Iris chuckled upon hearing that. "Why do you sound like a clingy girlfriend?""Just think of me as your clingy girlfriend then," he replied with a grin.Iris looked at the time."What's the matter? Do you have a date?" Brad asked.She shook her head. "I have an appointment with a witness.""Do you want to go there directly or do you want to go to the law firm first?" he asked.Iris decided they should stop by the law firm first to pick up some stuff. Brad nodded, and they headed to the firm before meeting the witness.The case Iris was handling was complex and couldn't be resolved quickly; it involved multiple parties and factors. Iris was also juggling another case simultaneously. A month later, one case was resolved while another entered its final critical stage, keeping her extremely busy.During this time, Cassie had called her, telling Iris she missed her and asking Iris to visit, but Iris simply didn't have the time. This hectic pace continued for another two months.Sum
Cassie failed to understand her husband's intentions and remarked, "It's not easy for our daughter to earn money. Do we really need to go on vacation? Since when are you so extravagant?""I..."Before Dennis could explain, Iris set down her cutlery and addressed her mother earnestly. "Mom, I'm happy to spend money on you. Your happiness is what matters to me. If I earn money but don't use it, what's the point? Since Dad wants to go, you should go with him. You both have worked hard all your lives; it's time to enjoy yourselves. Don't worry about money; I'm doing well."She retrieved a bank card from her bag. "There's $150,000 in here."Cassie's eyes widened. "So much?"Iris continued, "I'm an official lawyer now and can earn commissions from cases. You both should spend some money and enjoy yourselves. Don't hold back."Cassie took the card, but didn't put it in her pocket. Despite her love for money, Cassie was reluctant to spend the money that her daughter earned. She returned
Cassie smiled upon hearing that. "I'll tidy up your room for you."She walked away with light steps, every cell in her body leaping with joy, indicating her good mood.Dennis watched his wife with love and indulgence in his eyes. "Look how happy she is."Iris noticed the affection in her father's eyes. She was deeply moved by his love for her mother.In the old days, there were a lot of men who couldn't accept not having a son, so her father's equal regard for daughters was refreshing. It showed how much he loved his wife."My career is on the rise now. In a couple of years, once my career stabilizes, I'll take on fewer cases, and I'll have more time to spend with you," Iris said."Okay," Dennis replied.Iris spent the evening watching TV and chatting with her parents. She listened to Cassie gossip about their relatives.Cassie and Dennis usually went to bed early, but they stayed up late that day because Iris was there. The three of them conversed and enjoyed each other's comp
The unreserved praise from Luka left Iris feeling embarrassed. She modestly replied, "I got lucky.""Your character and hard work have earned you a good reputation in the industry," he said, patting her shoulder. "Keep up the good work, and if you need anything, just let me know.""Thank you, Uncle Luka," Iris replied, genuinely grateful."I'm so happy to see your accomplishments," he continued, then glanced at his daughter. "If only Yvonne is like you...""Dad, stop. Don't drag me into this," Yvonne interjected, shrinking away. She hated it when her family compared her to other people. She knew she was the black sheep of the family who didn't inherit the family career, but there was no need to keep repeating it. She had grown tired of hearing about it.Although her job in the financial industry had nothing to do with the legal field, she was doing well. Why must he belittle her?Her father's sigh echoed disappointment. "I've been too lenient with you; look how spoiled you are."
They were all scared.Iris gently tapped Yvonne. "Let Prof rest. He just came out of surgery.""You all can go," Professor Sandler insisted, waving away his children. "I'll be fine with Yvonne and Iris here."He knew his children were busy, so he was reluctant to inconvenience them even though he was ill. He had always been stubborn."What are you saying? Those two wouldn't know how to care for you! I'll stay," Luka said firmly.Professor Sandler's daughter also refused to leave.Despite their protests, Professor Sandler's insistence prevailed. Yvonne and Iris remained, while the others left.As the two stayed by his side, Professor Sandler fell asleep.The next morning, while Yvonne was asleep leaning on the bed, Iris stepped out to buy food.Upon her return, Yvonne was still asleep, but Professor Sandler was awake. His complexion had improved since yesterday, but he was still weak. Iris moved to support him."Are you hungry?" she asked softly.Professor Sandler shook his
"What little follower?" Professor Sandler asked with curiosity.Iris adjusted the blanket around him. "An intern at the firm that I'm mentoring.""Oh," Professor Sandler remarked. He believed Iris wouldn't fool around with men. He glared at his granddaughter and said, "Iris isn't like you."Yvonne playfully pounced onto the bed, wrapping her arms around him. "Grandpa, am I your granddaughter or is Iris your granddaughter? Your favoritism is ridiculous!"Professor Sandler tapped Yvonne's forehead lightly. "If I hadn't spoiled you, would you have been living such a carefree life, huh?"Yvonne acknowledged the truth in his words. She knew her grandfather had been lenient with her.Holding onto her grandfather, she said, "Then you must keep loving me and spoiling me and stay by my side forever."A hint of melancholy crossed Professor Sandler's face, accentuated by the wrinkles that time had etched. "What nonsense are you saying? I'll have to go sooner or later...""Don't say that,"
Brad took Iris to a banquet hall. When they arrived, she finally found out what Brad's surprise was.It was the annual "Best Rookie Award," a prestigious award ceremony in the legal field jointly organized by the Big Eight law firms. The firm had sent the notification three months ago, but she didn't intend to participate. She knew the award ceremony would be held today, but she didn't plan to attend because she didn't even sign up to compete for the award.Brad flashed a grin. "I signed you up."Iris' eyes widened. "You made a decision for me without consulting me again?"He waved it off. "Everyone at the firm recognizes your hard work. Despite some past conflicts, things are good now, and everyone acknowledges you. This award is rightfully yours."Brad seemed confident.Iris did not like the attention. She preferred to focus on her work rather than seek accolades."This award holds significant weight in our field. It will be beneficial if you want to be a partner at the firm i
She had worked very hard. Of course, so had the other rookies, but the case she recently handled had a significant impact — a law was amended because of it. Iris felt a mix of emotions as she stood on the award stage, reflecting on her journey from her divorce to this moment. The past two years had been filled with challenges and growth, and winning the "Best Rookie Award" felt like a validation of her hard work. It made her feel like her efforts were worth it.After the award ceremony concluded, Brad wanted her to treat him to a meal."If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have received this award. Shouldn't you reward me?" he asked with a smile on his face.He looked so happy that to an outsider, he seemed like the award recipient instead.Iris was not one to be stingy. "No problem. You can choose the restaurant.""Let's go to your place. I want you to cook for me. A meal made by you is more sincere," Brad suggested.Iris gave him a look. "Quite the picky eater, aren't you?"Bra
Iris' heart tightened, feeling both sweet and bitter, "I did it willingly. You were only in danger because you tried to help me. You went to great lengths to help me save my cousin. I'm immensely grateful."She paused, then slowly raised her head to look at him, "I can't let you die because of me. If someone has to die, I'd rather it be me, not you.""Why can't it be me?" His tone was light, but there was a subtle hint of excitement in his voice.She must loved him very much to have the courage to rush in front of him in the face of danger.Death, what a fearful word.Yet she shielded him from the gun with no hesitation."You were there to help me save someone. Therefore, you can't die," Iris answered.That was what she genuinely thought at the time.In the quiet room, the sounds of their breathing could be clearly heard. Jason gazed at her, his eyes filled with a complex emotion, "You rushed over to shield me from that gun because I helped you save your cousin? It's because yo
She asked in panic, "Who is it?""It's me."It was Jason's voice. She breathed a sigh of relief.People always felt the most insecure when they're naked."You're done eating already?"Jason wasn't very hungry because he just woke up, so he only had a bowl of soup. That's why he came back up so quickly."Yeah. What are you doing? The doctor said your wound shouldn't get wet.""I'll be careful." Iris said.Jason frowned. "Are you taking a shower?""...Yeah," Iris answered softly."I'll wash you." Jason tried to open the door, but it was locked from the inside.He raised his eyebrows. "Iris...""I can wash myself." Iris hugged herself, thinking, how embarrassing would it be if he washed her?She didn't want that.Although they had already seen each other naked, her current appearance was not pleasing, and there was a gruesome wound on her body.She didn't want him to see her in this ugly state.Yes, he had already seen her ugly side, but... she couldn't just not care.She
Perhaps the sensation was a bit itchy, as Jason stirred. Iris quickly withdrew her hand, but Jason had already woken up."What's wrong? Does the wound hurt?" Having just woken up, his voice was hoarse.Iris shook her head, "I'm fine."She felt bad. "I'm sorry I woke you up. Go back to sleep."Jason raised his head and said, "Give me your arm."She smiled and extended her arm. Jason laid his head on her arm and said, "Hug me."Iris thought he was childish.She gently patted his back like she was soothing a child.Jason closed his eyes. Smelling her scent, he soon fell asleep again. He slept for a long time, only waking up at night.Iris had also fallen asleep, but she woke up a lot earlier due to hunger. However, seeing Jason sleeping soundly, she didn't want to disturb him. Her arm was numb but she didn't dare to pull it out, afraid of waking him up."Are you awake?" Iris asked.Jason looked at her groggily, reached for his phone, and saw that it was already past two in the
Since they would be staying here for a while, someone had to handle the household chores.It was clear that neither of them nor the two bodyguards were up for the task.Donahue had always been the one responsible for hiring cleaners to clean the place, so Jason asked Lewis to contact Donahue and inquire about the cleaning staff he usually hired.Lewis immediately made the call. Donahue said he usually hired temporary housekeepers who would clean and then leave. He provided Lewis with a contact to arrange for their services.Lewis personally selected two middle-aged women. The manager said they were very experienced and proficient in cooking and household chores.He brought the two housekeepers back to the island and settled them in. After that, Lewis went upstairs to inform Jason that the housekeepers had started work and dinner was taken care of.Jason's bedroom door was slightly ajar. From the gap, Lewis saw Jason sitting on the bed talking to Iris. It didn't seem like a good
Jason's condition was that Kaden must ensure he and his people left the country safely.After discussions with the other two families, Kaden agreed to Jason's condition. With the three families working together, it wouldn't be hard to ensure the safe departure of Jason and his people.Holding Luna hostage gave them leverage over the Morris family. This deal was mutually beneficial. Jason made the deal to allow Iris to leave the country as soon as possible. After agreeing on a departure time, he left the rest to Kaden and Lewis to figure out.Jason stayed by Iris' side.Two days later, they boarded a plane to Fiji. The earliest direct flight home from Northern Burrma was the day after tomorrow, but staying in that country for another day meant another day of danger, so Jason and Iris decided to go to Fiji first. She would recover from her injury there.Iris didn't want her parents to worry, so she thought it would be a good idea to stay in Fiji for a while. She needed time to rec
When he withdrew his hand from under her, it was stained with blood.Anxious and flustered, his heart felt like it had stopped beating."Iris..." His voice was hoarse and unsteady.Iris' wound was not life-threatening. The bullet had hit her lower back.Luna did not intend to kill Iris. She just wanted to keep Iris from escaping.Iris could feel the pain now. Her body trembled uncontrollably. She felt incredibly cold despite the warm weather."I... I'm fine..." she spoke weakly, her pale lips quivering.Jason held her hand tightly, "Don't worry, Lewis will be here with a doctor soon.""Are you... okay?" she asked hoarsely."I'm fine," Jason assured her.Iris' tense heart finally relaxed a little.She had never experienced such a nerve-racking ordeal before.It all felt like a dream.Scenarios seen only on TV had become reality. She was scared out of her wits earlier, but she tried to put on a brave face. She didn't want to be a burden to them.But in the end, as a powerle
When Iris looked up, she saw Luna standing behind Jason with a gun aimed at him.Her eyes widened, pupils shaking."Look out!"She rushed forward.Luna could have pulled the trigger as she had a clear shot at Jason, but when Iris shouted that warning, she saw through Iris' intention.In that split second when Jason turned with the gun, Iris hugged him and shielded him from Luna's gun.Luna's father had told her that Jason was off-limits. Harming him could lead to endless complications and may even result in the eradication of the Morris family!However, according to their investigation, Iris had no background, so they could use whatever means necessary to capture her. Even if she got injured, it didn't matter. Therefore, the instant Iris shielded Jason from the gun, Luna aimed at her back and fired a shot.At the moment of being hit, Iris felt no pain. Her whole body was paralyzed, unable to move.She slumped in Jason's arms.Jason held her falling body. "Iris!"He fiercely
"Let go!" Frustrated that she missed him with her attack, Luna grabbed a chair leg and swung it at Jason.Jason caught the chair leg and disarmed her, then flung her away with his other hand.Luna staggered several steps back and her waist hit a sharp object. She grimaced in pain.Blood seeped through her thin outer garment.Enraged, she exclaimed, "Catch Jason Just's woman! A reward of ten thousand for whoever catches that woman!"Her men, who were starting to be suppressed, began to fiercely resist again, reigniting the intense conflict!Gunfire rang out. The sound of objects being pierced mixed with screams created a battlefield-like atmosphere!Lewis rushed out of the hotel with Iris and headed for the car. Jason followed closely behind them after getting rid of Luna.However, due to Luna's words, her men rushed at them desperately.These people were desperados. They weren't afraid to die for money.The fight for profit among the families had always been fierce!Kaden's
"The back door is blocked," Lewis informed Jason. He was outnumbered. Facing the rain of bullets outside, he couldn't break through.Although Luna was a woman, she had years of experience. She wasn't a fool. She had already stationed guards at the back door.Holding a machine gun, she said, "If you surrender, I might let you live!"Jason and Iris were trapped in a hallway, with no way out!Clearly, it would be difficult to escape from the back door. Kaden's men were at the front entrance, so if they rushed out from the front, there might be a chance to escape amidst the chaos.Jason instructed Lewis to protect Iris. Seizing the opportunity, he fired several shots at Luna.Luna had to dodge."I'll draw their attention. Lewis, when you see the chance, escape with Iris," Jason said."Got it!" Lewis responded.He still had to be wary of the shots coming from the back.It was actually very difficult to rush out.Two bodyguards suddenly rushed in, attracting the fire of Luna and h