Laurence had planned to drive away, but he stood there frozen. Zoey and Michael chatted for a while. "Aren't you going to rest at the hotel?" "I’ve rested enough." Michael was a light sleeper, so a five-hour sleep was more than enough. He was jetlagged, but he was wide awake and eager to see Zoey. "What's your address? I'll take a taxi from the hotel." Zoey paused. She asked, "How about I go to you?" Michael was picky. He didn’t like his hotel. The environment and service didn't meet his high standards. "I could use a bit of fresh air, darling." Even though Michael often used the term of endearment, Zoey couldn't get used to it. She said, "Alright. Come on." Zoey sent him the address. It would take around fifteen minutes for Michael to get to her place. Michael checked out of the hotel before leaving. It would be easy to find another five-star hotel in Northwell. While sitting in the cab, Michael booked a new hotel on his phone. Since it was windy outside, Zoey put a ha
Michael couldn't speak the language, but he understood the word “ex-wife.” He never expected the man to be Zoey's irresponsible ex-husband, who abandoned his family. Then again, Michael didn't know the full story between Zoey and Laurence. Zoey was very private about her past. She never brought up her ex-husband. Michael's mom was ill at the time, and he had just married Zoey. He was stopped on campus by a gorgeous man. The man's chilling gaze looked at him like he was a worthless piece of meat. Michael didn't know the man and why he rubbed him the wrong way.Michael didn't want any trouble, so he turned around to leave, but the man's security detail surrounded him. Michael had nowhere to run. The man was Shawn. Michael thought Shawn was Zoey's lover and possibly the father of her child, but that wasn't the case. Shawn wasn't the child's biological father. Michael learned more about Zoey gradually. Zoey talked a lot when she was drunk at class gatherings. Michael often carried her
Michael fell into character very quickly. He stood in front of Laurence. His body and good looks were comparable to Laurence’s. However, he was still younger and more naive. He was no match for Laurence.Zoey covered Teddy’s ears. She didn’t want him to hear two adults fighting. She didn’t want Teddy to mature quicker than he was supposed to. She held him in her arms and went to the elevator. She bent down to talk to him. “Can you go back by yourself, Teddy?”Teddy was silent for a while. He was afraid of his mother getting bullied. He thought his mother was naive. Sometimes, she did things in a blur. Like Michael. They were both kind of naive.But his father was so unlikeable and wasn’t a fool.Teddy stayed still. His little face tightened. “You’ll get bullied, Mom,” he said seriously.Zoey massaged his little head. “I won’t. Just go upstairs. Michael and I will head up very soon.”Teddy was still concerned. He looked away and said, “I know that man is related to me.”Zoey was
When Zoey went downstairs and noticed Laurence and Michael still standing in the same spots, she heaved a sigh of relief. She was afraid they would fight.Northwell was Laurence’s territory. Since coming back, she had been unable to escape news of the Scotts’ power. Laurence had this city’s economy tightly wrapped around his finger. An enemy was strongest in their own habitat. Nothing good would come out of Michael fighting Laurence in this country. On top of that, Laurence was good at manipulation. He could cause trouble for them while they were looking the other way.Zoey went to Michael’s side and faced Laurence. They had to play the part of a married couple of five years. She held his hand lightly. “Let’s not fight anymore. Let’s go upstairs.”Michael was frowning. Annoyance was written across his face. “He was threatening you.”Zoey paused. Of course, she knew. She knew Laurence’s gentleness came with a price. He was only doing it because he wanted to be in control. He was e
She was supposed to be living a good life. And not like what the other people said.Zoey felt like the steel walls she’d been building were torn down. She didn’t want to show Laurence her embarrassment. But now that things were out in the open, it would be foolish if she denied her past.“It definitely didn’t go well when I first got to Novarvia.” Zoey’s voice remained calm. “You must be happy. But I got through it despite how difficult it was.”Laurence’s face was pale. Although he sounded calm, he was affected. His voice was no longer as steady as before.“I’m not happy.” His voice trembled.Zoey and Michael looked at Laurence’s porcelain white skin. It was eerily quiet. Zoey wondered why he wasn’t happy. Did he actually want her to live a good life? This wasn’t what she was expecting.She thought Laurence would sneer and mock her when he heard about her hard life in Novarvia. She thought he would rub salt into her wounds and say this was what she deserved after leaving him. Bu
”Why don’t we go back to Novarvia? I think even Shawn is more pleasant than your ex-husband,” Michael said.This was how he truly felt. Although Shawn was delusional and sent someone to protect her everywhere she went, he didn’t have other major flaws. He wouldn’t involve himself in her education and her work. Michael used to think Shawn’s possessiveness was too much. Compared to her ex-husband, it was a flaw not worth mentioning.Zoey did not go into detail. “I can’t go back now. There’s something wrong with my passport.”Michael was no fool. He caught the implication right away. “Did your ex-husband do something?”Zoey considered it and nodded. “Probably.” She added, “You haven’t stayed in the country for long, so you might not know him that well. He’s hard to get rid of. Ignore him the next time you see him. That’s all I can do right now.” The proud and arrogant Laurence wouldn’t be able to stand being ignored for too long.Michael understood this city was Laurence’s turf. He
”She could have opted out of the program if she didn’t want to be onscreen. I wanted to film some bloopers.” The cameraman was hesitant.The director rolled his eyes. “You know the working class don’t have a say in these things.”The cameraman adjusted his camera and considered it. “Well, he’s pretty protective.”The director was itching to spill the beans. What was the use of keeping gossip to himself? Gossip was meant to be spread. “One of his companies is funding the entire program. They’ve probably spent millions on it. Of course, he would protect her.”The cameraman replied, “This is pocket change to them.”“I think so, too.” They could spend this money without a second thought.The entertainment circle was full of outstanding people. Everyone knew who was privileged and who was not. Those who came from wealth and had people backing them up could not be offended.“Alright, roll the cameras. I’m going to go over the scenes.”Zoey had her own office. While walking through th
She didn't smell of alcohol. Only the slightest whiff lingered. Zoey hadn’t drank much. Her mind was clear. She didn't want to talk to him. Not even a polite greeting.As soon as the elevator doors opened, she walked out. With his long legs, Laurence caught up with her quickly. He didn't even have to try.Zoey was starting to get irritated. She lied, "I didn't drink."Laurence pursed his lips but didn't expose her lie.She had driven her uncle's car, but couldn't drive home since she had been drinking. She had to hire a designated driver. She wasn’t successful after a long time. Even when she was lucky enough to match with a driver, they would almost immediately cancel on her.Laurence looked at Zoey’s phone. Her head was bowed, but he noticed the frown on her face. He was very familiar with the expression.He asked again casually, "Did you drive?" Laurence seemed calm and undisturbed. It was as if he was able to remain cool-headed under any circumstance. His emotional outbreaks
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