"I'm sorry." Laurence's expression was cold as ice. He turned the car around and sped up.Zoey rubbed the sore spot on her forehead, wondering what he had heard on his phone that made his expression so grave. She clutched the seatbelt tightly. "Can you please stop speeding? I'd like to get out."Laurence did not have the time to let her out of the car. He stepped on the accelerator and sped up even more. Fortunately for them, there wasn't much traffic, and the road wasn't congested. Laurence gripped tightly on the steering wheel, Matthew's words replaying repeatedly in his head. Sarah was having suicidal thoughts. That was entirely impossible. Sarah wasn't one to joke with her life. Both Laurence and Sarah knew better than anyone how precious life was. She would never use her life to threaten others. It simply wasn't worth it!As his breathing raced, he drew a deep breath to calm himself. "What did you just say? I didn't hear you."Zoey's forehead was swollen, and she had a big, re
Zoey was stunned. The things Sarah was saying were beyond her expectations. Jason, her uncle, had always been a good person. He had been popular at Southgrove University, not only because of his good looks but because of his kind personality and gentle demeanor. He was picky and had high standards when he dated, but nothing over the top. Everyone respected him as a senior.“This must be Sarah’s own doing,” Zoey thought. No normal person would devise such a terrible and cruel way to humiliate a woman. She watched Sarah cry pretentiously and said, “Where’s your proof? You’re babbling nonsense. My uncle isn’t capable of such a thing.”Zoey thought Jason was busy working after getting out of jail. His job was very laborious. He wouldn’t have the time to do all this to Sarah.“There are CCTVs in the hotel. I’m not lying.”Sarah’s eyes were red, but Zoey did not believe her. She knew Jason did not like Sarah and might have a bad impression of her, but he was kind. He would not do such
With rage getting to Zoey, no words could escape her quivering lips. Sulking in the car, she wound down the window and let the breeze cool her down. She turned her head away from Laurence and continued their conversation, “You have blind trust in Sarah.” Love made people blind. Despite his knack for reading minds, over the years, Laurence could never get a read on Zoey’s.Laurence eased up on the accelerator, revealing nothing on his face. His deadpan look could not appear more serene. “How can you prove that you don’t have blind trust for your uncle?” Zoey often let her adoration for her uncle slip through in her voice when she spoke of him. She cared a lot about him, and she was proud of him. Her eyes would sparkle. Laurence had run a background check on Jason. The man was a top graduate of Southgrove University. Back then, Jason scored the highest on his SATs out of anyone in the city. He had been the big man on campus and a model student in the teachers’ eyes. Jason had
Shawn’s hard slap caught the guy off guard and silenced him. It had never crossed his mind that Shawn would hold his staring against him. “I’m sorry… Shawn.” Shawn did not spare the man a glance, let alone listen to what he had to say. Gritting his teeth, the guy put his hand over his cheek and tried to catch up to Shawn. His priority was bringing his mother home. With his mother around, two heads were better than one. He knew that Shawn thought little of his father’s illegitimate children. Even though Shawn had the resources at his disposal, it didn’t matter to him.The young man chased Shawn to the elevator, only to be stopped by the security detail. The difference in social classes tended to be apparent in such situations. The young man stared at the leaping floor display above the elevator, feeling the growing burn on his cheek. Resentment consumed every fibre of his being. Nevertheless, he knew neither of them would get anything from the Zuckmans as long as Shawn was stil
Pin-drop silence filled the office. After discovering that Laurence wanted to see him the day before, Jason had gotten the divorce papers ready for Zoey. Jason certainly knew why Laurence made a huge deal looking for him. The fact that Sarah did not take his warning seriously gave Jason an inkling of what Sarah was capable of during his years of absence. Sarah had employed many tactics to push people around. Jason had noticed the other day that Sarah was no ordinary haughty and bossy spoiled brat. She could adapt to the situation and knew the right things to say. Despite her resentment toward Jason, Sarah could use words to her advantage and tug at people’s heartstrings. Before leaving the hotel, Jason had made sure the surveillance footage was erased. He would not give Sarah any evidence. Still, he was amazed that Laurence took Sarah’s side and stood up for her even when she had no proof. Without a glance at the divorce papers on the table, Laurence composedly fixated on Jason
Leo was not going to stand by and watch Jason take the humiliation from Laurence’s men. While his eyes were glazed with age, they still held a cold, calculating gaze that could cut through steel. “Isn’t this pushing it, Mr. Scott?” Laurence replied, “I had no choice.” From above, he looked down indifferently at the man pinned against the desk “Jason, it would be better coming from you.” Laurence’s bodyguards pulled Jason up and slammed his slender frame against the wall. These professionals meant business and would show no mercy. With his back colliding with the firm wall, Jason felt his insides reshuffling. Jason coughed loudly, spitting out blood. He savored the metallic taste of blood as he talked, unconcerned with wiping away the blood that spilled from his lips. The security team held Jason up again. He let out a muffled but harrowing laugh as he sneered, “Sarah must mean a lot to you.” It was hard to read Laurence’s mind. While his eyes were fixed on Jason, Laurence
Laurence stayed silent for a long moment when he heard Zoey’s words, guessing that she probably knew her uncle was injured. With all the strength she could muster, Zoey continued, "I wish you had died a long time ago." She felt dizzy as she spoke and steadied herself against the wall. "They should have killed you when you got kidnapped. You should have died at seventeen. All of us should have." Her voice was low and unsteady as she spoke. On the other end of the line, Laurence's expression darkened at the ruthless words like a violent storm. Everyone in the meeting room watched their boss' expression gradually change. The pen between his fingers bent as his knuckles turned white. He did not apologize but seemed to allow her to vent her anger.Zoey disliked hospitals because her memories of them weren't pleasant. Since she was a kid, she had had to accept countless medical warnings from doctors saying her mother had barely survived. After that, she lost her first child at the hospi
The three-month notice for divorce was a new regulation. Getting a divorce was really quite troublesome. Even so, Zoey didn't mind the trouble because she couldn't stand being with Laurence for a second longer. Jason nodded and said, "I'll send someone with you tomorrow." Zoey shook her head and waved away the offer, "It's not worth the trouble." Jason did not insist but asked, "Can you handle him?" Zoey didn't know how to answer him because it would be useless even if she brought someone with her. Nobody could handle Laurence because he was way too tough. The hard way never worked on him, and everything depended on his mood. He did as he pleased according to his whim and could get angry at any moment. His bad temper was hard to predict. But who gave him the right to go back on his word now when he had forced her to abide by the terms of the contract last time? It was unreasonable. He should be ashamed for not keeping his promise.If Laurence had dragged their marriage on and
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