He grabbed Iris from behind, pressing a dagger against her neck. "You bitch! You'll do anything to win a lawsuit! You've harmed my interests! I'll never forgive you!" The ball-less man's voice was filled with rage.Iris was startled. After realizing what was happening, she forced herself to calm down. "You've got it wrong. I followed the proper procedures...""Don't try to deceive me with your tricky words! I know what you did! You laid a trap for me in order to win the case! I knew it was too good to be true! That lawyer named Stein suddenly came to me and offered to represent me for free, but it's all a trap! He's part of your scheme!" His agitation mounted with each word.In his intensity, he inadvertently pressed the blade harder against her neck, drawing blood. Iris felt a sharp pain.Someone in the law firm had noticed the situation at the entrance and had immediately called the police.Sally, the receptionist, rushed to inform Jason. "Mr. Just, your assistant has been tak
Blood flowed from Jason's palm. The pain made him frown. He kicked the ball-less man away and swiftly grabbed Iris' waist, pulling her to safety from the man's grasp.Iris half-turned, falling into Jason's strong embrace. His strong arm wrapped around her like a living vine, holding her securely against him. She could feel the steady, powerful rhythm of his heartbeat.Looking up, she saw his fierce face. The usually composed Jason was now visibly furious, his expression dark and intense. His terrifying gaze pierced the ball-less man like an invisible blade.Iris rarely saw him get mad. This was the first time she had seen him so furious. Was his anger a reflection of his concern for her? She quickly dismissed the thought, reminding herself that his kindness for her was solely due to Professor Sandler.On the ground, the ball-less man writhed in pain, clutching his stomach where Jason had kicked him.The onlooking lawyers took the opportunity to step forward and restrain him, preve
"Let's go to the hospital," Iris insisted."Go ahead, Mr. Just. Don't worry, we can handle things here. It's no big deal," one of the lawyers assured him.Jason nodded.Iris grabbed his arm and led him to the side of the road to wait for a taxi.Seeing her worrying about him, Jason couldn't help but smile.Fortunately, they managed to hail a taxi quickly. It was quicker than going to the parking lot to retrieve their car.As the taxi pulled over, Iris opened the door for Jason. "Get in, Mr. Just."Jason entered the taxi and shifted aside to allow her to sit next to him."To the hospital," Iris instructed after closing the door."Which hospital?" the driver asked."The nearest one," she replied."Got it," the driver said, pulling away.Iris urged, "Please drive faster. My friend is injured."Glancing at Jason in the rearview mirror, the driver said, "I'll do my best."Given the city's traffic, it was impossible to drive too fast. The driver wished he could drive faster too
He seemed to be joking.Despite knowing that, Iris still blew on his hand gently.Her pink lips were like flower petals kissed by morning dew, beautiful and elegant. Jason's hand was still numb from the anesthesia, so he couldn't feel the warmth of her breath. Instead, his attention was drawn to her lips. They were beautifully shaped and were captivating whenever she spoke or smiled. He recalled their softness from their last kiss.He pursed his lips and withdrew his hand."It doesn't hurt anymore?" Iris asked, turning to look at him.Jason swallowed, his Adam's apple moving slightly. "The anesthesia hasn't worn off yet, so it doesn't hurt."Iris was speechless, but since he got injured because of her, she wasn't angry. "I'm glad it doesn't hurt."She checked the medication she was holding. There was a lot, enough to last for a month.The car ride continued in silence until they arrived. Iris paid the driver. Again, she stepped out first and offered him a hand. Jason took
"No..." Jason began to explain, but his phone rang, interrupting him. With a frown, he took out his phone. Before answering, he said to Iris, "Give me a second."However, Iris didn't wait for him. Taking advantage of his distraction, she slipped out of his embrace and said, "Don't forget to take your medicine," before darting out of the room like a startled rabbit.Jason frowned and answered the call with an unfriendly tone. "Yes?"Fiora was taken aback by his harsh tone. "Mom and Dad asked you to come home," she informed him."Did they say why?" Jason asked."Nope," Fiora replied, twiddling her fingers nervously.Although the incident at her engagement party was behind them, she could sense her parents' dissatisfaction with Stanley and the Stein family. She suspected it might have something to do with that."Okay," Jason replied curtly before hanging up.He picked up his car keys and left. While in the elevator, he sent Iris a text: [Tomorrow morning, 8 AM, let's have breakfas
Jason looked at Fiora for a moment before replying, "Yes."Fiora's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? When will you bring her back for dinner?"Jessica, elegant with a gentle smile, looked expectantly at her son. "Yes, Jason, bring her back so that we can take a look. Also, if she's okay with it, hurry up and get married."The news of her son having a girlfriend filled Jessica with joy. "We don't really care what family she's from; it's fine as long as you like her."She understood her son's temperament; once he had made a decision, it was nearly impossible to sway him. While it would be great if Jason's future wife would match his status, she recognized that love often transcended social standing and depended on destiny.She used to think she would have a good son-in-law. She used to wonder what kind of remarkable man her daughter would fall for. Yet, Fiora had fallen for a divorcee and was determined to marry him no matter what. That taught Jessica a lesson; she realized
Stanley said, "Sorry, something came up," and abruptly hung up the phone. Fiora stared at the screen in disbelief. Did he really just hang up on her like that? Anger surged within her, and she threw her phone in frustration.Stanley was oblivious to her tantrum. His tone was icy as he addressed Wendy, "You're released already?" It sounded as if he felt Wendy hadn't spent enough time in prison."Don’t treat me so coldly, Mr. Stein," Wendy said, her eyes teary as she rushed forward, hugging his waist. "Do you know how much I've missed you?" She played the victim well, her innocent appearance and watery eyes making her look pitiful.Stanley removed her hands. "Because of you, Iris and I are divorced. Do you realize how much I hate you?""She divorced you? I didn't know that..." Wendy feigned shock, her voice trembling. "I can explain to her.""Explain?" Stanley squeezed her wrist, his patience wearing thin. "What are you gonna say?"His grip was so strong that Wendy felt like he
Fiora went to the wardrobe and surveyed her clothes. Despite having a room full of clothes, nothing felt right. After trying on several outfits, she finally settled on one that she liked.Since Stanley had taken the initiative to ask her out, of course she had to make herself pretty. She took her time to do her makeup and dressed up perfectly.When she headed downstairs, Jessica called her for breakfast, but she replied that she had something to do and left the house.Watching her daughter leave, Jessica sighed softly. The night before, she had managed to persuade her son to stay overnight, but he left without breakfast in the morning too.Were they going out on dates already so early in the day? She mused over how young people nowadays seemed to always be in a rush.…Jason drove with a hopeful expression, looking forward to seeing Iris to confess to her.Meanwhile, Iris stood before the mirror, already dressed. However, there were dark circles under her eyes. She had had a r
Iris let out a mocking snort."I've never thought of getting back together with you, but I have thought about revenge. Just yesterday, I had a dream that you died. It was a grotesque, painful death – limbs broken, internal organs shattered. I was so happy that I laughed out loud. When I woke up and realized it was just a dream, do you know how disappointed I was?"Stanley's expression shifted from pale to blue, his mouth twitching in disbelief. "If insulting me makes you feel better, then go ahead. I can take it."He still seemed to believe that he could win her back as long as he apologized sincerely.Iris was so angry that she couldn't help laughing. "What are you laughing at? I know you were heartbroken after our divorce. You've felt hurt, shed tears – don't try to deny it, I've seen it with my own eyes. Let's stop tormenting each other."Iris admitted, "After the divorce, I was indeed heartbroken, but not for the reasons you think. I was sad about why I ever fell for you. I
Iris looked at the item in Jessica's hand curiously. "What's this?"Jessica smiled warmly. "There's an art exhibition the day after tomorrow. Would you be free to go?"Iris had already declined an invitation to Jessica's house, so refusing again would seem impolite. She set down her grocery bags and accepted the ticket with both hands. "Thank you, Jessica.""Then I'll pick you up at the gate at three o'clock the day after tomorrow?" Jessica suggested, looking at Iris expectantly.Iris nodded. "Okay.""Alright, I won't keep you any longer. Jason might be wondering what's happening to you," Jessica said, beaming. In her eyes, Iris and Jason were clearly living together. Their previous encounter at Jason's house could have been a coincidence, but seeing Iris again – this time, back from buying household items and groceries – all but confirmed it.It wasn't just speculation. They were definitely living together.Iris sensed that something was off in her words but brushed it off, thi
Fiora almost screamed. "You saw Jason's girlfriend?! Is she pretty? Are you satisfied with her?"Jessica replied, "The girl is quite nice. I'm just glad your brother found someone he likes.""So, she's coming over today?" Fiora asked eagerly."I haven't called her yet," Jessica said."Mom, you need to call in advance! You have to give a girl time to prepare," Fiora insisted.Her mother contemplated her words. "Alright, I'll call right now."She washed her hands and went to the living room. Excited to catch a glimpse of her future sister-in-law, Fiora grabbed the phone and dialed the number for her."Here you go, Mom," she said, kindly placing the phone to her mother's ear.Jessica gave Fiora a glance and took the phone. Once the call connected, she spoke, "Jason, bring your girlfriend over for dinner tonight."Jason was aware that Iris was busy lately. Moreover, they had only just started dating, so it wasn't the right time to take her home yet. He hadn't even told her about h
What shocked Wendy was Fiora's background. She carried herself with an air of authority, like a queen, and her bodyguards and subordinates treated her with the utmost respect.The woman could have easily found herself a better man than Stanley. Why was she competing with her for Stanley?In Wendy's social circle, Stanley was the most desirable choice. Therefore, Wendy would do anything to secure him for herself. He could change her destiny. By marrying him, she could elevate her social status and provide a better future for her children.But why would Fiora want a divorced man like Stanley? Was it love? The thought was laughable to Wendy. In this world, didn't everyone weigh their options to make the better choice for themself? Wasn't love just a side product?Wendy harbored love for Stanley too, but her urgent desire to elevate her status through him outweighed that love.She tried to stand but found herself unable to due to the ropes binding her. They restricted her movements
Smack!Wendy's voice was cut off as a fierce slap landed across her face."You told us we would be perfectly safe!" one of the men shouted."You knew you were breaking the law! You were terrible people to begin with..." Wendy retorted, her anger flaring."How dare you talk back?!"Their violence escalated, and Wendy suffered harsh blows, her cries of pain echoing in the air.When Samuel arrived, he was greeted by the sight of the three men assaulting Wendy.Despite her predicament, Wendy remained defiant. She kept yelling at the men.Samuel approached Fiora, saying, "You could have just told me to do it. There's no reason to get your hands dirty."Fiora turned to Samuel, a smile gracing her lips. "I don't want to see this woman anymore."Samuel immediately understood her wish. They had evidence of the three men's misdeeds, but Wendy..."I understand," he replied, though hesitance lingered in his tone.Fiora frowned. "Is it hard? These three men kidnapped me, and she was t
Samuel immediately figured out what was happening. [Try your best to persuade Ms. Fiora not to get her hands dirty. I'll be right there.][Understood.]The bodyguard stepped forward and said, "Ms. Fiora."Fiora nodded. She then cast a disdainful glance at the three men behind him, particularly at Walder, who visibly trembled at her presence.Seeing Fiora instilled a deep fear in him; his legs felt weak beneath him. This woman was ruthless."Mmh..." Wendy's eyes widened in shock upon spotting her cousin. They had been caught!Seeing their frightened expressions, she realized they must have sold her out.Fury surged within Wendy. How could they be so stupid?!If they had just insisted that it was all Iris' doing, they could have easily redirected Fiora's wrath onto Iris. Fiora and Iris would then fight each other, allowing her to benefit in the end.But these idiots had ruined everything!No wonder Fiora wanted to deal with her!Walder had also noticed Wendy. His gaze was ev
Wendy was in the hospital. Before her old head injury could heal, her head was injured by Fiora again, worsening her condition.Restlessness consumed her as she lay in the hospital bed.The hospital had just asked her to pay, but she did not have enough money. She regretted refusing Stanley's compensation. She should have accepted his compensation first, then figured out how to get him later. Now, she found herself in an awkward position with neither money nor man.She still owed her cousin money. Walder said he had succeeded, but he still hadn't sent her the video she asked for. Wouldn't she win Stanley back if she showed him a video of Fiora getting tarnished?While she was formulating a plan to win Stanley back, the door to her ward swung open. Looking up, she saw Fiora walk in, flanked by two imposing bodyguards in black suits.Wendy instinctively turned wary. She understood the need to act according to the situation. Given her current vulnerable state, she shrank back, not
"How long will it take for you to love me wholeheartedly? Five years? Ten years? Twenty years? Fifty years? A lifetime?" Jason kept his voice steady, devoid of any fluctuations.Iris avoided his gaze. "I don't know."Jason chuckled softly. "That's okay; I can wait."His tone deepened, lingering in the air. "I'll wait as long as it takes."Iris felt her heart tremble at his words.She lowered her head, murmuring, "Don't be like this.""Like what?" he asked.Jason's attitude was giving her a lot of pressure."Kiss me," he said. Iris was taken aback. "I haven't brushed my teeth...""I don't mind." His hand that was resting around her waist rubbed her skin through the fabric, sending a tingling sensation through her.To get it over with, she slowly leaned in. When they were mere millimeters apart, Jason tilted his head, closing the distance.Their lips touched, breaths mingling.Jason leaned forward, and she leaned back.She attempted to pull away.But Jason threaded his fi
She was really happy to finally meet her son's girlfriend.They were already living together. Grandchildren might not be far off. "You walk me downstairs," Jessica told her son.Jason lightly patted Iris' shoulder. "I'll be right back."Iris nodded.Jason followed Jessica to the door. "What's the matter? Do you have something you want to say to me in private?" he asked.Jessica shot him a reproachful look. "You two should get married as soon as possible. Don't wait until she gets pregnant. It's not fair to the girl."Jason was taken aback at first, then he chuckled, understanding her implication. "What are you thinking?""Aren't you already living together?" Jessica retorted.Jason opened his mouth to protest but decided against it. "I understand. Don't worry, we took precautions, so nothing will happen before marriage."Jessica frowned. "You know full well what I mean."She wasn't worried about Iris getting pregnant. She only wanted them to get married as soon as possible.