Nancy could not shake the feeling that Yaacob's deep voice possessed some sort of enchanting power. Every time he spoke, coherent thought seemed to elude her. As she stood, the urgent knocking at the door felt like the summons from the reaper itself. Right as she turned her head slightly with the instinct to answer the door, Yaacob's hand suddenly fell over her shoulder. His right hand tightened just enough to send her dress strap slipping down her arm. "Go now," Yaacob said, his voice tinged with a hint of malice. Nancy gritted her teeth. As she opened the door, she was greeted by a beautiful young woman standing outside. "Get… son...?" Yoana Yack stammered, shocked to see Nancy instead of Yaacob, leaving her with words stuck in her throat. Yoana's shock soon turned to displeasure when she noticed Nancy's disheveled appearance. "Who are you? Why are you in my fiancé's room?" Yoana demanded. Nancy did not respond but simply wiped the corner of her lips. Her red, lusci
Nancy's words struck Yoana like lightning, causing Yoana's face to contort violently in surprise. A month ago, when she had come to catch a cheating partner, something had seemed off. At the time, a mob of reporters had rushed in to cause a commotion, and she had fled the scene without thinking too much about it. But now, as Nancy spoke, a disturbing realization began to dawn on Yoana. Nancy was not the escort girl that she hired that day. 'But if that's not the case, then how did she know what happened?' Yoana wondered, her eyes flickering in alarm. Avoiding eye contact with Nancy, Yoana looked away, confusion and suspicion etched across her face. "I… I don't know what you're talking about," she stammered. Nancy, her voice edged with the triumph of a detective cracking a case, responded, "A month ago, you came with people to catch a cheater, and without asking anything, you slapped me, assuming that I was having an affair with your fiancé, Mr. Getson." She continued, "You repe
"Shut up! I don't understand a thing you're saying!" Yoana snapped, interrupting Nancy, fearing that she might reveal more embarrassing truths at any moment. However, at this stage in their fiery confrontation, was a single rebuke really going to silence either woman? Nancy ignored Yoana completely and addressed Yaacob instead, "I remember something strange about your body temperature that night. Were you, like me, a victim of someone's secret plot? You had just returned to the country then, so news of you staying here couldn't have spread widely. The person who drugged you should be someone you already know." Yaacob seemed oblivious to her words, still savoring his red wine leisurely. Nancy frowned. Yaacob was absolutely sly and cunning. He told Nancy to handle it but refused to interfere. Was he not the one who stirred up this fight between the two women in the first place? Even without his response, Yoana's face had turned white with rage, much to Nancy's relief. Yoa
"For the money!" Nancy answered directly. After sizing up the disparity in status between herself and the mysterious man before her, Nancy realized that there was nothing to hide from him. She had come to understand that, with this enigmatic man, a straightforward approach was less likely to backfire. After all, she used to be a public figure, and if he were truly interested in her, it would not be hard for him to find information about her. Upon hearing her answer, Yaacob looked her up and down, his expression revealing a trace of disbelief. Nancy noticed his gaze lingering on her limited-edition handbag, and explained, "This is the last designer bag I have left. The others were pawned to pay off debts." "All that's left are the clothes on my back, preserving the last bit of stubborn pride of a washed-up actress," Nancy said wryly. "After my divorce, I lost all sources of income. I was used to the good life, but now poverty hits me every day like a never-ending nightmare. Give
Nancy's current home was a small house of less than 40 square meters in a low-rent district. Upon returning from the hotel, she stopped to buy dinner. When she reached her temporary rental house, she had to push aside half of her bed, filled with clothing and random belongings, just to lie down. There was no space for much else. After moving out of the Shaw family home, she found that she simply could not fit her life into this tiny space. She now slept hunched in a corner against the wall, the cramped bed laden with remnants of her former existence. She needed a place to call her own, a haven. That was why she had endured Yaacob even knowing that he was using her. She hoped he was not merely toying with her. Otherwise, she might just lose her temper and confront him with a bucket of red paint. Even if the marriage proposal was uncertain, at least she had helped him drive away his troublesome fiancée that day. She expected some compensation, at least enough to get a bigger place.
Nancy's eyes sparkled at the sight of the new limited-edition yellow dress that was just released that day. It was a strikingly well-designed piece. She was drawn to it as soon as she stepped into the store. The shop assistant, noticing her interest, promptly fetched the dress for her to try on. "Miss, you should try this on! With your figure, you'll look even more beautiful!" Nancy had only planned to make a quick purchase and leave with her face hidden behind a mask. However, as many women knew, it was never that easy to walk away from an appealing piece of clothing. Besides, she had just waited three hours in line outside for this exclusive item. Trying on the dress, even if she could not afford it, would be a small reward for her patience. Nancy could not resist it, so she took the dress into the fitting room. Her face was still covered by her mask when she emerged from the fitting room. Her slender figure did nothing to hide her beauty. The shop assistant was nearly brea
"Spencer, I saw this store when I was driving by yesterday. There's this incredibly beautiful yellow dress in the window. I want it so much!" Teresa's eyes sparkled, her voice gentle and feminine, filled with longing. She grabbed Spencer's sleeve and tugged it, the way a child might beg for candy. Her face was bright, hopeful, and irresistible. Spencer looked at her with a smile, his gaze softening as he said, "You could have it sent directly to our home. Why even bother coming to the store?" "But it's not the same! I love shopping with you. I only buy things if you say they look good on me!" Teresa's voice was authoritative yet playful, full of the youthful zest of a woman demanding her boyfriend's company while shopping. Her tone was so sweet it could melt a man's heart, making one want to reach out and pat her head as if she were a pretty little cat, and that was exactly what Spencer did. Nancy turned away, unwilling to watch their flirting. Perhaps this was how a normal r
"What do you want with me?" Nancy's voice was as frigid as the chill in the air. Her eyes met Spencer's, and all she could see was a replay of the past month. The car accident, the hospital bed, the narrow escape from death, and then the divorce papers. His signature was already there, but he was nowhere to be found. The pressure had come from all sides. The Shaw family's parents had visited the hospital several times, not to see how she was recovering, but to insist that she sign the papers. Their fake concern later turned into outright threats and bribes. Nancy had left the Lawson family, given up her career for Spencer, and played the dutiful housewife for six months. Now, she had no power and no way to fight back. Ultimately, she had signed the papers. But it was not over. Even divorced, they would not leave her alone. The subsequent disputes with the agency were like a relentless pursuit to destroy her. Did Spencer know? Was he aware of what was happening? Was Teresa, no
Yaacob stayed in Nancy and Celica's house in Rhea City for a month without leaving.After sending Celica to kindergarten, Yaacob sent Nancy to the company.Nancy always asked him to stop the car two streets away from the company, but that day, Yaacob went a bit further, and she started to get anxious. "Stop the car, quick. Stop going forward. It's the peak hour right now. I can't let anyone see me."Yaacob stopped the car, but he did not unlock the door.He lowered the top of the convertible and asked her, "Is being with me that embarrassing to you?""I'm not with you. This is just a transaction!" Nancy insisted.She could not open the door and noticed that Yaacob had locked it. When she went to unlock it, her hand was pushed down by the man."Don't I make you happy? Is Celica unhappy? Don't you enjoy every night that we're together? You clearly have me in your heart, but why do you keep denying it? Nancy, what happened to your boldness and carefree spirit? Who do you want to im
Nancy had just stopped at Athenapolis to pick up some things she had left with Benson's friends when they had stayed there.She had also wanted to congratulate Rowena and Randall on their marriage and to apologize for not being able to attend their wedding.However, the next day, she could not get up at all.Fearing another intense night like the one before, she decided to book a flight to Rhea City that afternoon.The moment she sat on the plane, Nancy almost collapsed in her seat. Her lower back was aching.When she shut her eyes, her head was inexplicably flooded with certain images.It was like she was under a spell!"Ms., the flight is about to take off. Please switch off your phones," the flight attendant told Nancy.Nancy remembered that she had already turned off her phone.However, she turned around to see Celica looking at her phone unhappily."Sorry."Nancy switched off Celica's phone, but she did not seem happy about it. "Mommy… will Uncle Yaacob call me?""Even
After half a year, Nancy finally returned from America with Celica.Celica held Nancy's hand in one hand and a cat plushie that was almost half her size in another.As soon as they walked out of the VIP channel, Celica's sharp eyes immediately spotted the man who had come to pick them up. She abandoned her plushie as she rushed to him, hands outstretched and waiting to be carried."Uncle Yaacob! Uncle Yaacob!""Celica, don't run so fast!"Nancy could not stop her and could only follow behind, picking up the plushie along with some candy that had dropped from her pocket as she ran.Yaacob hurried forward and immediately scooped Celica up. He smelled the sweet scent of candy."Uncle Yaacob…"Celica hugged Yaacob, nuzzling her head against his. The fine and soft hair that was unique to a child warmed Yaacob's heart.It had been two years, but she had not forgotten him!It seemed like her memory was better than expected. She had probably gotten it from him.Of course, it was als
Randall and Rowena went to the same motel they had the last time.The boss remembered them as the ones who had broken his window, but he did not give them a hard time, warmly welcoming them instead.After all, the money that Randall had given him for it had been enough to replace the windows of the whole building. This time, Randall flexed his financial might again. He pulled out a wad of cash from his wallet and put it on the counter. "Boss, we want an entire floor.""Sir, do you want one room or two?""The whole floor!"Hearing what Randall said, Rowena looked at him in amazement. "Why so many rooms?""Have you forgotten how bad the soundproofing is here?" Randall replied.Rowena was speechless.The hotel owner was a veteran of this. He immediately put the money into the counter drawer and said, "Okay, I'll give you a key to a room on the third floor. I'll go knock on every door to clear the floor out right now. I assure you that you'll have an enjoyable night!"Rowena fel
"How absurd!"Randall's words were not meant to demean her. He just felt that it was too dangerous for the child to be there.Rowena, however, felt like she was being blamed for no reason."Why are you in a restaurant with this girl in the middle of the night?" Rowena asked Randall.Randall did not answer. He walked forward to help secure Dorothy before he took the dangerous weapon off her hands."Rowena, you should bring Sandy back for now."Rowena did not move."It's too dangerous for the both of you to be here. Listen to me!" Randall told her.Rowena did not respond. Instead, it was Dorothy who spoke: "Mr. Smith, why do you think she can just come and go as she pleases? I already told my subordinates that not even a fly is allowed out."Even though Rowena had been captured, she knew that they would not be able to walk free if anything happened to her so the man would not touch her so easily."Mrs. Browning, you just wanted to talk with me."Dorothy really liked talking to
Dorothy and Randall found themselves in a standoff. Suddenly, a hushed report from her subordinate reached Dorothy's ears. "Someone's outside, claiming to have information on Mr. Randall.""Who? Could it be that Yaacob has returned earlier than expected?" Dorothy, determined to prevail over Randall that night, insisted, "Don't let him in; I can't believe he would just barge in!""It's not Mr. Randall. It's a woman, accompanied by a child." The subordinate hesitated before providing more details.Rowena, who had given birth just four months ago, had swiftly regained her pre-pregnancy figure. She wore a navy blue striped shirt knotted at the waist, paired with snug jeans, showing no signs of her previous pregnancy. From behind, she looked slender and youthful, resembling a young girl. Yet, in front, she cradled a baby.The infant, only three or four months old, sported a hat with a few wisps of hair peeking out and a pacifier. The child's intelligent eyes darted around, exploring the
Four months later, the impending presidential election heightened the tension in Athenapolis. Harrison, eyeing reelection, aspired to forge an alliance with the Browning family and assimilate the Getson Group.Simultaneously, at this critical juncture, Yaacob had already partnered with Tom. He opted to collaborate with Yaacob after his unsuccessful bid to become part of the Browning family. Both were cunning strategists with centuries of experience, making their alliance arguably the most formidable.Tom, with backing from overseas financial giants, had a complex and mysterious identity. However, his requirements from Yaacob were surprisingly straightforward. He sought to use Yaacob to advance his political standing.On the flip side, Yaacob needed Tom's support to solidify his position within the Getson family, ensuring it remained stable. The previous presidential transition in Athenapolis had resulted in bloodshed and political turmoil, claiming Xander's life.This time, Randall
Lola pondered her predicament, finding her situation undesirable. She was infertile and struggling to establish stability despite numerous relationships. Her benefactor stood idly by as the original wife attacked her, too hesitant to intervene. After that day, Athenapolis no longer offered a solid ground for Lola.Dorothy sternly cautioned Lola, vowing to teach her a lesson whenever they crossed paths. Leaving Mr. Randall did not lead to greener pastures for Lola. She remained destitute. Rowena, the source of her misfortune, was to blame.Life with Randall had been tolerable. He never mistreated her, though love was absent. However, everything changed when Rowena reappeared. Witnessing Rowena's pregnancy with Randall intensified Lola's resentment, fueling an intense hatred. She harbored a fervent wish for Rowena and the unborn child to die!Lola understood that only Rowena's demise could rekindle hope for her. Unfortunately, Lola was uncertain about the vast power imbalance be
Having finally brought Rowena home, Randall became an aspiring intern dad. Opting against hiring a nanny, he naturally assumed the responsibility of caring for his pregnant wife.He would juggle the demands of running the company and handling household matters. Randall appeared fatigued, yet those with keen observation could discern a tired but content expression on his face. Lately, a newfound joy, previously unseen, frequently illuminated his features—the anticipation of becoming a father.During a visit to the hospital, a woman seated beside Rowena observed her pregnant belly and initiated a conversation, "Your belly is quite prominent. When are you due?""In about a month," Rowena replied."That's wonderful! Congratulations! I saw you during one of my check-ups. Is the man accompanying you each time your husband?" Others looked on with envy, expressing, "My husband isn't as involved. No matter how many times I ask, he never joins me for the appointment."Rowena remained silent