After Colin left, Aspen grabbed the bouquet of hyacinths from the table and threw it into the trash, feeling a wave of disgust. She wasn't done, though. If there was one thing she excelled at, it was making people just as miserable as she felt. Aspen immediately headed upstairs to Gwyneth's room. Since Aren had already arranged everyone around Gwyneth, Aspen had no trouble making her way to Gwyneth's room. She walked in, her arms crossed, and sat down in a chair, smirking at Gwyneth. "So, this is what it's like to be Colin's true love? Seems exhausting."Gwyneth's face twisted with rage the moment she saw Aspen. Her voice was filled with venom as she screamed, "You bitch! You scheming, evil bitch!"Aspen would have stayed silent in the past, enduring the insults without a word. Then again, she was no longer that Aspen anymore. She strode forward and slapped Gwyneth across the face, hissing, "Who's the real bitch here? You knew he had a wife and a child, yet you still threw yo
Standing by the door, Aspen listened to Gwyneth's tortured screams from inside the room. The sound sent a rush of satisfaction through her, but even that didn't feel like enough. Colin deserved to experience this kind of suffering too.When Aspen returned to her own hospital room, she found four stylists already waiting for her. They all stood respectfully, their postures formal.The lead stylist stepped forward with a polished smile. "Mrs. Fuller, I'm Howard Lewis. I'm here to do your styling for today."Then, he gestured toward the collections behind him, adding, "These are the latest designer gowns and accessories—you're free to choose anything you like."The dresses were all high-end couture, and the jewelry was nothing short of exquisite—each piece more extravagant than the last.One glance at the collection told Aspen that today's press conference and evening gala were of great significance. Otherwise, Colin wouldn't have invested this much. At his core, he was nothing more
With just a light touch of makeup, Aspen's features became even more refined and striking. Howard admired his work with deep satisfaction.Stylists like him prided themselves on their skills, but the truth was that working with a naturally beautiful canvas was far more enjoyable than doing a full transformation. Enhancing beauty was far easier than creating it from scratch, and the results were always breathtaking.The best makeup wasn't the kind that looked obvious. It was the kind that made people wonder if any had been applied at all.Aspen stared at her reflection in the mirror, finding the whole situation incredibly ironic. She used to love wearing bold, eye-catching colors like this, but after marrying Colin, she had gradually abandoned her own tastes, simply because he found them tacky.Over time, she had tried to match his so-called refined aesthetic, wearing muted, outdated tones to please him. Looking at herself now, she couldn't believe how far she had strayed from who
"Is that so? This is the same gown a top international model just wore on the runway. How is it tasteless? Some people just can't let go of outdated ideas," Aspen shot back, rolling her eyes. It was the first time she had ever pushed back against Colin's criticism. In the past, no matter how harshly he judged her, she would stay silent, even questioning herself. But now, she knew better. She hadn't done anything wrong—it was Colin who was the problem.Even Howard had praised her look, but Colin, as usual, had nothing positive to say. His lack of taste and constant negativity were exhausting.Colin hadn't expected that his single comment would spark such a sharp response. His eyebrows furrowed as he glared at her. "Aspen, is this your new strategy? Are you trying to get my attention by acting out? Pathetic.""And yet, who exactly is the one obsessed with this?? Are we going or not?" Aspen snapped, losing patience. If she hadn't spent so much time perfecting her look, she might ha
It was exactly what Aspen wanted. There was no way Gwyneth could just move on and live a peaceful life now—not after what she had done to them. She had made their lives a living hell, so it was only fair for her to finally experience what it felt like to lose sleep over it.When the reporters bombarded her with questions, Aspen handled it with grace and poise, earning plenty of praise. She took this opportunity not only to officially acknowledge her identity but also to send a clear message—she was exceptional. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and she was determined to make sure the whole world knew her name—she was Aspen Nicholls, not some pathetic caged canary or Mrs. Fuller.Watching her effortlessly take control of the situation, Colin found himself seeing her in a new light. He had always assumed she was just a woman who only cared about grocery store prices, but clearly, he had underestimated her.It almost felt like Aspen was a completely different person. The old As
Facing the cameras, Aspen carried herself with confidence and grace, showing no sign of embarrassment despite the personal nature of the questions. It was as if none of this had anything to do with her. Colin had always wanted to see this composed and professional side of her. Yet, when he met her cold, emotionless gaze, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of irritation. He had hated how she focused all her attention on him in the past, but now that she seemed completely indifferent, he found it even harder to accept. "Mrs. Fuller, what exactly is the relationship between Ms. Sanders and Mr. Fuller?" a reporter asked."Ms. Sanders is just Ms. Sanders, and I am Mrs. Fuller. Colin is right here beside me—isn't that answer enough?" Aspen replied with a soft smile. She took Colin's hand, interlacing their fingers in front of the cameras and proudly displaying their wedding rings. In reality, Aspen's original ring had been discarded long ago, and the one she wore now was a ch
What was supposed to be an urgent matter suddenly didn't feel so urgent to Colin. Puzzled, he stood there, glancing at Aspen and wondering why she wasn't making a scene like she used to. Sensing his confusion, Aspen looked back at him with the same questioning expression before finally waving him off. "Take your time. Don't let me keep you.""Wait for me," Colin said firmly before turning and striding away. Aspen watched him go, letting out a scoff of disdain. Then, she turned to Riley, who was still standing there, and snapped, "What are you staring at? Get the car ready. We can't be late.""But Mr. Fuller told you to wait for him," Riley replied, clearly confused. When had Aspen become so decisive?Aspen gave him a look that was both amused and exasperated. "You've worked for him for years, and you still don't know him? Do you really think he's coming back?" It wasn't like this had never happened before. The only difference was that back then, the empty promises had been mad
As soon as Gwyneth stepped out of the car, she leaned heavily into Colin, making sure everyone could see how close they were. Colin wrapped his arm around her waist, guiding her toward the entrance. There, they ran into Aspen, who was just about to step inside. When he met Aspen's knowing, half-smiling gaze, he felt a sharp pang of discomfort, as if his hand holding Gwyneth's suddenly burned."Ms. Nicholls, please don't be mad. I've never been to an event like this before, so I begged Colin to bring me," Gwyneth said, her voice trembling. "I was so bored in the hospital, and I just wanted to get out for a bit. I-I didn't know you'd be here." Tears welled up in her eyes as she spoke.In the past, Aspen would have made a scene, but now she simply smiled faintly and replied, "Ms. Sanders, you've had a tough time recovering in the hospital. Since you're here, make sure to enjoy yourself. Colin, take good care of her. If she sees anything she likes, make sure to buy it for her." H
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