Jasmine's voice on the phone was growing increasingly hysterical, and she sounded like she was about to lose her voice completely. The woman had always been a picture of poise and grace in Zoey's presence, often careful to maintain her image, but Jasmine had lost her cool and let loose a string of profanities. Zoey picked up a few valuable pieces of information from Jasmine's outburst. Sarah had been missing for some time, so Jasmine had turned her attention to Zoey. It explained why it had been a while since Sarah had last picked a fight with her. "I don't know. You can file a missing person's report with the police." "Don’t you think I did?”Jasmine drew a deep breath and gradually pulled herself together. She had contacted the police a while back when she realized she couldn't get in touch with Sarah. It had been a few days, but the police hadn't made any breakthroughs. Besides Zoey, Jasmine couldn't think of anyone else who would go after her daughter. Zoey may appear unas
"Nothing," Zoey muttered, her voice strained. "I just miss you. That's all, Uncle Jason." The last thing she wanted was for her uncle to overthink her words. Her heartfelt words took Jason aback as she was not usually the sappy type. She was not expressive, so the sentiment came out of the blue. Still, Jason appreciated her words. "I'll visit you once I'm done with work." Zoey let go of her doubts and hummed a response, "Sure." Jason urged her, "Take good care of yourself at home. Don't be fussy with your food. My door is always open if you face any trouble. Don't take on the burden on your own." Zoey replied, "Got it." Jason still saw Zoey as a child even though she was about to become a mother. Despite being pregnant, she still needed to be taken care of."I’ve got to go, Uncle Jason. I shouldn't take you from your job." "Alright." The smile across the man's lips faded once the call ended. He lifted his gaze and smirked at the person whose head hung low in the office.
Tristan raised an eyebrow at Laurence’s response. He hadn’t expected him to respond that way to the disturbing news."Aren't you worried? Sarah's mother is frantically searching for her. If something happens to her, you might regret it,” he urged. Tristan may have sounded well-meaning, but only he knew his ulterior motives.Laurence wouldn't have known about Sarah’s disappearance if Tristan hadn't mentioned it. The man pulled a poker face and kept to himself. It was hard to tell whether Laurence had been joking before. "Didn't her mother report her missing to the police? Where am I supposed to look for Sarah if the police can't locate her." Laurence had never been one to mince his words, but his reaction to Sarah's disappearance was out of character. Tristan curled his lips to smile, but all he could muster was a forced one. It slipped his mind that Laurence was too sharp to fall for his little act. He quit playing games and said, "Jasmine suspects Zoey is behind the kidnapping.
Laurence saw no need to bring up something Zoey wasn't involved in, as they were unrelated. It was clear that Sarah's disappearance had nothing to do with Zoey, but he couldn't say the same for Jason. Zoey must have told Jason what Sarah had done at the hospital. His niece saw him as a kind gentleman, but he was ruthless in other ways. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to establish himself so quickly. Besides, as Tristan said, Sarah was Miss Popular. She always carried a smile and hardly stepped on anybody's toes. Laurence could count the number of people she had a beef with on one hand. There was no question about who did it. Before heading to Zoey's place, Laurence sent his men to “have a chat" with Jason. He might get some useful answers out of Jason through discreet inquiries. Of course, Laurence would be lying if he denied having tried to make things difficult for Jason. Zoey would be pissed and probably would hate him more if she found out he messed with her uncle again
Zoey fell silent for a bit before speaking her mind, "Isn't it something you’ll do anyway?" The remark packed a punch. Although Zoey slapped his hand away, Laurence put his hand back on her belly. The warmth from his palm seeped into her skin while his other arm circled her waist, making them look like newlyweds on their honeymoon. She gave Laurence an attitude. "The child isn't yours. Why are you touching my belly?" Laurence couldn't feel the baby kick, probably because it was not his. He didn't feel the love or sense of wonder that came with being a father. The child was nothing more than a bastard, and it only got on Laurence's nerves that Zoey was so careful in tending to the child. Still, Laurence had wised up. Even if he despised the child, he must, in no circumstances, show it in the presence of the child's mother. "The baby should be cute when it's born," Laurence said, forcing out the fake compliment as he struggled to please Zoey.He wasn't incapable of making peopl
Paying no heed to Jason's question, Laurence asked, "Okay. I won't ask you where she is. Is she alive?" Jason replied, "I don't know. I don't have the answers." Laurence couldn't fire his gun at Jason like before, as he had reservations. Still, it wasn't as if there weren't other means he could use on Jason, but the image of Zoey hissing her hatred at him with tearful eyes haunted him. How couldn’t Laurence be affected by her hatred for him? Her opinion of him mattered a lot. Laurence was at breaking point and couldn't endure any more of her resentment. That was why he couldn't harm the people she cared about. Laurence's relationship with Zoey was like a broken mirror, its shards too sharp to be repaired. He tried to piece it back together, but the jagged edges only cut him deeper.The security detail dispersed at the wave of Laurence's hand. They walked out of the conference room and stood in the hallway outside the door. Laurence believed Sarah was still alive somewhere. If she
Zoey was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, and things were not looking good. She may have to deliver her baby prematurely. Zoey hadn't always been in the best of health. Although she was not sickly, her health couldn't handle much stress. Jason scowled with furrowed brows as he waited in the hallway. After some time, a doctor wearing a medical mask emerged from the ward. "The mother isn't doing well. We need to keep her under observation for a while. We recommend an urgent Cesarean if her vitals don't improve." At least the surgery was the best chance of survival for the mother and the baby. Nothing else mattered more to Jason than his niece's life. He asked, "How risky is the surgery? Can you guarantee my niece's safety?" The doctor had thought the guy was the pregnant woman’s husband since he looked so young. It turned out he was her uncle. He replied, "We can't promise that because any surgery comes with risks. We’ll do everything we can to ensure the safety
"Does Laurence know you were hospitalized?"Zoey shook her head. She had never been one to initiate contact with Laurence. There was no way she could've told him about the incident. She couldn't wait for the day she’d never have to see his face again. Laurence had been messaging her for a few days now—only concise, to-the-point texts—but she never replied.Rose was puzzled. How odd for him to suddenly appear at the hospital when he hadn't been there for days. "Could he have fallen really sick?" she speculated bitterly. He showed no signs of sickness earlier, though. He was still his usual sullen, unsympathetic self. He paced so fast, almost like a shooting star in the sky. Even the doctors behind him struggled to keep up.Zoey lowered her head and said, "He does go for a physical checkup once a year."Additionally, the Scotts had their own family physician—they would catch even the tiniest change in their health early. Rose felt Laurence's name no longer ought to be mentioned in
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