Strangely, even though the man was very far from her, it felt like he was whispering right into her ear. Her cheeks immediately became flushed with warmness."Can you please help me?" asked Anna.Instead of asking what she needed help with, the man asked, "Give me a reason why I should do that?"Anna was used to his unpredictability. She clutched the bedsheet and plucked up the courage to say, "Because the baby I'm carrying is yours. Is that a good enough reason for you?"The man fell silent. For those few seconds, Anna could only hear the sound of her own heartbeat and the man's breathing.Just when she was about to say something again, the man finally spoke, "Then have you made up your mind to be with me?"Anna hesitated for a second before saying, "Yes…""I'm not as rich or powerful as your husband, so I cannot give you the high life.""It's okay."Anna's thought process was simple. No matter how bad her new life was going to be, it could not be worse than her life with Xan
Xander woke up, gasping from his dream. After calming himself down, he looked at the time. It was only three o'clock in the morning. He tried to go back to sleep but could not, no matter how he tried. Thus, he threw off his blanket and went to the balcony to have a cigarette.He held a cigarette in one hand and his phone in the other hand, waiting for news about Anna. However, after waiting for three hours, Xander finally lost his patience and dialed the number he had already prepared.When the call was connected, the person on the other side reported without him asking, "Mr. Jenkins, we've recovered the car, but no one was inside."Xander frowned. "How is that possible?""The river current was too fast, so she may have been washed away. The river is too wide, making the search difficult!""You still have to do it. Money is not an issue. You must find her!"The person on the other end of the phone heard Xander sounding nervous, so he could not help but lay out the ugly truth befo
The assistant found the 20-year-old photos of Benjamin with a mysterious woman for Nancy. It was because of Nancy's position in the media company she was able to get information that was inaccessible to the public.Nancy had seen a photo of her mother in her grandfather's album before. She cross-referenced the photo her assistant gave her with the photo in her memory, and it was indeed the same woman!"You mentioned just now that these photos would cause a public uproar if they were published. Why is that? Mr. Cabrera was not as famous as he was 20 years ago, so even if he has a lot of fans, it shouldn't cause this much of a scandal, right?" asked Nancy.Her assistant gave her a look that said she had asked the right person. He sidled up to her and whispered into her ear, "The person who would cause the public uproar wasn't Mr. Cabrera, but the woman he was with.""Why? Was the woman someone super famous?" asked Nancy quizzically. 'Could she be a world-famous celebrity? I don't thi
They met up with Randall at a newly opened high-end club that offered both dining and entertainment options. Suffice to say Randall had plans to continue investing in Olumphia.Nancy initially thought it would be awkward for Yaacob and Randall to meet again. After all, the two men had a falling out before Randall left the country. However, it turned out Nancy was the only one feeling awkward.She did not have anything in common with Randall, and she was not really friends with Lola. Plus, she and Yaacob just fought in the car. The only thing she could do was to eat her food quietly.Even Lola could tell something was not right between Yaacob and Nancy. Thus, when the two men stepped out of the private dining room, she took the opportunity to ask Nancy, "Is everything alright with you and Yaacob? He used to always make sure you have food on your plate and even peel the shrimps for you. You have no idea how jealous I am every time I see him doing that for you, and yet he didn't even s
Randall indeed kept his promise. He met up with Yaacob to have a drink. Coincidentally, Yaacob had something to talk to him about too.Even though the two men fought previously, it was not as serious as Nancy made it out to be. Both of them were not the type to hold a grudge. Plus, based on Yaacob's understanding of Randall, he knew he would only have to give him some time to cool down before they were friends again.However, it would take some time before Randall truly moved on from Rowena, and in the meantime, he was not going to let what happened come between him and Yaacob. It was also why he had been looking everywhere for a cure for Yaacob."I have assembled a professional medical team. They're doing research on your blood sample as we speak. There should be news from them soon," said Randall.Yaacob simply smiled and said, "You don't need to sugar coat things for me."He had sent his blood sample a month ago, but since Randall did not give him definite news then, it meant t
"Boss, the boat… the boat sank!""What?!""We waited for her on the island, but the boat never arrived. We heard that something happened on the way."Randall did not order any of his men to follow Rowena because he knew she did not like to be bothered. Plus, he did not want her to know he knew where she was in case she tried to go on a run again.The mission Randall gave his men was to go to the fishing village to take care of Rowena, make sure there were no dangers, and then get the hell out of there. They were never to bother her again.Unexpectedly, she never arrived at the fishing village because something happened to her boat on the way to the island. She was not the only passenger. There were dozens of other villagers as well. The government had sent a search and rescue team, so it was best for Randall to not show up due to his identity.However, Randall immediately bolted up from his chair and ran out of his study the moment he got the news. With the first aid kit still in
The presidential election will be held at the end of the year. The polls were divided between three presidential candidates.The three candidates were all campaigning very actively recently. Take Benjamin as an example. He had been giving speeches everywhere and started to campaign for the Getson's support since last year.Even though he and Nancy were related, Yaacob had his eyes set on the other candidate.The candidate preferred by Yaacob kept a low profile, and he had some connection with Yaacob's mother's family in the southern part of the country.Now, Yaacob was in charge of the Getson Corporation after being given the helm. It was hard to tell whether he decided to support someone from his mother's family using money from the Corporation because he was in it for the benefits and profits or because he wanted to humiliate the Getsons.The first two candidates were Benjamin Cabrera and Harrison Keating, who had Yaacob's support; the third candidate was Donald Hardin.Donald
Randall stared at Lola. No doubt, she was a lovely, charming thing, but he was unmoved."Why would I want anything in return from you?"Just then, Lola realized that she had pushed the wrong button. She should never have placed Randall and herself on the opposite side of the scale.Despite going abroad with Randall, she did try to make use of Randall's sympathy toward her.Initially, when Randall left Athenapolis, she tried to follow after him but failed.In the end, she flew to where she thought Randall would be to look for him. However, as she was unfamiliar with the place and did not have much money, she was almost sold into the shady industry.Fortunately for her, the people who were in that industry could only proceed with Randall's knowledge and permission.Therefore, he found out about it and managed to rescue her just in time. From then on, he had no choice but to take her along with him.Lola managed to make the best out of this opportunity and wiggled her way into his
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