Iris was taken aback by Cassie's question. She looked at her mother in confusion. "Dating someone?" she asked, puzzled.Cassie studied her daughter, noting the makeup and the rosy blush on her cheeks, which gave her an appearance of someone blissfully in love. To Cassie, Iris' ignorance seemed like an act. Perhaps she thought it wasn’t the right time to announce it yet? After all, they probably hadn't been dating for that long.Holding her daughter's hand, Cassie spoke earnestly, "Iris, you're still very young. It’s wonderful that you can move on from your divorce so quickly. Mom and Dad are both really happy for you." She was really glad Iris hadn’t lost faith in love after a failed marriage.Iris was even more confused now. "Mom...""Alright, let’s not talk about it." Cassie stood up. "I need to steam the rice."The rice for sushi had to be steamed and cooled beforehand, so she needed to prepare it hours in advance.Iris stood up to help, but Cassie stopped her. "You rarely v
Therefore, they didn't think much of the call, considering it just another part of her job. Iris went to the balcony and closed the sliding door behind her. Iris had only submitted the indictment earlier that morning, so she was surprised to receive such a quick response. Typically, it could take a few days or even a week to get a reply. She's puzzled, but she's not complaining."I understand," she said before hanging up, returning to the dining table to finish her meal.Cassie asked, "Do you have to go back to work?"Iris nodded. "Yes, I have to leave after the meal."Although her parents wished she could stay longer, they knew it couldn't be helped.After lunch, Cassie reluctantly saw Iris off at the door.Iris said with a smile, "Go back inside. I’ll come again in a few days. My apartment isn’t that far."Cassie hesitated, wanting to ask her to visit more often, but instead said, "Keep working hard. You don't have to come that often. Your Dad and I don’t want you to distu
Ted's head was bandaged and there was a stubble on his face. His clothes were wrinkled and disheveled. He was on the phone, pacing back and forth anxiously."Those are our company's main projects. All our funds are tied up in them, so we must complete them or we risk losing everything. We might go bankrupt. Find out who's behind this; I'll try to use my connections to smooth things over," he said before hanging up.Looking up, his gaze met Iris' through the windshield. They locked eyes for a few seconds before Iris got down from the car."Iris..." Ted greeted her uneasily."Don't call my name; we're not that close," Iris replied, her voice cold, trying to maintain her distance."Can we talk?" Ted asked, his palms sweaty.This was precisely what Iris wanted. She gestured toward a cafe across the street. "Let's go there."Ted hesitated because of his current precarious situation. "You live here, right? Can't we go to your place?""Do you think I would let you into my home?" Iris'
"I have nothing to say to you. I'll see you in court," Iris said, suppressing the fear and panic within her, trying her best to maintain a calm and resolute demeanor.Ted chuckled, "Iris, you can't win."Not only did she lack evidence, she also had no backing. Although the Zeller family was in trouble, they're still much more powerful than the Glover family.Connections matter, too.The Zeller family had been doing business for years. They had a lot of connections. Even if Iris tried to make some noise, Ted could easily suppress it.Iris was aware of that too; she just refused to stay quiet. Her heart sank further. How could criminals be allowed to roam free just because they're powerful people?Seizing the moment, Ted's tone softened as he said, "I swear to you that I'll treat you well." He looked deeply into her eyes, his gaze filled with love.He truly loved her.He could hardly hold back his affection for her and his desire to have her."You're sick!" Iris exclaimed. S
Iris hated herself for feeling this way. A little hardship like that should not have traumatized her so badly. Yet Jason reassured her, "You're doing great. Women are naturally disadvantaged in our society. You recently fell for the trap of a grown man. It's perfectly normal to feel frightened."She pursed her lips. "You're really good at making people feel better."In truth, she only fell for the trap because Ted was an old friend. That day, she was completely blindsided."Are you feeling better now? Do you want me to take you somewhere to relax?" Jason asked."Where?" Iris looked up and was immediately captivated by his strong profile and star-like eyes. He was undeniably handsome. After spending time with him, she felt as though he was an elder guiding her, providing her with comfort and support.If Jason knew what she was thinking, he would probably retort with, "Who are you calling an elder?""Can you ride a horse?" he asked.Iris shook her head. "No, I've never tried i
Jason parked the car, and they both stepped out.Iris stood in the warm sunlight, gazing up at the blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The bright rays illuminated the expansive equestrian field in the distance."Let's go," Jason said, leading her inside.Iris nodded and followed him. They soon reached the reception area, where the manager spotted Jason and promptly came forward to greet him. "It's great to see you again!" His familiarity and respect indicated that Jason was a regular customer."Hello," Jason replied with a slight nod. "Please take her to change clothes."Iris' outfit was unsuitable for horseback riding. She had to change into riding attire.The manager smiled at her and said, "No problem. This way, ma'am.""Thank you," Iris responded, following the manager to the changing area. A female attendant was called in to assist her. The equestrian attire was all brand new. Iris wasn't sure if there would be extra charges for the attire, but it seemed like she didn't h
Iris bit her lip. She really wanted to try it.Jason smiled and encouraged her, "Go on."Given the height of the horse, she struggled to mount. Jason asked her to hold the reins and stand next to the horse's belly. He then got down on one knee, wrapped an arm around her legs, and lifted her onto the horse's back.As she settled in, she felt a little scared; the height was intimidating, and the horse felt restless beneath her."It... It doesn't recognize its owner, does it?" she asked nervously."Of course it does," Jason said."Huh?" The moment she heard that, panic surged through her. "No, find me another horse – what if it throws me off?""I'm right here," Jason replied, swiftly jumping onto the horse too, riding behind her. He took hold of the reins and wrapped one arm securely around her waist. "Don't worry; I won't let you fall."His hold was tight. Iris was acutely aware of his strong arm that was hugging her waist. Her slender body fit snugly against his.She could feel
He threw a pillow at Henry. "Stop spacing out. What are you thinking about?"Henry picked up the pillow and hugged it. He hesitated before telling Stanley, "I just found out something shocking.""What is it?" Stanley asked casually."Ted tried to force himself on Iris...""What did you say?!" Stanley's eyes widened in shock, his face twisting with anger."Wait, calm down. I heard it from Yvonne. I don't know if it's true...""Would Yvonne lie about something like that?!!!" Stanley roared, his anger palpable.Henry thought about it and agreed. Yvonne and Iris were close friends; Yvonne wouldn't spread false rumors about Iris.Ted was secretly in love with Iris for eight years. It wouldn't be surprising if his love became twisted.Stanley was seething, his chest heaving with rage. "I knew he's a piece of shit! All that tail-wagging around Iris, it turns out he's preying on her!""Calm down, Stanley. Yvonne said Iris is fine; Ted failed...""So what?!" Stanley's anger only inte
The cars started, the roars of the engines merging into an exhilarating symphony."START!" someone shouted, and the race began!The cars surged forward like pouncing jaguars, leaving behind a trail of smoke and cheers on the track.The sleek lines of the cars resembled finely honed muscles, brimming with explosive power. They raced like untamed wild horses, galloping down the track with lightning speed, cutting through the night.Seated in the car, Iris finally experienced the danger and thrill of a car race for herself. Her body was in the car, but it felt like her soul was always a step behind, trying to catch up!The race was a test of skill, especially when navigating the U-shaped bend. The sound of tires grinding against asphalt filled the air.Brad, initially in second place, skillfully overtook at the bend, seizing first place. Caught up in the atmosphere, Iris couldn't help but feel happy for him!No accident occurred. They crossed the finish line, claiming victory!I
Iris climbed out of the car.A crew-cut guy in an LV denim jacket perched on the hood of a silver sports car whistled at her. "Hey, beautiful."Brad shot the man a glare. "Piss off.""Is this your girlfriend? She's pretty," the crew-cut guy smirked at Brad.Brad replied, "She's not my girlfriend.""How can you bring someone who's not your girlfriend? Don't you know the rules?" the crew-cut guy questioned.Their race had a rule where the passenger seat could only be occupied by the driver's girlfriend.The crew-cut guy leaned back, draping his arm over the girl beside him. "Just admit it. What's the point of denying it?""She's my big sister," Brad explained, then turned to Iris with a smile. "Don't mind them, Iris. That's just the way they are, always running their mouths.""Your big sister?" A girl with braids asked curiously, "Don't you only have an elder brother? When did you get a big sister? Is she your father's secret illegitimate child?""Piss off," Brad snapped. "You
Iris settled at the empty dining table. She had a healthy appetite because she was in a good mood. She ordered a steak and a bowl of minestrone soup. She finished everything, savoring each bite. After enjoying her meal a bit too much, she felt pleasantly full.When she headed back downstairs, she encountered the pregnant woman again. The woman had chestnut-colored wavy hair, fair skin, and wore a long dress that accentuated her protruding belly. Iris noted that she looked quite young, much younger than Renee. It made her wonder if all men preferred younger women.Wendy was young too."Hi," Iris greeted with a smile.The pregnant woman looked around, puzzled. "Are you talking to me?"Iris nodded. "I'm a lawyer from the Golden Path Law Firm; my last name is Glover. If you have any property disputes in the future, feel free to come to me. I can be your lawyer."The woman sized Iris up, thinking, She seems normal enough, but her words are so strange. Is she crazy?Iris maintained he
Concerned that Iris' words would negatively impact Stanley's image in Fiora's mind, Renee yelled angrily, "You're not fit to say that. You're just the woman my son dumped. Shame on you, you uncultured swine."Fiora glanced at Iris, muttering, "Rude," before briskly walking towards the exit.Following Fiora's lead, Renee echoed, "Rude." As she walked past Iris, she couldn't resist a parting jab, "You couldn't get pregnant even after four years of marriage. There's definitely something wrong with your body. A secondhand woman who can't even bear a child – what future do you have? You'll end up with a broke man or an ugly old man."Iris laughed, unfazed. "I may not have a child, but the Stein bloodline will definitely continue. Someone will bear a child for you."Renee was confused. "Are you stupid? Who's going to bear a child for me?" She thought Iris' words were nonsensical; she expected someone to bear a grandchild for her, not a child.Iris merely smiled, choosing silence over ex
The fragrance in the mall was quite pleasant, helping to relax Iris' mind.She spotted the pregnant woman making her way into a Channel store. The woman appeared to be a big spender. Most women who were willing to be with old men were in it for the money. Wendy probably genuinely liked Stanley, but Iris wouldn't be surprised if part of the reason she had an affair with him was because of his wealthy background. In contrast, Fiora seemed to genuinely loved Stanley. She didn't appear to be interested in his money, but rather in him as a person.Iris turned away, heading in another direction. She planned to buy some herbal tonics for her parents. Her parents lived frugally, often reluctant to spend money on themselves. They often worked late into the night, which would surely take a toll on their health.She entered a high-end gift shop, filled with various health products. She purchased a few expensive tonics.With her purchases in hand, she passed a storefront displaying a beaut
"I'm very willing to help," Jason added, glancing sideways at her. Iris fixed her gaze straight ahead. "I'm already immensely grateful that you would give me opportunities to gain experience as a favor for Professor Sandler. I can't keep troubling you with my private affairs."She understood the importance of boundaries. You can't keep taking advantage of someone else's goodwill. She knew when to draw the line.If Jason could hear her inner thoughts, he would definitely say, "I wish you would keep 'taking advantage' of me."He gripped the steering wheel tight. Not going overboard was supposed to be a good thing, but it wasn't in her case. He sighed softly."Mr. Just, you can just drop me off at that intersection up ahead," Iris pointed. That intersection led to a large mall. Even if Jason hadn't mentioned it, she was going to buy something. However, she had no intention of letting Jason pay for it. He was helping her, so it wouldn't be right to make him spend money.As they re
It was so sudden. It caught Iris off guard.He said with smiling eyes, his voice low and sexy, "Your ex-husband is watching."Iris placed her hands on his chest. At such close distance, his unique scent enveloped her, stirring her senses. She moved her head to the side slightly. "H-How do you think I did today?" she asked.She was referring to her performance in court.Jason tightened his hold, leaning in close to whisper in her ear. "You did very well."The warmth of his breath on her ear and neck sent a shiver down her spine, prompting her to shift slightly. "Um, Mr. Just..."Even if they were acting, there was no need to be this intimate.The height difference made his belt buckle press against her lower abdomen. It felt uncomfortable because it was rock hard.As a mature woman who had already been through a divorce, she tried not to overthink it, but the intimacy of their position was undeniable. She didn't dare to move her lower body at all. She could only push him gen
Iris looked back at Stanley emotionlessly.Her clean, neat, and professional attire, paired with her short hair, projected an air of coldness that made her seem unapproachable.For the first time, Stanley felt a 'distance' between them. It felt like she was very far away from him.She was like a completely different person to the Iris he knew.While her face remained the same, her entire aura had changed; she was no longer the gentle, understanding woman in his memory. Instead, she had transformed into a strikingly cold beauty."You promised me we would reconcile," he said, looking into her eyes.Iris raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips as she asked, "Did I say that?""During the break. Have you forgotten? We...""Do you have evidence?" She cut him off coolly. She was careful not to say anything that could be used against her. She had only hinted at reconciliation.Stanley's eyes narrowed. "You tricked me?"Iris' smile brightened. "You must have misunderstood
Because Iris had experienced betrayal from a spouse herself, she could understand her client's feelings, so she spoke the words with conviction. Her client looked at her with teary eyes. She was grateful to Iris for voicing her inner thoughts."Thank you, Ms. Glover, for saying what I want to say."Meanwhile, Stanley's expression grew stiff. He felt like Iris was talking about him. He was ashamed of what he did with Wendy, feeling for the first time that he might have gone too far.The ball-less man's face twisted with frustration. It seemed like the more they argued, the less he sounded like a human.His terrible behavior towards the end of the trial directly impacted the judge's perception of him, leading to a more favorable outcome for Iris' client.Iris' client still had to go to prison; after all, she had indeed committed a crime. However, the sentence was only six months. Given the circumstances, it could already be considered quite lenient.She was also required to c