Linda and Jessica greeted each other warmly at the door. They seemed to be very well acquainted.Iris stood up awkwardly upon seeing Jessica. Jessica had also spotted Iris. She seemed surprised to see Iris at the Vassell family mansion."Hi, Aunt Jessica," Brad greeted her with enthusiasm.Jessica smiled at him. "It's so rare to see you at home," she remarked, knowing he preferred to spend his time out and about."That's right, he's been behaving himself lately," Linda added with a smile."Is that so?" Jessica's tone was calm and elegant. "Could it be because he has a girlfriend now?"Brad shyly lowered his head. Jessica, perceptive as ever, noted, "Looks like I hit the mark..." She paused, casting a glance towards Iris."Hello," Iris said politely.She did not expect to see Jessica again after a year under such circumstances.Jessica nodded slightly, not revealing their connection. "Thank you for your hospitality. I'm afraid I must be going," Iris said, eager to exit th
Linda said, perplexed, "I watched Fiora grow up. With her beauty and background, she could have anyone she wanted. Why did she choose a divorced man? I think it's a good thing the engagement was called off; that man's not good enough for Fiora.""Ah, matters of the heart are unpredictable," Jessica replied. The more she talked about it, the more frustrated she felt. She took a sip of her coffee and said, "I have to go.""You just arrived; stay a little longer," Linda said. "It’s been so long since we last talked."Jessica set her coffee cup down. "Yeah, I came to visit because it's been a while since I last saw you. But I just remembered something I need to attend to.""Alright, I’ll visit you next time," Linda said as she escorted Jessica to the door."You don't have to see me off," Jessica waved her hand. The driver opened the car door, and she got in. As the car pulled away, she said to the driver, "Find out... Ah, never mind."She didn't finish her sentence. She wanted
Their suppressed emotions finally erupted.They had sex multiple times that night.When dawn approached, they finally called a truce. Iris nestled in Jason's arms, her fair skin marked with his fingerprints and love bites. They had a crazy night. She was so exhausted she couldn't move at all.When her phone rang, Jason turned it off for her. It wasn't until nearly noon that Iris regained some strength. She grabbed a shirt nearby — it turned out to be Jason's shirt — and casually put it on. "About last night..." she began."Come abroad with me," Jason interjected before she could finish. She turned back to face him."We can live together abroad," he continued. This solution would alleviate her worries and allow them to live without disruption.However, Iris had never considered leaving. Her career was just beginning to flourish, and she did not want to start over in another country. Was her life meant to revolve around different men, one after another? That wasn't what s
Jason could understand her concerns. "Don’t keep me waiting too long," he said.Iris kept quiet.She didn't know if she had the courage to marry again."Does he like you?" Jason suddenly asked."Who? Who are you talking about?" Iris asked, confused."That brat," he said with a knowing smile. "You really don’t know?"Iris felt a mix of amusement and exasperation. "How could he possibly like...?" As she spoke, memories of Brad’s recent clinginess and his peculiar comments surfaced in her mind.She had always seen him as a younger brother because of their age gap."Are you jealous?" she teased.Jason sneered, "Me? Jealous of a brat who's still wet behind the ears?""Oh, then if he invites me to his house again, I won’t say no...""No, you’re not allowed to go," he said firmly, suddenly tightening his grip on her. "You went to his house?"A sudden realization struck Iris. "He invited me to his house for dinner because he said his mother wanted to thank me for taking care of him
"Can we have a cup of coffee?" Jessica asked.It was an invitation from an elder who was also Jason's mother, so Iris couldn't refuse. She nodded lightly in agreement.The driver stepped out to open the door for her.Iris quickly tucked the contraceptive pills she had just bought into her bag. Jessica caught a glimpse of the label on the box and her expression darkened slightly.Though she wasn't pleased with Iris' background, she didn't want to make things difficult for Iris since she was the woman her son liked. Today, Jessica had taken the initiative to meet her with good intentions, but...She looked up at the pharmacy Iris came out of.It seemed Iris really was dating Brad.That made Jessica feel some type of way about Iris.Last year, Iris had lived with Jason, and now, she was already living with Brad? If they didn't have sex, why would she buy contraceptive pills? Last evening, Jessica saw Brad take Iris home with her own eyes.Jessica had a favorable impression of Iri
The words "You're unsuitable for our family" echoed in Iris' mind. She watched as Jessica walked away, her face pale.Did Jason's mother misunderstand her relationship with Brad because she was at the Vassell family mansion?With that thought, Iris hurried after Jessica. The car hadn't driven away yet, so she approached and knocked on the window.The glass slowly rolled down, revealing a cold and cutting expression on Jessica's face. "Is there anything else?" she asked.Iris took a breath to steady herself. "I went to the Vassell family mansion because Brad said his mother wanted to thank me...""I know; you don't have to explain. Linda already told me," Jessica replied coolly. "Is there anything else?"Iris pursed her lips. "Then why do you dislike me?""I admit that you're quite likable. I liked you at first, but your actions have truly disappointed me. I can't accept a woman like you as my daughter-in-law," Jessica stated plainly, her words cutting deeply.Iris felt her hear
Iris nodded and said, "Sure."Brad's eyes lit up with joy, his smile broadening. "Really? Promise?""Promise. Lie down and get some rest," Iris said, covering him with a blanket. Iris' concern filled Brad with joy. He felt warmth spreading inside him."Thank you, Iris," he said gratefully."Go to sleep," Iris urged gently.He nodded, settling back into the pillows.Linda said, "Can you take care of him for a while, Ms. Glover? I'll take a trip home...""It's okay, Mom, you can go. Just hire a caregiver for me," Brad said, feeling awkward with his mother there.Linda smiled, glancing between them. "You're not even married yet, and you're already trying to get rid of me?""Mom!" Brad's face flushed red, feeling embarrassed in front of the person he liked.Iris found their conversation a little weird, but she dismissed it as an internal joke between the mother and son."Then I'll see you later," Linda said, looking at Iris. "Thank you, Iris.""Brad has been my assistant for
"I didn't answer your call yesterday because I was with Jason Just. You've always wanted to know if there's anything between us, right? Well, I'll tell you now, there is something between us. We like each other." Iris felt that being completely honest was the best way to prevent Brad from harboring any unrealistic fantasies."You're just saying that to dissuade me, aren't you?" Brad wouldn't believe her. "Jason Just isn't even in the country. How could you have been with him?""He's in the country," Iris stated matter-of-factly.Brad's expression shifted to one of panic. "He... he's back?"Quickly regaining his composure, he continued, "Even if he's back, so what? You haven't been in touch with him for a year, and he hasn't come to see you. If you love each other, why didn't you keep in touch? Why aren't you married?"His words pierced Iris' heart like needles, and she felt a bitter ache. Yeah, why weren't they together? Why weren't they married?Because the obstacles between t
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