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
Vince nodded as he recounted the incident. "It happened last night. We were doing late-night business so we closed late. I remember it was around eleven o'clock when three men came in. They ordered grilled lobster and beer. There were two women at the table next to them. When the women were leaving, one of the women accidentally bumped into one of the men. The man demanded an apology. I wasn't present at the time, so I don’t know if she apologized. Anyway, an argument broke out."The men started pushing the women. Worried for their safety and the reputation of my business, I stepped in to intervene. But the three men were aggressive and ignored my apologies. They kept pushing the women, and one woman fell onto an uncleaned table. The other woman pushed the man back. In response, he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her out of the restaurant."I followed them outside and saw the man beating the woman. I tried to pull him away, but he was too strong and knocked me down. I hit my head
It was at this moment that Kendra finally understood the difference between family and outsiders. The people who she usually got along with seemed more interested in watching her family's misfortunes unfold than offering genuine help. Yet, when she called her niece, Iris rushed over without hesitation to help.A helping hand in times of need was always truer than a helping hand in normal times."You're our family's savior," Kendra expressed her heartfelt gratitude.Among their extended family, Iris was the one with the best education and the best marriage. Even though her husband cheated on her and they were now divorced, he was undoubtedly a man of status. The fact that he was willing to marry Iris, a woman with an ordinary background, in the first place spoke to her qualities.That was why Kendra was jealous of Iris. Her own children were very ordinary in comparison.Her husband, Tom, chimed in, "Now you know. Make sure you watch your mouth when you speak from now on."Kendra
Iris responded with a soft acknowledgment as Elise left the living room. Leaning back on the couch, Iris fell into a daze, her thoughts swirling.Suddenly, her phone buzzed with a message from Jason: [When are you coming back?]She stared at the screen for a long time, contemplating her response. Finally, she typed back: [In the afternoon.]He did not reply. Scrolling through their chat, she realized they had built up quite a long conversation history."Lunch is ready," Elise announced about half an hour later when she returned to the living room.Iris got up to wash her hands.Tom had brought home a variety of braised dishes, while Kendra had prepared a few hot dishes. At the dining table, Kendra expressed her concerns and asked Iris many questions about Vince's situation. Iris assured her that he would be fine, which seemed to ease Kendra's worries.After lunch, Iris drove back to work. She parked her car and walked into the building. While she was waiting for the elevator, Ja
Iris could feel Jason's intense gaze on her, making her shift uncomfortably. She forced a smile and asked, "How can I help you?""It's another race," Brad replied. "This time it's a different track.""Is it the one you guys talked about last time, the one that's really dangerous and could be fatal?" Iris asked, concern evident in her voice.Brad shook his head. "No, it's a different one."Suddenly, Brad noticed that Iris' cheeks were flushed. "Iris, what's wrong with you? Your face is as red as a monkey's butt!"Iris did not know what to say.Jason's gaze remained on her face. "Ms. Glover, there's a case we need to handle this afternoon, remember?" he stated matter-of-factly.Iris responded with a simple, "Oh."Brad was speechless. He glared at Jason unhappily and muttered under his breath, "Merciless boss."Jason merely nodded, pretending not to hear the comment.Iris shrugged helplessly. "As you can see, I have work to do.""Just take the rest of the day off," Brad insiste
Iris looked at Brad with a critical eye. "If you're not interested in practicing law, you might want to consider changing your career."She felt that he was wasting his time at the law firm since he wasn't actually doing anything.But Brad shrugged off her comments. He was actually quite content with this arrangement. "Working" at the firm allowed him to appease his family while still enjoying his carefree lifestyle without getting nagged by his old man."I'm heading out, then," he said.He was wearing a black hoodie with the hood up, casual pants, and white sneakers. He twirled his car keys nonchalantly, exuding a carefree attitude.Once in the car, he cranked up the music to the maximum volume, moving to the rhythm as he backed out of the driveway. Once outside, he hit the gas, launching into the open road.The traffic lessened when he reached the city outskirts.With the window down, the breeze tousled his short hair, and he savored the freedom of the open road. Suddenly, s
When they arrived at the hospital, Fiora stepped out of the car. Although Brad disliked Fiora, he still took off his denim jacket and tossed it to her. "Your clothes are torn."Fiora looked down. She had never looked so disheveled before. She caught the jacket and draped it over herself. "Thanks.""Don't mention it. Anyone would lend a hand in that situation, and I didn’t really do much," Brad replied nonchalantly.Fiora assessed him. Although she had always disliked him, he didn’t seem so bad today."Since I'm here, I might as well escort you inside," he said, walking towards the hospital entrance.Fiora hurried to keep pace with him. "Um, can I borrow your phone again?"Brad pulled out his phone and handed it to her.She called Samuel and told him, "I’m at the First General Hospital. Come over; I need to talk to you.""I'll be right there," Samuel responded on the other end."Also, don’t tell my brother," Fiora added firmly. She wanted to handle things on her own; if her bro
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.