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
Trailing behind Gwyneth were the hospital's top psychiatrists and nurses, along with four carefully selected attendants Riley had personally vetted. Each of them spoke in soft, coaxing voices, trying to soothe her."Ms. Sanders, please, be good and come back with us, alright?"Gwyneth shouted maniacally, "No, I won't! You're trying to kill me! Colin, I'm scared! Hold me, please!"She frantically wrapped her arms tightly around his waist as if her life depended on it. She wasn't actually sick, but being surrounded like this was enough to drive anyone mad. The entire hospital knew that Colin was on the verge of losing his mind over Aspen, and now that her own position was slipping, Gwyneth was desperate. She had no choice but to use such underhanded tactics to cling to Colin.Never in her life had Gwyneth imagined she would have to lower herself like this just to get his attention. Unfortunately for her, this time was different. Colin didn't hold her in his arms or comfort her li
Shane grinned at Aren, clearly amused. It was hard not to admire Aren's cunning move. There was no way Gwyneth could keep up the act for much longer.Aren ordered, "The doctors there are the best in the field, and they know exactly how to handle psychiatric patients. Tell them not to hold back. After all, the future Mrs. Fuller's health is far more important."As he spoke, he couldn't help but chuckle. He was already picturing Gwyneth's inevitable downfall, and it was downright laughable.Seeing Aren in such a good mood, Shane finally let out a breath of relief and asked in a low voice, "Mr. Jefferson, what's next for us?""We focus on our own work. If they need anything from us, Pen will let me know," Aren said with a smirk before returning to his tasks.He had planned this from the start. Gwyneth needed to be controlled, and he had no intention of letting her off easy....The moment Aspen woke up in her hospital bed, her eyes were cold and emotionless. The sharp scent of anti
Aspen found Candice's starstruck expression both amusing and peculiar. "You're a grown woman. Isn't the way you're looking at me a bit over the top?""Ms. Nicholls, you don't understand! I almost quit before meeting you!" Candice sighed, stealing a glance at Aspen to gauge her reaction before continuing, "Our field is inherently unfair to women. They've always excluded me and bullied me..."Aspen understood completely. In many men's eyes, technical work remained their exclusive domain, leaving women at an inherent disadvantage.Even so, they had all earned their places through skill. Aspen refused to consider herself inferior.She took Candice's hand with an encouraging smile. "You may work slower, but your accuracy is unmatched. We women have our own strengths. You're still green now, but you'll prove yourself with experience. Soon, no one will dare look down on you.""I didn't believe that before, but I do now after seeing you." Candice's eyes shone with admiration as she gazed
"Thank you, everyone. But how's the work I assigned coming along?"Aspen cradled the bouquet Zephyr had given her while conducting an impromptu work inspection.The team couldn't help but laugh at her immediate focus on business. Who would have thought Aspen's first priority after returning would still be work?They then eagerly presented their recent achievements like treasures. Each member was an expert in their technical field, and while there were minor errors, the overall approaches were sound. After carefully reviewing everyone's data, Aspen sat down to verify the calculations herself.Meanwhile, Colin returned to the office in a foul mood. He stormed into the tech department only to find everyone—including Aspen—completely absorbed in work. His abrupt entrance made him seem out of place amidst the focused atmosphere.Seeing Colin's dark expression, Zephyr and several male colleagues immediately stood up, instinctively positioning themselves to protect Aspen should things
Riley was utterly astonished as he watched Aspen's crisp, decisive movements. He could hardly believe how much she had grown.He had expected her to meekly accept the situation, but instead, she had turned around and demanded accountability.Meeting Riley's shocked gaze, Aspen smiled faintly. "I'm allowed to protect my legal rights, aren't I?""Absolutely! You absolutely should—it's only right!" Riley immediately voiced his support.Satisfied, Aspen nodded. "Let's go. We have work back at the office, so there's no need to wait for them.""But we only have one car.""They can take a cab."Aspen pulled open the driver's door and slid into the seat. She arched a brow at Riley with an amused expression. "You're welcome to hail a cab too. Just know the fare won't be reimbursed."Riley wasn't an idiot. Why would he take a cab when there was a perfectly good car right here?Besides, he wasn't the one behind the wheel, so the reins were in someone else's hands now. Why should he go th
Gwyneth had been giving Aspen a provocative look, yet she was completely unprepared for the latter to resort to physical force. Her expression shifted instantly.When she spotted Colin approaching from the corner of her eye, she immediately dialed back her aggression, adopting a pitiful tone instead. "Ms. Nicholls, I only sat up front because I get carsick. Please don't be angry.""You could always drive—that way you'd still be in the front." Aspen crossed her arms, watching Gwyneth with mocking amusement."I..."Gwyneth stared at her, stunned by how airtight Aspen's logic was. There was simply no way to counter it."Mr. Fuller has a busy schedule today. Since you're so considerate, why are you still wasting time? If you're carsick, then you drive. I'll be sitting in my rightful seat."Aspen had no patience for this performance. She pulled out disinfectant wipes, meticulously cleaned the passenger seat, and then planted herself firmly in it.Watching this, Gwyneth turned teary-e
Nothing infuriated Colin more than seeing Aspen smile at another man—especially when that man was Aren Jefferson.He stepped forward and wrapped his arm possessively around Aspen's waist, right in front of Aren. The tension in the room instantly thickened.But to Aren, the gesture just reeked of childishness. Unfazed, he stood and gave Aspen a casual wave. "I'll get out of your hair, then. See you later.""Hold it. Stay away from my wife from now on." Colin tightened his grip on Aspen as he issued the warning."Wife? Funny—I wouldn't have guessed."Aren actually paused, his gaze flickering between them before he let out a dry laugh. "I've been here every day this past week, bringing Pen home-cooked meals. And where were you? Some husband you are.""You…" Colin's grip tightened as he held onto Aspen's hand.Since he was cornered, he doubled down. "That's between me and my wife. It's none of your business.""Your marital drama? Sure, that's not my concern. But when it comes to my
Gwyneth smashed several cups in her fury.Zac waved dismissively as he watched her throw a tantrum. "She's just a worthless bitch who can't keep a man's attention. Colin's money is practically yours—how could we let her walk away with it? Gwen, just say the word, and I'll teach that whore a lesson she won't forget."Gwyneth fixed Zac with a stare before saying, "You should be careful this time. Don't botch it and make things worse for us. Understood?""Relax, she's just some trashy woman. I can handle her!"Zac clenched his fists, remembering how Aspen had landed him in jail last time. Now it was payback time. He ought to settle old and new scores together.…The week passed quickly. During this time, Aspen obediently rested at the hospital—eating, sleeping, and recovering so well that she even gained a little weight.Aren specially cleared his schedule, arriving with flowers to pick her up when she got discharged.He walked in just as Aspen was changing. Her fair back stretche
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