At dusk, the setting sun shone through the black metal fence of the house in the southern suburbs, casting a warm light over the hydrangeas in the courtyard.Grace was lying on a reclining chair, enjoying the evening breeze.Maureen was carefully peeling oranges right next to her.Suddenly, a gleaming black car pulled outside the yard. Heather, supported by Timothy, stepped inside.Grace glanced up and smiled. "What brings you here? Are you looking for Willow?"Heather's hair was disheveled. She stumbled forward, falling to her knees beside Grace's chair.Holding back her emotions, her voice trembled as she asked, "Wistonia Lane… Madam Harper, you once lived there, paying a rent of 200 dollars a month. "In winter, there was no hot water. If you wanted a warm bath, you had to walk miles to a public bathhouse."Grace's expression changed.As if realizing something, she nodded heavily.Heather's nails dug into the chair as tears welled up in her eyes. "22 years ago, you took in
As expected, tonight's auction was a huge success.Several well-known collectors sent representatives to bid on selected items at high prices, causing a frenzy that quickly went viral online.Just like that, Insight's reputation skyrocketed.A round of applause erupted as Willow took the stage with a glass of champagne in hand to deliver the closing speech. "Thank you all for your unwavering support. In the future, Insight will continue to bring in valuable collections. Thank you all."The beautiful female host led the audience in applause.Willow set down her glass and took a deep bow on stage.Just as she was basking in the moment, a commotion arose from the crowd.A woman's voice rang out, "Willow only climbed to the top by sleeping her way there! Without Julian Ziegler, she'd still be a nobody.""The role of Mrs. Ziegler should have belonged to my poor daughter!"Amid the murmurs, Charlie, Nancy, Tyler, and Karen stepped onto the stage.Since both families' children were
Charlie was dumbfounded after being slapped.It took him a long moment to process the fact that Willow was her daughter.Willow was the child he had with Heather.Charlie stood frozen for a moment, his eyes brimming with tears as he gazed at Willow. The more he looked, the more he saw the striking resemblance to the woman he once loved.His voice trembled as he said, "You're my little girl. You're my daughter!"Nancy was about to erupt in fury.Heather let out a cold laugh. "What right do you have to claim her as your daughter? Have you already forgotten what you'd just said about her?"You and your wife have humiliated my daughter time and time again. I'll make sure you pay for it. Also, let me make it clear that my daughter only has one father, and that's Timothy Chapman! It will only ever be him."Charlie's face turned deathly pale.What had he just said?He had only echoed what Nancy said, but at that time, he didn't know that Willow was his daughter, his little girl.No
Julian stood quietly, watching as Willow's chaotic life was finally set right. He began to wonder. If she had never gone missing as a child, she would have never become his wife.She would've grown up receiving the best education, living a life of privilege. Perhaps, in this lifetime, their paths would've never crossed.He would have stayed in Brindley, while she stayed in Yarrowmere. They might have stayed strangers who had just heard each other's names in passing.He didn't disturb her. Instead, he turned and left silently, settling into the back seat of his car.The night was dark.Julian, ever so composed and dignified, sat in the back seat and instructed Esther, "Contact the PR department. I want a post issued."Esther nodded.Then, Julian sent the proposal to Esther.When Esther read it, she was stunned. That was a rather unexpected move from Julian.Ten minutes later, Nebula Group published an official post, with a simple caption, "My true love".Attached to the post w
It was the middle of the night, but the Chapman residence in Yarrowmere was brightly lit.Laura personally came to the entrance to greet them.Despite her age, Laura was pragmatic. She had always respected her son's choices in love, but the fact that he had no children to carry on his legacy had always been a lingering regret in her heart.Now, as she looked at Willow, she couldn't help but notice how perfect Willow was. She was pretty and intelligent, the full package.Laura was utterly satisfied. She muttered, "Finally, Timothy has someone to inherit his name. This child has been raised well. The lady who raised her in Brindley must have done an excellent job."She's got the makings of someone who will accomplish great things."Laura turned to Heather with playful reproach. "She has done us such a huge favor. Why didn't you bring her over to share our joy?"Heather quickly explained, "Mom, Willow's grandmother just had a major surgery and is still recovering. When she's feelin
Timothy held Heather's hand and placed it over his heart, his eyes filled with deep affection."Feel it."After so many years of marriage, they shared a deep bond.Besides, he could feel his heart beating strongly, showing that he was still in his prime.Heather melted into his arms, her hair disheveled as she let him carry her onto the soft bed.With their long-held wish fulfilled, their lovemaking that night was even more passionate than before.The entire city of Yarrowmere celebrated the Chapman family reuniting with their daughter.The next day, Dominic timed his arrival perfectly and arrived at the Chapman residence at 3:00 pm.A convoy of black, luxury sedans rolled in one after another through the entrance, creating a grand spectacle.When the housekeeper went to announce their arrival, Laura was introducing Willow to her family and friends.She chuckled and said, "Didn't Willow and that Ziegler guy already get divorced? It's all in black and white. Is he trying to go
A moment later, a housekeeper led Charlie and Nancy into the living hall.Nancy was visibly displeased.Back in their youth, Heather had been no match for Nancy in any regard. But now, Nancy found herself needing to beg that wretched woman for something.Charlie kept his tone gentle, trying to smooth things over.Nancy sneered, "Why are you trying to play the good guy? Back then, you were never as talented as her. If it weren't for my father's favoritism, you never would've won that prestigious award."It would have gone to that wretch instead."Charlie hesitated for a moment before saying, "Stop it. Let's not talk about the past."Nancy scoffed again. "Sometimes, I actually pity her for mistaking you for a decent man."As the two continued bickering, they stepped inside the Chapman residence. The Chapman residence was the most luxurious mansion in Yarrowmere. Even from the foyer, the decorations were overwhelming. The living room alone spanned over 1,000 square feet.The di
Charlie was a well-known figure. When had he ever suffered such humiliation?After some internal struggle, he finally stated his purpose. "The thing is, Willow and Catherine are half-sisters. Considering their blood ties, I hope you can spare us.""In your dreams!"Laura even spat on the ground in Charlie's direction."You heartless, rotten bastard. Take your wife and get the hell out of here! Don't stay here and be an eyesore. I'll have to clean my eyes after looking at you."Do you think I didn't know what happened back then? You were in a relationship with Heather, but because your wife's father was on the judging panel, you shamelessly switched sides."You even slandered Heather, accusing her of being unfaithful. Charlie, after what you did to Heather and Willow, how dare you come here to claim your daughter?"The only place your family belongs is prison!"Laura was swift and decisive. She turned to the housekeeper and ordered, "Grab a broom and sweep these heartless people
Melanie protested, "Liam, don't you think you're reading too much into it? Alicia is pure-hearted and wonderful."Liam looked at her. "Doesn't she strike you as a hypocritical young lady?"Feeling rather speechless, she reprimanded him. "Liam, you never fuss over the younger generation. What's more, you've known her since she was a little girl."He closed his eyes once more. "Willow is still the better match for Julian."…Willow woke up early in the morning. She was sleeping on a bed she wasn't familiar with, but she was wearing a bathrobe from the brand she usually wore. There was even a faint scent of the shower gel that was also present in Grandview Manor.She had a hunch that this place belonged to Julian.At that moment, the sound of a piano echoed from the lounge, and the melody was extremely familiar to her. It was a song that used to cause her emotional turmoil. Willow lifted the blanket and got out of bed. Then, she walked over to the door of the lounge in her bare f
Radiance Manor was the most high-end residence Brindley had to offer. The master bedroom on the second floor was adorned in dark Ivalian decor, accentuating its luxury and class.The night was chilling. Willow slept soundly on the dark bedsheet. The moonlight shone through the white curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. It was as if the bed was covered in a pale glass.Julian stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. There was gauze wrapped around his forehead. The family doctor dropped by and treated him earlier. The sounds of a car engine could be heard on the porch.Then, Esther led Liam and Melanie inside. The whole thing must've gotten a little out of hand and startled them. Melanie walked over and checked out Julian's wound, feeling utterly heartbroken. "Willow shouldn't have hurt you like this, no matter how unhappy she was."Julian responded dismissively, "It's nothing."She wasn't happy about it. "Keep defending her and see where it gets you. This ti
Julian grabbed Willow's hand, looked into her eyes, and said in a serious tone, "It's not what you think. I've never shared Grandview Manor with Alicia, and we have never crossed the line. I've never slept with her."She immediately shook his hand off and took a step back. The truth was just unbearably cruel for her. Willow no longer had the strength or intention to hide the misery on her face. So, she allowed her tears to hang off the tip of her nose and smiled in a daze, exposing her unabashed sorry state to him. "That means the love you have for her is pure and innocent, but it is love nonetheless."Julian, back when we got divorced, you said in court that you wanted Grandview Manor and nothing else because it is a home we once shared. Well, you're wrong. It's not our home. It belongs to you and Alicia."On our first anniversary, things got slightly better for us. I asked you to play 'Für Elise' for me, but you smiled and said that you didn't know how to play the piano. "Th
Julian said such loving words as he slipped the six-karat pink diamond ring onto Willow's finger. It was rare and precious, dazzling with brilliance. "Do you like it?""I do. It's wonderful."…They had all the privacy they needed in the restaurant. Julian wanted to give Willow a smooch, but she avoided it. She lowered her head and ate the desserts, trying to hide the tears in her eyes. "Julian, the dessert is very sweet. I like it a lot."He held her gently, "If you like it this much, we'll take some of it home."Willow smiled gracefully in response. They shared a bottle of red wine, had the best Ivalian dishes, and rested in each other's embrace as they enjoyed Brindley's night view. The way she saw it, no lady would be able to resist the romance and thoughtfulness Julian showed her tonight. The night was deep and serene. With Willow in his arms, he murmured lovely words to her, asking her to become his wife again. She didn't turn him down. She was giving him a chance to
The sky was basked in the evening sun's gentle glow.Willow swung by Grandview Manor. Blair was very happy to see her, thinking that she and Julian had patched things up. She immediately ran over and said, "Mrs. Ziegler, you're home."Willow forced a smile and responded, "I left something in the storeroom, and I came here to take it."Blair didn't suspect a thing. Grabbing the key, she led Willow to the storeroom, saying, "It's been a long time since anyone went there. I've no idea if the stuff inside got moldy. Let me take a peek first, Mrs. Ziegler. Wouldn't want to make your shoes dirty."They arrived at the storeroom's door as they spoke. Willow told Blair that she wanted to go inside by herself. The latter pondered on it for a while before she agreed to it. As she unlocked the metal door for Willow, a foul, moldy stench wafted out of the storeroom.Blair turned on the lights. "Mrs. Ziegler, please watch your steps."Willow entered and quickly saw a piano in the corner of the
"Five years. That's how long Julian had deceived you for."…Willow felt chills all over her body. "Do you have evidence to back up what you said?"Catherine wore a cold expression as she laughed, her voice completely hoarse. "There's a hospital next to Grandsburg Cathedral. You'll find everything about my elder sister's medical history there."Head over to Everlink Bank at Brindley. You're going to want to open strongbox 322 with the password '574574.' Once you see what's inside, you'll understand everything."Willow gave herself some time to process it before she asked. "Why are you telling me all this?"Catherine was dazed by Willow's question. She murmured, "That's because a younger sister is destined to kill another younger sister."Willow didn't understand what Catherine said at all. Instead, she walked back outside. The sun shone brightly, casting its brilliant rays to a spot at the end of the hallway. Meanwhile, Catherine gripped the black metal bars and screamed hyste
Willow came downstairs from the rooftop. Before Julian left, he cleaned up the apartment and made sure it was spotless. However, he still couldn't get rid of the faint, tantalizing air. Snowy lay on the couch, its eyes dark and glistening. She walked over to pet it. Then, she sat on the couch for a long time, considering her options. Should she travel to Searheim to find out the truth, or should she remain ignorant of the truth forever?Half an hour later, Willow dialed Annie's number. "Book me the earliest flight to Searheim tomorrow."Annie was quite surprised. They didn't have any clients or business at Searheim. …It was 8:00 am by the time Willow arrived at Brindley's airport. When she was waiting for her flight, she received a phone call from Julian, who invited her for dinner. He told her that he had reserved the best restaurant in the city. His voice was tender when he spoke. "Willow, it's your birthday today."Huh?It suddenly occurred to her that she got to know ab
Willow let out an exasperated chuckle. Julian was absolutely shameless. He followed her out of the car, telling her that he was hungry and he wanted her to make him something. Naturally, she wouldn't do it. So, he showed himself to the cramped apartment and said that he wanted to see Snowy. Julian was so clingy that Willow couldn't have shaken him off, even if she had wanted to. She went straight to her room, leaving him to pour his heart out to the dog.Julian acted as if he were at home. After he gave Snowy its drinking water, he fed it some snacks as well. Then, he headed to the kitchen and made himself some supper. He was actually hungry because he had just gotten back from his trip outstation. Snowy twirled around his long legs as it barked in excitement, its eyes brimming with fondness. It had been over 20 hours since Julian had slept, but he still bathed Snowy with his own hands. When it was time to sleep, the dog lay on top of him as they both slept on the couch in the
After Julian was done with Dominic's funeral, he made his way to Yarrowmere and stayed there for over a month. Meanwhile, Willow remained at Brindley. Heather set her up on so many blind dates that she grew numb to them. Grace told Heather off and forbade the latter from doing it anymore, saying that all those blind dates were going to fry Willow's brain. For over a month, Willow and Julian didn't contact each other at all. That wasn't to say that she didn't receive news about him, though. At the beginning of September, he returned to Brindley, and they ran into each other from time to time. Willow and Heather went outside for lunch. As fate would have it, they bumped into Jeffrey and his mother. Dorothy actually felt a little awkward when she saw Willow again. Instead, Heather graciously offered to share a table with the two of them. During the meal, Heather noticed how restrained Dorothy was. She took the initiative to hold the latter's hand and said, "I heard that things