. But no matter how hard she tried, she was no match for Aspen's strength.With an annoyed scoff, Aspen shoved her aside and marched into the station, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. Riley rushed up to Aspen the se
The officer glanced at Aspen's identification, his expression turning slightly awkward as he asked, "But... aren't you Mr. Fuller's wife?"Aspen replied flatly, "I am, but we're in the middle of a divorce. His problems aren't mine to handle. Officer, please just process the paperwork. Aren's never been in a place like this—he's not used to it."Aspen's expression was calm. Her heart had already gone numb, and she felt absolutely nothing when it came to Colin.Before Colin could even react, Gwyneth rushed over and threw herself into his arms, sobbing. "Colin, you don't deserve this. Don't worry, I'll get you out of here as soon as possible. I'll save you, I promise."The officer had initially been unsure about Aspen's attitude, but the moment he saw Gwyneth's teary, dramatic display, everything suddenly made sense. Without asking any further questions, he started processing the paperwork.After paying the 5,000-dollar bail fee, Aren was finally released. He received nothing more th
Mary got even bolder, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she mocked Colin, "Oh, do you think you're the President of Ackmeria or something?"Watching Colin's face grow paler by the second, Mary finally felt satisfied and walked away, swinging her mop like a trophy. If nothing else, she was thoroughly enjoying her shift today. The nearby officers, who had been trained to keep their composure in most situations, nearly burst out laughing.Colin realized that staying any longer would only make him look more pathetic. So, he grabbed Gwyneth's hand and dragged her toward the exit. He had already lost both dignity and control today, and it was only natural that he was in a foul mood.As a result, his frustration spilled onto Gwyneth—he didn't care if she couldn't keep up in her heels, nor did he slow down for her. He just stormed ahead, his long strides leaving her struggling behind him.He thought the nightmare was finally over, but the moment they stepped out of the police station, a
The reporters there might not have been the best writers, but they were absolute professionals when it came to stirring up drama. Now that Gwyneth had practically handed them the perfect shot and soundbite, there was no way they would let it go.Cameras clicked away furiously as they snapped photo after photo, capturing every tear, every tremble, every carefully crafted moment. Gwyneth's face remained flawless, completely composed, but her hands were clenched into tight fists at her sides. She had always known Colin was unreliable, but she had never expected him to turn his back on her this quickly—before she had even officially married him.She waited until the reporters finally dispersed before turning on her heel and heading back into the police station.It took a ridiculous amount of effort, but eventually, she was able to see Zac. His face lit up the moment he saw her, looking at her like she was his last chance at survival.He called out, "Gwen, save me! I only did this for
Saying Gwyenth was going to the hospital to "recover" was just an excuse. In reality, it was nothing more than house arrest. It was clear that Colin had no time to deal with her now. ...Meanwhile, Aspen had already seen the interview. As she stared at Colin on the screen, she couldn't help but laugh.She had been right all along—Colin didn't love Gwyneth, and he had never loved her either. The only thing Colin truly cared about was himself—his core interests and survival.When everything had been smooth sailing, Gwyneth had been his perfect choice. But now that things had shifted, her position was crumbling fast. After all, Fuller Group was falling apart from the inside out—Colin's shady dealings had been exposed, and the board was closing in on him like vultures.At this point, Hector's shares and his marriage to Aspen were the only leverage Colin had left. Even if he found her repulsive, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and play the part.Aspen's lips curled into a s
Staring at Sophie's picture, Aspen felt the same unbearable ache in her chest. She took a deep breath and whispered, "Sophie, my sweet baby… It's almost been a month since you left. "How could you be so heartless and not even come back to visit me? Is the afterlife fun? Have you found Grandpa and Grandma? Do they have your favorite caramel candies there?"As she spoke, her tears spilled over, no matter how hard she tried to hold them back. She wiped them away, forcing a smile. "Sophie, can you see me from up there? Did you see how I've been good? "I've been doing my best, trying to live a good life. But I miss you so much… Visit me in my dreams tonight, okay? Let me see you; let me know you're doing alright."The more she tried to hold it together, the harder the tears fell. She had wanted to smile for Sophie today and show her strength, but in the end, she had lost control again.... Not far away, Colin stood tall in a sleek black coat, his broad frame striking against the co
Colin thought he had dealt Aspen a crushing blow, but to her, his threat was nothing more than a joke.Sometimes, Aspen even found herself wondering what kind of twisted logic Colin had. Before, Aspen had always assumed she was the lovesick fool. But now, looking back, it seemed Colin was the real delusional one. After everything that had happened, he still genuinely believed this was all because she couldn't have him? The sheer audacity was almost impressive.Shaking her head with a quiet laugh, Aspen settled back into the hospital bed, ready to enjoy her peaceful recovery.Inside the car, Gwyneth stole a cautious glance at Colin as she asked in a small voice, "Colin... what do we do now?""It's just money. If she wants it, she can have it." Colin shrugged, seemingly unbothered.Fuller Group was a multi-billion-dollar empire—what was a mere 130 million? Besides, he and Aspen were still legally married. This was just moving money from one pocket to another at worst.However, it
Colin immediately pulled Gwyneth up from the floor, his gaze fixed solely on Aspen. "Are you sure you want to go against me?""We're just handling this professionally. I'm following your rules right now. Is that not allowed?" Aspen shrugged innocently. "Colin, just save it. Emotions are off the table between us.""Aspen, do you believe me when I say I'll dig up Sophie's grave and scatter her ashes to the wind?" Colin suddenly smiled cruelly.He stared straight at her. Wasn't that wretched girl the one she cared about most? Then he would just love to see how she would react to this!Aspen had long since learned how heartless Colin could be. She knew that showing weakness now would mean utter defeat."You never treated Sophie as a person when she was alive—why would death change that? Why wouldn't I believe you? Do whatever you want with her ashes. What era do you think this is? The dead are dead—who cares about such things anymore?"Aspen began to laugh so much that tears nearly s
Ellie burst into laughter as if she had heard the most ridiculous joke. "Oh, so you still remember he's your father after all!""That's enough. I'm going to deal with the property issue now."Colin couldn't bear to listen any longer. He never imagined the words "utterly overwhelmed" would one day describe how he felt so aptly. Turning to Gwyneth, who was still sniffling, he felt a pang of guilt and helplessness. "Are you okay?""I'm fine. Actually, Madam Ellie wasn't wrong. It's my fault—all of this is my fault. Colin, I really want to give you up to Ms. Nicholls, but... what can I do? I just can't. I love you. I can't live without you. I'll die if I lose you!"Gwyneth clutched his sleeve desperately, her eyes burning with near-mad possessiveness and dependence.And yet, this was exactly the kind of twisted devotion Colin adored. Only through such obsessive need could he truly believe he was loved and feel like he mattered.He pinched her cheek playfully and smiled. "You won't
"Madam Ellie, calm down!" With her arms wrapped around Ellie's waist, Gwyneth finally managed to pull the latter and the officer apart."Get off me!" Ellie shoved Gwyneth away and snarled, "Don't think I don't know this is all because of you, you scheming fox! Look what you've done to my family! How dare you play the good Samaritan now? You're disgusting! Utterly shameless!""What's all this commotion?" Colin strode forward and positioned himself between everyone.The officer straightened his uniform and gave Colin a cold look. "So you're the CEO of Fuller Group? Given your status, how can your family behave so disgracefully? You've been accused of illegally occupying private property. You have one week to vacate, or we'll proceed with legal actions."What?Colin thought he must have misheard. This was Fuller Manor—he had grown up here. How could it suddenly be considered trespassing?"Officer, there must be some mistake. This is my home."His brow furrowed deeply. Who could b
"Then we fight our way back!" Aren took out a handkerchief and gently wiped away Aspen's tears with a tender gaze. "Whatever decision you make, I'll stand by your side."Aspen felt a flicker of hesitation when she met his gentle gaze, but she quickly steadied herself. She nodded firmly. "You're right—we'll fight back! They all deserve to die!""That's the Aspen I know. You were never a fragile young woman. They could never break you." Aren ruffled her hair affectionately, his voice full of encouragement and certainty.His quiet kindness soothed her, calming the storm inside. She had indeed endured too much undeserved malice, but the world wasn't all darkness. At least someone still cherished her."Aren, let's go back.""Alright."The ordeal worsened the wounds on Aspen's back. By the time they returned to the hospital, the doctor scolded her while treating her injuries. "Your back won't ever recover if you keep this up. How can a young woman be so reckless with her own body?"
All these years, Aspen had turned the question over in her mind—why had she woken up in Colin's bed that day? How had she ended up pregnant with Sophie?All these years, Colin had branded her a scheming woman because of it, taking out his disdain on Sophie by extension. Every bit of suffering stemmed from this man—her uncle, her own flesh and blood!"How could you do this to me? Why? "I'm your niece! Your own niece!"Her eyes burned with unshed tears as she pressed her palms against the glass, nails scraping the surface. None of it made sense. What had all those years of humiliation been for? What had Sophie's suffering meant?"I did it for your own good! What else were you going to do if not marry well while you're young? Pen, I'm your uncle—why would I harm you? What's wrong with Colin? Why couldn't you just learn to please him properly?"Joseph was twisting logic beyond reason now. Locked away as he was, he had nothing left to lose. There was no longer any filter between what
Watching Aspen's childish behavior, Aren sighed helplessly before chuckling. "Who would be talking about you behind your back?""I suspect it's you!" Aspen tilted her head, eyeing him suspiciously. "Admit it—you're secretly cursing me in your heart, aren't you?""If I wanted to curse you, I wouldn't do it secretly. I'd say it right to your face and scold you until you're drowning in shame!" Aren rolled his eyes dramatically, then pressed harder on the accelerator.…Seeing Joseph again stirred complicated emotions in Aspen. But when Joseph laid eyes on her, his gaze held nothing but hatred."You little bitch! How dare you show your face here? Look what you've done to your own uncle! If your mother knew, she'd never forgive you!"Right from the start, Joseph started talking about Aspen's deceased mother, which was a typical move from him. No matter what unreasonable demand he made, he always used her mother's name to manipulate her.Aspen had backed down again and again because o
Tears streamed down Gwyneth's face as she spoke. She leaned against Colin naturally, clinging to his waist like a fish dependent on water, refusing to let go.Colin had been irritated moments ago, but seeing her so vulnerable made him soften his attitude. He gently stroked her cheek. "Don't talk nonsense. I won't ever drive you away.""Colin, will you… ever divorce her?" Gwyneth ventured cautiously.This was the last thing Colin wanted to consider right now. Her direct question sparked his frustration unexpectedly."She holds shares in Fuller Group and even evidence of my asset transfers. Divorcing her now would ruin everything.""I was just asking... Why are you so angry?" Gwyneth seemed so startled by his tone that even her body began to tremble slightly.Noticing her shaking, Colin remembered her depression and quickly softened his voice. "No, I'm not angry at you. I just resent being cornered like this."Gwyneth was about to respond when Riley knocked on the door and entered
Aspen's eyes grew slightly bloodshot as she gazed at Aren. His face was so close to hers that she reached out and gently touched it without thinking.Aren's features were nearly identical to Colin's from this angle. Back then, she had fallen for Colin at first sight. Now that she thought about it, how could anyone escape loving such a resemblance?Feeling Aspen's hand on his face, Aren slowed down even further. "Does it hurt?""It does." She didn't lie.Her entire back stung as if it was splitting open. But the real pain wasn't in her back—it was in her chest.Suddenly, she buried her face against Aren's shoulder, clinging to him tightly. In this moment, she wanted nothing more than to savor this hard-won peace.Riley stood frozen as he watched them leave. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry—mainly because he had no idea if he should return to the office at all.After a moment's thought, he sat down and mechanically ate the takeout Colin had ordered. Only after finishing ever