Laurence’s father was busy on weekdays. As he held an important position, he was always missing. Even on New Year’s Eve, there was still work to do, and he only arrived home when it was almost eight at night.The Scott family residence was lively on New Year’s Eve. The members of the main branch of the Scott family, especially the younger ones, made it a point to go back every year. They dared not disobey their elders’ wishes and would visit for the new year's holiday no matter what.Decorations had been put up for the festive occasion, and children started lighting firecrackers in the backyard after dinner.Rowan Scott hadn’t seen his son for a long time, so he called Laurence to his study for a private chat.“Your uncle told me you were ruthless and left no room for bargaining.”“What else did he say?”“He asked me to persuade you not to burn all bridges.”Laurence knew his elders had always done things that way—they’d show mercy and leave those who opposed them one last foothold ins
Before that, he’d never thought about the gender of that child. It didn’t matter because he would never accept that child regardless of their gender.The kind of bond men felt toward their children was completely different from how women felt. They didn’t experience carrying the child for nine long months, nor were they physically connected to the child through blood and flesh. Being less sentimental in nature, they could decide not to have the child more easily.Laurence looked into his niece’s eyes, which reminded him of Zoey’s. There was always a look of naivety in Zoey’s eyes.Then, he answered his niece. “No.”He patted her head gently and urged, “Go set off some firecrackers with the others.”…The kids in Laurence’s family weren’t able to play to their heart’s content with him around, as they feared and revered him. Luckily for them, Laurence drove out at night and went to the mansion on Springfell Street.Tristan and the others had been waiting for a long time. Sarah arrived la
Snow covered the entire city. Street lamps were dotted with pure white snow, making the world outside look less empty.As he stepped onto the balcony, Laurence only had a thin cashmere sweater to shelter him from the cold. From where he stood the light outlined his perfect silhouette from where he stood—his narrow waist, broad shoulders, and long legs. He listened to the dial tone ring before the call was answered in the last few seconds.Zoey almost fell asleep on the sofa. She heard her phone ringing in a daze and took it out from under the pillow. Without bothering to check who’d called her, she answered in a nasal voice that was lazy and slurred, “Hello, who is it?”Laurence stood in the cold wind. Strangely, the moment he heard her voice, the irritability in his heart gradually calmed down. “It’s me.”Zoey quickly glanced at her phone screen while Laurence asked, “Why did you call me earlier?”Zoey didn’t know why he suddenly called her back. It wasn’t his usual style of doing thi
Zoey was burning up at home. She’d been sweating profusely, but it brought her little relief. She felt very hot, so she stumbled out of bed and went to take a shower. After changing into a nightgown, she crawled back under the covers, thinking she’d feel better if she stayed cocooned there. She didn’t have any extra energy to get herself to the hospital. She decided that if she still felt terrible after waking up, it wouldn’t be too late to call an ambulance.Over the years, she’d always endured it this way. She would grit her teeth and only seek help when it became unbearable. Being sick was certainly troubling, but for Zoey, this amount of discomfort was nothing. When she’d been in school and had a part-time job, she’d still go to work even if she had a high fever. She could only rest briefly by laying her head on the convenience store counter in the middle of the night.Unlike the north, where heavy snowfalls were common, there was little snow in the south. Most winters there were c
Laurence had originally planned to take her back to the Northwell early the next morning. His heart softened a bit when he saw her sickly appearance. “The day after tomorrow,” he said. Then, he added, “You’ll go back with me.” Zoey never had much of a choice when it came to his decisions. She nodded, assuming that her fever would probably subside by then. She’d fallen ill suddenly this time, so she was completely unprepared for it.Zoey was afraid that Laurence would feel impatient if he had to wait for her. Therefore, she said, “The nurse said I’ll only be done with my IV drip when it’s almost dawn.”Her words politely implied that Laurence should return to the hotel to rest if he was tired or bored of waiting.The fact that he came to see her was already a pleasant surprise for her. She wasn’t greedy and didn’t intend to ask for more. She didn’t even dare to read too much into it, though she was curious whether Laurence had feelings for her beyond those of their ordinary superior-s
Zoey was startled. She didn’t know whether she should laugh it off or play dumb. Their surroundings were quiet, and they were suddenly having a tender moment together. Fortunately, the nurse came over to help Zoey remove the needle, the interruption saving the latter from the uncomfortable situation she’d somehow gotten into.As they walked to the car, Laurence put an arm around her waist and held her beside him naturally. The masculine air about him was unwavering and invasive—it made her feel a little overwhelmed. Zoey’s body stiffened when he held her, and her walking pace slowed down involuntarily.With his arm around her, Laurence realized she’d become thinner in just a few days. Her slender waist, which he could encircle with one hand, seemed like it could break with a squeeze. Frowning, he thought it was a wonder she was so frail and often fell sick.A damp and cold wind enveloped them as they exited the hospital. Laurence silently took off his coat and draped it around Zoey’s
Laurence had long noticed that Zoey’s gaze was clearer than ordinary people's; her eyes held a look of pureness. She unconsciously relaxed her posture, making her appear soft and vulnerable. Without saying a word, Laurence picked her up and carried her in his arms, bridal style. Zoey was unprepared when her body was lifted into the air. Her slender arms circled tightly around his neck, and her exclamation of surprise got stuck in her throat.She stared blankly at his side profile: his clear and distinct features, his incredible handsomeness, his long eyelashes, and his eyes that reflected elusive brown hues in the light. She reached out and touched his thick and long eyelashes subconsciously. Realizing what she’d done, Zoey quickly apologized.Laurence stopped and looked down at her flushed cheeks with a meaningful look. “Do you like my eyelashes?” Zoey was embarrassed to admit it, so she lowered her eyes, thinking that pretending nothing had happened would work. “I just wanted to c
Zoey was flustered by his words. Steam seemed to be coming from the back of her head like a cartoon.She looked adorable as she responded seriously, “I didn’t mean that.”Laurence admired her face, which was flushed red with embarrassment. He knew she didn’t intend it that way, but he continued to tease her. “Aren’t you trying to make me stay?”Zoey believed only very few people could resist Laurence’s eyes if he looked at them as deeply as he was looking at her now. His gaze was focused and serious as if you were the only one in the world.Upon meeting his eyes, Zoey could feel her heart beating violently. She didn’t have a switch to turn off her feelings for him. She couldn’t control them as she wished.She whispered in defense, “I’m not.”Her face was so hot it could catch fire. She couldn’t tell if the heat was from her high fever or because of his words. “I’m just worried about your well-being.”Unexpectedly, Zoey confided the truth without filtering her thoughts.As the words lef
Ryan had a reason for barging into the room. He thought he had seen something he shouldn't have.He had witnessed Zoey's relationship with his brother over the past few years. He hadn't thought so many things would happen between them when they got married.In the end, Laurence fell for her.The high and mighty guy had willingly become the loser for that woman.Zoey could tell from Ryan's reaction that he had misunderstood. Without bothering to explain, she walked straight out of the office.Laurence ignored Ryan, too. He treated Ryan as if he didn't exist and strode out the door after Zoey. Ryan was left alone in the office, dumbfounded.Laurence's assistant greeted him politely. "Are you here for ..."Ryan was still in a daze. He snapped to his senses and said, "I'm here to see my brother!""Mr. Scott just left.""I saw that.""Then, is there anything else I can do for you?"Ryan turned around to leave but returned halfway. He put his arm around the assistant's shoulder as
Zoey could feel the gazes on her as she stepped into the office. There were hardly any familiar faces left in the office.She secretly sighed in relief. She would have felt awkward and at a loss if she had to face the inquisitive gazes of acquaintances.Laurence held Zoey's hand, and she had no choice but to let him do as he pleased. She couldn't resist him.They entered Laurence's office. His office looked cold and plain, just like he was.Zoey noticed he was still grabbing her wrist. She took a deep breath and asked, "Where should I sit?"Perhaps surprised by her sudden cooperative attitude, Laurence raised an eyebrow. After a pause, he kindly reminded her, "The door is locked."Without a key, the door couldn't be opened from the inside.Zoey tried to pull her wrist away. "Got it."Laurence watched her sit on the sofa, and he relaxed slightly. He asked politely, "Would you like something to drink?"Zoey was momentarily lost in thought. She replied, "Warm water will do"Laur
Zoey was composed. She didn't seem worried about Laurence investigating her past in Novarvia. But deep down, she wasn't confident.Laurence had long lost any moral boundaries. Despite knowing she was married, he showed no concern about interfering in her marriage. He would likely become even more audacious and unrestrained if he discovered that her marriage was fake.Just the thought of it gave Zoey a headache. She never thought getting rid of someone would be so difficult, even if they held a certain position of power. Shaking him off became increasingly challenging.Lost in her contemplation, Zoey failed to notice the driver had changed direction. When she finally realized, the car was parked at the entrance of the Scott Group.Zoey pondered briefly. She thought the driver was sending Laurence off. She waited patiently and remained seated in the car.The man beside her calmly looked at her and raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you getting out?"Zoey furrowed her brows. "Why should I?"
Sarah always seemed like she was thriving. Looking radiant, she hooked arms with the man beside her. She no longer looked as worn as she had a few months ago.Laurence was acquainted with the man beside her. His gaze was indifferent, showing neither surprise nor much emotion. Firmly grabbing Zoey's hands, Laurence wouldn't let her leave his side.Laurence had no intention of greeting Sarah or engaging with William. He held Zoey's hand, seemingly aware she didn't want to deal with them either. He turned his face to her and said, "Let's go."Zoey didn't refuse. They left quietly.This time, Sarah didn't stop Zoey. She usually tried provoking her.Once they were far away, Zoey immediately shook off Laurence's hand. He saw her furrowed brows and the undisguised disgust in her eyes. She must have hated Sarah a lot. She didn't even want to see her.Laurence explained, "I didn't know she would be here today."Zoey ignored him and walked ahead. The man behind her suddenly circled he
Zoey had no idea whether she was acting out of spite or being stubborn, but she arrived at the restaurant as promised. The restaurant had a private courtyard that offered great privacy. She didn't want to cause the person she was meeting any trouble. Neil's wife was once Zoey's client. Both parties were pleased with the business transaction. Zoey didn't like socializing, but she was out of alternatives. She forced herself to befriend Neil's wife. She had something to ask of Neil because her passport application had been dragging on without any progress. Zoey didn't want to lose control of her emotions again. She could still keep her cool if she stayed away from Laurence. To her surprise, Laurence had found out what she had been secretly up to. It was like he had installed a bug on her. She was horrified. "I've heard a lot of good things about you, Ms. Jenner." "You're too kind, Mr. Jackson." Neil was nicer than she expected. He didn't act superior or avoid the topic. Inst
Zoey ended the phone call. Without having to ask, Zoey knew what was going on when she saw Laurence. Needless to say, Laurence had taken the liberty to take the morning off for her. She couldn't be bothered to be angry. Instead, she felt numb as it had happened too many times before. Zoey looked down at her changed pajamas and turned to the man by the bed. She asked, "Where are my clothes?" Laurence met her gaze. He didn't feel embarrassed at all. "They were in the wash. They are in the dryer now." Zoey lifted the bed covers and stepped onto the carpet. She made a beeline for the walk-in closet, which was filled with many clothes she hadn't taken with her when she'd left years ago. She picked an outfit and put it on. Laurence was still in the bedroom when she walked out of the walk-in closet. He put on his tie and looked over at her. She glanced at him and said, "You should've woken me up last night." Laurence approached her. He was tall and looked sharp in his suit, with
Zoey was fast asleep. She thought she was dreaming when someone lifted her up. Her body clock over the last few days had been regular. She was going to bed early. Now, she couldn't keep her eyes open. Maybe she went back to sleep because she didn't sense any danger.Laurence hooked his arm behind Zoey's knees in a cradle and pulled her arm over his neck to secure her from falling. She mumbled in her sleep. He guessed that she was dreaming.Laurence couldn't hear what she was saying. He leaned in with his ear near her lips, but her mumbling stopped.The chauffeur, dedicated to his job, was on standby outside. Seeing his employer in the distance, he opened the door respectfully.Laurence carried Zoey into the car. The chauffeur closed the car door and glanced again at the woman in his employer's arms from the rear-view mirror. She looked familiar, but he didn't want to make any assumptions. "Where to, sir?" The chauffeur couldn't read his employer's mind, so he was careful not to
The bar wasn't too far from the restaurant. It was less than a ten-minute drive away. Laurence refused to let go of Zoey's wrist. He was bold to show off their closeness even though it was inappropriate. The others could hardly take their eyes off the couple. It was drama in the flesh. If they remembered correctly, Zoey had denied their relationship online two days before. She had even announced her marriage to someone else to set the record straight. What was going on? They had a hunch about the situation, judging by the resistance on Zoey's face. Maybe her ex-husband wouldn't leave her alone. The man seemed relentless in his pursuit. Nevertheless, it was not their business to get involved. At the end of the day, it was between Zoey and Laurence. Everybody quieted down and sobered up. The group caught a cab to the destination. Laurence shamelessly invited himself to join the group, and no one objected, not even politely. They weren't fools. They wouldn't offend the man for
Zoey felt a tingling sensation along her ear. It felt as if she had been electrocuted. Laurence's tone was half-joking, but there was seriousness behind it. He was ready to tell on her to her husband the moment she nodded. Zoey had lost her patience with him a long time ago. She couldn't help but snap back every time. She looked up. Her face was small. She was about to tell him to get lost when the man took the chance to deepen the kiss. He squeezed her chin, forcing her to part her lips to let him in. Zoey was pinned against the wall. His scorching breath took hers away. She was trapped like prey in a snare. The more she struggled, the tighter his grip became.Laurence didn't stop with a brief kiss. He didn't give Zoey room to breathe, and she could feel her limbs going weak. Her tongue was going numb. The woman opened her mouth, gasping for air. She hung onto his collar to stop herself from going limp. The man was always greedy. He could never get enough of her. Zoey had