Dorothy had accompanied Grace all this time.Before I could say anything, she pointed at me and shouted, "It's her! Emilia Quill is this bitch, right here! Not only did she try to seduce Mr. Timothy, but she even pushed Ms. Grace down!"Oh my, Ms. Grace has suffered so much! Her pregnancy had finally stabilized when she reached 5 months, and she could sleep soundly again. But then this crazy woman pushed her! You must punish this wicked woman, officers! She must be severely punished!" she exclaimed.Dorothy's cries were so sorrowful that everyone believed I had pushed the pregnant Grace over. This was an unforgivable and heinous crime that deserved the harshest punishment.And given Grace's status, if the officers handled this well, they would also win the favor of the Hardwell family.After Dorothy's outburst, party guests began stepping forward and testifying that I had gotten into a conflict with Grace. They also said I had indeed pushed her.The many eyewitnesses present conf
Irvin remembered it all.He remembered how immensely shocked his twin brother, Timothy, had been when they saw each other onboard the cruise ship. Irvin also remembered how Timothy had sacrificed himself for him.Before, when Irvin still had amnesia, he had judged the situation like any ordinary person would.Despite being twins, he had believed Timothy would be unfeeling toward him, given that they had never met. As such, Irvin had assumed Timothy couldn't have possibly died to save him.He had also been convinced there was something off about the story when the Hardwells' staff claimed Timothy had really saved him.However, now that Irvin had recalled what had happened, he felt ashamed for being so petty and suspicious.The two of them weren't just brothers but twins. And despite having never met, Timothy had unhesitatingly given his life for Irvin.Irvin also recalled Timothy's final words before he died. In his last moments, Timothy had entrusted Grace and his unborn child t
Oddly enough, I calmed down and was no longer overwhelmed by panic.Maybe it was because I had racked my brains, but I still couldn't find a way to prove my innocence. Perhaps it was also because I had reached an absolute dead end and had no way forward. Or maybe it was because I realized this was already the worst-case scenario.When my lawyer came to see me, I gave him someone's contact information and asked him to get in touch. It was a road I wasn't willing to take, but if it came down to it, I would have no choice but to do so.…Early next morning, I had a visitor.I thought it was Irvin, but unexpectedly, it was William.In all honesty, William was frighteningly perceptive. I hadn't said a thing when he entered, yet with just one glance, he already knew what I was thinking."Didn't expect it was me instead of your beloved ex-husband, did you?" he said.I sat there dumbly in a detainee uniform.William clicked his tongue after taking in my appearance."I told you to be
Hearing that William shared the same thought as me, I asked, "Are we able to find out more about the baby's condition prior?"If we could uncover that the baby's health had already been in jeopardy and that Grace had to terminate the pregnancy either way, we might be able to prove my innocence."I already have people looking into it, but don't get your hopes up," he replied."For starters, Hardwell Group is the largest medical conglomerate in the country. All of Grace's prenatal care was done in their own hospitals," William explained. "So, there's almost no way for us to get her real medical records."He added, "And even if we do manage to, and there's proof that there was something wrong with her baby, it still won't prove that Grace tried to frame you, let alone that you didn't push her."The key to this case is whether or not you push her. You're in police custody right now. So, in order to be released, you either need solid evidence that you didn't do so, or the victim drops
"Don't worry. There's no way I will let you go to prison!" William declared.He froze as soon as the words left his mouth.William had always been cold and detached. He was the kind of man who would step over a dying person and simply continue on his way. Aside from his niece and nephew, he had never helped anyone. To him, everyone else was expendable.Yet now, upon hearing I was in trouble, William had rushed back to Lestoria without leaving word behind. Not only that, he had even made me that promise.Realizing his emotions had slipped, William's gaze turned frosty."I'll help you one last time, for Noah's sake. And I hope after this, you'll stay away from your ex-husband. Otherwise, don't say I didn't warn you if you end up in a worse situation next time," he added.Then, he got up and left without waiting for a reply.His words were harsh, but I knew he meant well. I also knew he was a good uncle.William was willing to help me out of my current situation because his love f
Grace knew William had been attending to something important in Redwood. That was why she had chosen this time to make her move. However, she hadn't expected him to drop everything and return to Lestoria when he learned what had transpired.William's reaction didn't seem proportionate when I was just the apple of Noah's eye.Catching the veiled meaning behind Grace's words, William's gaze darkened, but he didn't take the bait. Instead, he coldly said, "I believe I told you you're not allowed to harm her."Grace chuckled again, but this time, it sounded bitter."Did I, though? Can't you see I'm the one that's in a hospital bed? Surely you spoke to the doctors before coming in? So you should know I almost bled to death yesterday, Mr. Ashford," she replied.William scoffed icily. "Didn't you bring that upon yourself?"Grace should have admitted herself to the hospital if her baby had issues. If she had stayed and followed through with the induced termination procedure, then none of
After discovering their hypnosis attempts had failed, Grace had started thinking about how to make Irvin willingly stay. She had also tried to figure out how to convince him to assume Timothy's identity and play her husband.Grace needed him to do so so that she could keep her status as a Hardwell.While she did say all those things to garner William's sympathy, the things she said were also all true.She was born into a prestigious family in Lestoria—one that was second only to the Hardwells. However, Grace's father had brought his mistress home after her mother had passed away. Then, once this mistress became her stepmother, Grace could no longer call her house her home. Additionally, her brother had died because of her stepmother.Grace had to keep her status as a Hardwell for her and her brother's sake. She needed to do so to seize back everything that rightfully belonged to them. That was why she was adamant on remaining as Mrs. Hardwell.While she was racking her brain to
Irvin felt conflicted as he looked at Grace.Moments before Timothy had died, he had entrusted Irvin to take good care of her and his son. And from Timothy's reluctance to leave them behind, Irvin could tell how much he had loved them.Yet, Grace was so ruthless and had even used her own child just to harm me.After sending Dorothy out of the room, Irvin placed the examination report in front of her.Given that they were both intelligent, Irvin got straight to the point."Withdraw the lawsuit," he demanded.Placing her bowl down, Grace dabbed her mouth before responding with, "Why should I?"It seemed she had chosen to be obstinate until her hand was forced.Seeing this, Irvin replied, "You knew your baby had a heart defect, and you didn't intend to keep him. So you decided to use the child to frame my wife! Emilia never pushed you! Also, you know very well that I'm her husband—not yours!"Grace stared at him blankly.Irvin frowned and was about to say something when she star
I couldn't stand to even look at Julianne. So when I spotted her approaching, I said my goodbyes to William and left.Not long after I left, William stood up and turned to Julianne."Let's go. It's time to meet your godparents," he said.Julianne was momentarily taken aback before she quickly said, "William, what are you—""Showing my support. You only acknowledged Emilia Quill's parents as your godparents out of spite, didn't you?" William answered.Julianne knew she couldn't hide how much she hated me from William. Hence, she had decided from the get-go not to do so.However, she found herself asking, "Doesn't Noah like Emilia?"Wasn't William only helping me because of Noah?"So what?" William asked, cocking an eyebrow.Julianne's heart involuntarily skipped a beat at the devilish expression on his face.…My family was very excited when they received a phone call from Julianne, saying she would be bringing William to visit them."Isn't Lianne the best! She always thinks
Henry was a man of poor character who couldn't do anything right. However, he had a natural talent for creating all sorts of harmful drugs.As mentioned, if these were medieval times, he would surely be exalted as a talented alchemist—known for his ability to craft and cure poison. Truthfully, any drug Henry casually created would definitely be considered illegal.Struck with an idea, I looked up at William and said, "Why don't you talk to Henry directly? Given your status, I'm sure he will happily tell you everything."William looked pleased at my use of the word "happily"."That's actually why I came," he admitted.Then, thinking of something else, I quickly added, "Actually, no. Henry might not happily spill the beans to you. He's very protective of Julianne, so he may lie to you instead. You'll need to be careful discerning which of his words are true."William chuckled. "I know, don't worry. Once I've gotten all the puzzle pieces, and if Julianne is no longer useful, I'll ha
I admit that my way of thinking was outdated and too conservative. However, that was who I was, and there was nothing I could do about it, even though I wanted to change.If I could change my personality and loosen up, my life would probably be a lot simpler. There were so many handsome men out there. What could be better than spending time with some of them?I couldn't help sighing as I pondered Noah's borderline obsession with me.Suddenly, my phone rang—it was William calling."Where have you gone? I came to the hospital to visit your grandmother, but you're not here," he said.Hearing this, I told him to wait for me and said I would be there soon.When I arrived at the hospital, William was leaning against a red maple tree and smoking a cigarette.On this crisp autumn day, he was dressed in a camel wool coat. The coat had been tailored perfectly to fit his tall frame, making him appear even more striking.Beautiful people looked good no matter what they did, and William was
Just as I started to wonder who this person might be, Noah called me."Hey, Emi. You don't need to worry about what's happening online. Uncle Will told me he's already found evidence and will take action very soon. I'll be wrapping things up here and heading back soon too, Emi, so you don't have to be afraid of anyone anymore!" he said over the phone.After completing his master's, Noah started managing things for the Ashford family and his maternal grandfather's side of the family.As such, he was always on the go, flying to different countries. This time, he had been gone for over a month and had been in Eutanzia. Because he was so far away, he didn't know William had already exposed the video online as soon as he got it.Noah was so busy, and yet he was still concerned for me. I felt touched."You should focus on what you need to do, Noah, and rest whenever you can," I said. "You don't have to worry about me too much."Cordelia had asked me to look after him. But all this time
Grace was an arrogant woman who was convinced she was untouchable. Yet, I had struck her. Despite this, not only was she unresentful, but she even apologized to me—someone she considered a weed under her heel.It was honestly frightening. Grace truly was ruthless."I also heard Dorothy spoke disrespectfully toward you, Ms. Quill, because of our minor altercation. Although she acted out of concern for me, that doesn't excuse her behavior," Grace said.Then, glancing at Dorothy, she instructed, "Apologize to Ms. Quill right now, Dorothy!"Dorothy instantly teared up at her words. However, her aggrieved tears weren't for herself but for Grace.Grace was dignified, and she was precious to her. Yet, she had to apologize to such a lowly person like me.It broke Dorothy's heart to see this. But then she thought of Grace's grand plan and knew she had to endure this for the bigger picture.Hence, without the slightest hesitation, Dorothy stepped forward and curtsied. "I apologize, Ms. Qu
"We've let a wolf in sheep's clothing into our home, Grace!" Agatha lamented.Grace and Agatha had thought they could use Irvin. Yet, not only had they failed to, but he was now even oppressing them. They truly had made a mistake by bringing Irvin back to the family."Yeah…" Grace agreed.She initially wanted to turn Irvin into her greatest pawn—using him to seize back power over the Keller family and then to become the true power holder in the Hardwell family.However, she had forgotten that he was a Hardwell.And once Irvin had gained Magnus' recognition, he would quickly turn things around and be the one calling the shots instead.At first, Grace had set her sights on Irvin because of his business acumen. Now, ironically, she had been beaten by the very thing that had caught her eye.She had always thought she was intelligent. However, it was now clear to Grace that not only was she a fool, she was also incredibly naive.On top of that, she had underestimated Irvin and me. S
But Irvin wasn't finished. "Emilia's grandmother was in the emergency room for hours before they could stabilize her," he said. "She suffered immensely because of the stunt you pulled. As for you? Your physical examination revealed you don't even have a minor injury, despite what Emilia did to you!"Emilia cares about her grandmother the most. So, it makes sense that she lost control and struck you because you hurt one of the people she loves the most. And yet, she still went easy on you because she kept in mind that you just miscarried your son. If anything, she's a lot kinder compared to you!"Irvin never forgot how Timothy had saved his life. That being said, Timothy was his saviour, not Grace. He would help Grace seize back control of the Keller family if she played nicely. However, their deal was off if she didn't."It wasn't me. I didn't—" Grace reflexively tried to defend herself. But before she could finish, Irvin cut her off. His voice was cold as he said, "Don't try
Irvin's words drained the color from Grace's face, and she looked deathly pale.But then, she came to a realization and instantly regained her composure. She even wondered what had been wrong with her these past few days. How had she allowed herself to end up in this situation?Grace had been doing just fine before. So why did she lose her cool just because I said a few sharp words to her?She might have come from a prestigious and powerful family, but her brother was gone. Her stepmother now ruled the Keller family, and her stepbrother was the Keller heir. In fact, Grace barely owned any shares left in the Keller family business.As for the Hardwell family, she would still have a standing in the household if she still had her son—but she didn't. To the Hardwells, she was just a childless widow. So, what else could Grace be to them besides someone who could be discarded at any moment?Irvin wasn't Timothy—he was an impostor. Even so, he was still a Hardwell by blood. Even if he di
Fabric bunched in Grace's hands as she clenched them underneath her blanket. Unable to keep up appearances anymore, her expression had become frighteningly thunderous.She never anticipated this would happen. Grace had thought she would be able to squash me easily, like I was a bug. Yet, I had turned around and bit her—hard.Agatha was stunned too, like she couldn't believe what was happening either. I wasn't just fearless, but I had even backed Grace into a corner."You all want Irvin to play Timothy and remain in the Hardwell family. Fine then, it's none of my business what you make him do. But from now on, leave me out of it! "Stay away from my grandmother and my mentor! If either of you dares to do anything to them or drag them into this again, we'll all go down together!" I warned.I knew full well that I was no match for the Hardwells. Going up against them would be like trying to stop a bullet with my bare hands. That being said, that only applied under the assumption that