Laurence calmly nodded. “I believe everyone here is capable.”…Laurence loosened his necktie inside his car as he returned to the hotel. It was impossible to see his expression in the dark. “Did you get through to her?” he asked Larry.Larry was about to speak when he stopped, but then he gathered his nerve again. “Yes.”A few seconds later, Laurence asked him again, “Who picked up the phone?”Larry averted his gaze. “George Cole.”Laurence didn’t seem surprised as he rubbed his temples. “What did he say?”Larry recounted George’s conversation word-for-word to Laurence. George had been obnoxious during the phone call, braying for Laurence’s blood and demanding Laurence to immediately come begging for mercy.Laurence didn’t immediately speak, already anticipating George’s behavior. He chuckled. “Did he demand me to beg for mercy?”Naturally, Larry didn’t dare to answer that question.Laurence’s voice took on a sharp tone. “Have you gone mute? I’m asking you a question!” Larry couldn’t
George wasn’t as good at reining in his emotions as Zoey was; Laurence’s calmness had stoked his fury. He smashed the items and furniture inside the factory in anger. Once he was done letting off steam, he sat, panting. At his age, he no longer cared about decorum.George couldn’t believe that Laurence didn’t feel anything during the phone call earlier. Could Zoey really be no one in his eyes since he didn’t care about her life even though she was his wife? But how could a husband be heartless enough not to care about his wife?George shifted his rage at Laurence to Zoey. He grabbed her by her hair and forced her to look up. “How long have you been married to him?”Zoey didn’t answer.George flung her down and began to mutter to himself, “It’s been at least a year and a half by now. He’s got to have slept with you several times, right? So why the fuck does he not feel anything for you?”Zoey’s head hurt. Her body ached. The floor was cold, and the metal pipes digging into her back were
George blew up, and his voice immediately rose in anger. “Where is he? Get him to answer the call!”“Mr. Scott has returned to his hotel to rest,” the assistant replied.George was unstable. He shoved the phone into Zoey’s hand. “Speak with him.”Zoey could instantly tell that Matthew was the person on the other end of the line. She gripped the phone, staring at the screen. All of a sudden, her throat went dry, and she couldn’t squeeze a word out.George gave her a hard kick. Zoey didn’t want to butt heads with him. The fewer confrontations she had with him, the better. To her, she didn’t deserve this treatment.Zoey gulped before she spoke. “Matthew, is Mr. Scott in?” Her voice sounded weak, as though she was lethargic.Matthew paused, and in the end, he gave in. “Please hold on, Miss Jenner.”A moment later, Zoey heard a familiar voice.Laurence’s tone was still as calm and even as ever, no different from how it usually was. She couldn’t detect any hint of panic in it. Zoey initially
Shawn didn’t seem perturbed about the situation worsening. After a pause, he asked, “You aren’t worried that George might jump the gun and kill her?”Laurence raised an eyebrow. “No.”George would not do that unless his hand were forced. He still had his son, who was still alive and in jail. If George wanted to continue negotiations, he wouldn’t let go of his prize bargaining chip.Shawn was in deep thought for a moment before a light smile came to his lips. “To stay alive means to suffer the pains that come with it,” he said as he looked at Laurence. He was in deep admiration of Laurence’s heartlessness. “And I thought you were starting to feel a little something for her, thanks to all the times you’ve slept together.” Shawn chuckled. “You really haven’t changed all these years.”He was even crueler than the rest of them. He was even more immovable than stone.Laurence responded with a hard look, “You’re the same too.”There was something that Shawn was curious about, though. “You are
Zoey had no idea whether she would die here. All she could do now was save herself.George hadn’t shown himself for the last two days. He seemed to have already thought of another plan to threaten Laurence and only ordered the scarred man to watch Zoey and prevent her from escaping.Zoey had observed the inside of the factory. It would be easy to escape due to the door and windows, but the scarred man looked terrifying. She could tell at a glance that he wasn’t one to cross, and she couldn’t be sure there were no guards past the door.Zoey glanced at the scarred man. “I need to go to the bathroom,” she said.The scarred man turned to look at her. “Don’t waste your energy,” he warned her.Zoey wasn’t as afraid of him as she had been. This man may look like a hardened criminal, but he wasn’t as cruel as he seemed. “I won’t run,” she assured him.The scarred man stared at her, seemingly trying to determine if she was lying. He then walked over to undo the ropes around her wrists and broug
However, despite George’s best plans, he hadn’t accounted was Laurence’s calmness toward his wife’s kidnapping and Laurence’s lack of interest in negotiations.Zoey didn’t intend to keep speaking with the scarred man. She would not get through to him. She quietly wrapped her arms around her knees and curled up in the corner. The rational side and the emotional side of her warred with each other. Rationally, it was the right move for Laurence to leave her here. If he decided to come, he would fall into George’s trap. If he allowed himself to get emotional, he would have to take a huge risk that might even cost him his life.Zoey couldn’t tell whether she hoped Laurence would come. Maybe she still did to some extent, as though that would prove that he cared for her.Zoey’s mind was abuzz. She buried her face in her knees. She knew that she shouldn’t think about this from an emotional viewpoint; instead, she should look at the problem from Laurence’s perspective. She shouldn’t hope for to
Laurence was being brutally honest. Being rash would not solve this problem. If he did go to the factory, he would end up where George wanted him, and Laurence wasn’t that stupid. He had already ordered someone to track down George. It was only a matter of time until he was found.George didn’t become angry after hearing that. On the contrary, he laughed. He forced Zoey to look at him, and just as he had hoped, her eyes were teary. He then rubbed salt into her wounds. “Listen to what your husband just said.”Zoey clenched her teeth, remaining silent. She didn’t want to show any weakness.“Even I’m feeling a little sorry for you,” George said, feigning sympathy.Zoey repeated to herself that things would be okay. Laurence was right—if he came to the factory, he would just be coming to his doom. Dying would achieve nothing.She smiled weakly. “But is he wrong?” she asked.George was stunned.Zoey hadn’t eaten much the last few days. It left her weak, so her voice was rather soft. “Would
She didn't look like a hostage at all. She was calm and relaxed, unafraid that she would die here. Sarah looked at her with a grin, still in the mood for a chat. "Was this how you guys stayed warm when you got kidnapped last time?"Zoey clenched her fists and said, "It's none of your business." Sarah smiled innocently and asked, "How could it be none of my business? Laurence told me a lot about it. He said you got whipped and got slapped on the left side of your face, didn't you?"She was defeated by the calm and smiling Sarah. Sarah said, "No wonder he likes to kiss me on the left cheek and touch my ears. You will never know how lovingly he looks at me."Laurence's world revolved around Sarah. Zoey felt as if she were clenched in Sarah's hand with no choice but to get crushed. She felt suffocated and miserable, like an animal in a slaughterhouse. Her throat hurt as if she’d swallowed knives, and blood flowed freely from her wound. She said hoarsely, "You're still so proud after steali
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