"When did you start keeping an eye on Anna?" Shirley asked slowly."Back when you were in college," Herman answered with his head down. "I followed the instructions of Old Mrs. Nelson, infiltrated early, worked in the company for a few years, and built up a work history before approaching Anna to avoid suspicion."Shirley nodded.She hadn't expected that the planning had started back when she was in college!Should she say, "I'm honored that you've had your eyes on me for so long"?"Did you ever love her?" Shirley rubbed her temples, suddenly feeling very uncomfortable asking such a question.As a daughter, questioned her mother's boyfriend about whether he loved her mother..."I did like her..." Herman answered softly."Just liked her, huh?" Shirley smiled knowingly. "But compared to the perfect life Grandma provided for you, it wasn't enough for you to give up your comfortable life for her, was it?"Herman lowered his head, unable to utter a word."Anna's pregnancy was intentionally
The plane arrived in Indonesia pretty quickly, and after landing, we switched to another plane and took off again.After experiencing two plane crashes in a row, Shirley finally found herself standing on the small island where the research institute was located.Mr. Moore explained, "This island, in terms of national affiliation, no longer exists. It was completely submerged by the sea during a tsunami a few years ago. However, that's just a facade. To ensure safety, we artificially created a tsunami that flooded the signal covering this island. So, in the outside world, it's just a vast ocean, but in reality, the island exists. The things here are too important. Whether it's the Moore family's collection of books or the research institute, we can't let outsiders know. That's why we claim it's the secret realm, not the Moore family's pharmaceutical research institute."Shirley nodded in understanding.How could a family with centuries of history have no means at all?Even though the M
Shirley was once again taken to the lounge, watching the busy people outside."Running a research institute like this must cost a lot of money, right?" Shirley couldn't help but ask."Indeed," Mr. Moore chuckled slightly and said, "The Moore family sold off all the antiques passed down from our ancestors. How much money do you think we need?"Suddenly, Shirley remembered the words of Old Mrs. Moore, saying that the Moore family was going to perish...For some reason, a shiver ran down Shirley's spine.If the Moore family is going to perish, then what will happen to this place..."Dad! If the Moore family goes bankrupt, what about here...?" Shirley couldn't help but ask, "Will it be affected?"Mr. Moore shook his head and said, "This is the last resort for the Moore family. Most of the family's assets were already transferred here. If the outside Moore family goes bankrupt, although it will be a blow, it won't starve us right away. The wealth left here can support us for another twenty
"They're all gone now," Old Mrs. Moore abruptly interrupted him, saying, "Gloria is handling the follow-up issues.""Aunt?" Shirley couldn't hold back anymore, "What is Aunt handling? What exactly happened? Grandmother, are you really going to keep hiding things?""I wasn't planning to hide anything. When your aunt comes back, you'll know everything," Old Mrs. Moore said calmly, "The construction here will take half a month to set up houses suitable for everyone to live in. These building components are all finished products, flown in by specialized planes. It's just like assembling blocks. The speed is fast, and we'll soon have new houses to live in."Shirley felt more and more confused.Ignoring them, Shirley turned around to leave, "I have to go back to City F to deliver to Anna..."Before she could take a few steps, she was intercepted by Old Mrs. Moore's assistant.Stopping in her tracks, Shirley retorted without looking back, "Grandmother, at least I am the legitimate heir of th
Old Mrs. Moore did not stop Shirley but just gave her a faint look and said, "I have no objection to you going back. Just remember your identity and responsibilities. Mr. Rupert of the Davis Family is also outside, try to interact more with him."Shirley's body tensed slightly.Gloria continued, "I was able to come back smoothly this time, thanks to the help of Mr. Rupert. Without his help, I'm afraid we wouldn't have been able to hold on to this last bit of property."Old Mrs. Moore nodded and said, "The connection between the Moore family and the Davis Family is unbreakable."Shirley grew more horrified as she listened.She needed to go back and find out what had happened.Mrs. Moore also stood up, firmly saying, "I'll accompany you back. Mom is worried about you."Shirley looked at Mrs. Moore gratefully.Mr. Moore nodded and said, "It's good that you're going to check as well. I don't understand why we, the Moore family, have angered someone so much that they want to wipe us out co
In a luxurious hotel in Africa at this moment, Keith silently watched the phone screen light up and darken repeatedly, refusing to answer the call.Tony stood by, not daring to say a word.After many missed calls from Madam, is it really okay for Mr. Keith not to answer any of them?As the phone finally quieted down, Keith's face grew increasingly sullen."Wasn't everything handled cleanly? Why would Shirley suspect me?" Keith's gloomy face was almost dripping with water.Tony hung his head, not daring to say a word.Keith's eyes flickered uncertainly as he grabbed the phone and abruptly stood up, striding out with large steps, and threw the phone out the window."Tell Shirley that I'll be staying in Africa for a long time. Let her take care of herself." Keith said coldly to Tony."If she asks about the Moore family, how should I answer?" Tony timidly asked."Just say... I don't know." Keith gritted his teeth, "No matter what she asks, just say I don't know.""Yes..." Tony immediately
"Shirley, hesitation only brings chaos," Rupert placed a bowl of soup in front of Shirley, "If you need my help, I can offer it without any conditions."Just as Shirley was about to refuse, Rupert continued, "I'm not going to use this to make you do anything for me, it's all voluntary. Even if you don't plan on reciprocating, I will still do it."Shirley hesitated, and Rupert continued, "I just want to prove that I am serious. For you, I am willing to do anything."Shirley was taken aback by Rupert's sudden declaration and looked a bit flustered."You are so outstanding and perfect, there must be a line of women who like you from here to the Atlantic Ocean, so why..." Shirley didn't dare to look into Rupert's eyes, unsure how to respond."So what? They may like me, but they are not you. I only want you," Rupert said with a faint smile, "If I don't have the fortune to walk with you in this life, I probably won't get married."Shirley looked at Rupert in astonishment and frowned, saying
Upon hearing this voice, Shirley's body froze instantly!Keith... how could he be at the airport? Wasn't he supposed to be in Africa now? Shirley abruptly turned around and saw a Keith filled with anger and dust.Tony nervously greeted, "Madam."Shirley nodded as a form of acknowledgment, her eyes fixed on Keith.What did that statement mean?Did he even understand what he was saying?Was she such a person in his eyes?Or did he always see her as despicable?Shirley said to Rupert, "I'm sorry for troubling you this evening, Mr. Rupert, having you personally escort me so late. Now that my husband is here, I can go back with him."This was a family matter, no need for outsiders to meddle.After a brief contemplation, Rupert nodded.Seeing Shirley defend Rupert, Keith's anger surged.In the days he was in Africa, he had been thinking about her like crazy. But the moment he wasn't home, she couldn't stand the loneliness?Went to City F to find Rupert? And kept it from everyone?Keith took
Keith returned the Moore family, which he had previously acquired, back to them intact. He signed an agreement with Old Mrs. Moore, stating that the Nelson Family Group would annually provide free financial support to all industries under the Moore family and their research institute in Indonesia.At the same time, Keith ramped up collaboration with the Davis Family Group to compensate for the assistance and sacrifices their ancestors had made for the Moore family.Finally, Old Mrs. Moore let go of her prejudices and the so-called ancestral rule, stopped forcing Shirley to marry Rupert, and accepted Keith as her grandson-in-law.Keith, full of vigor, led Shirley back to the room, eager to explain everything to her.But before Keith could speak, Shirley's face suddenly turned pale, and she collapsed against Keith.Keith's words were swallowed up instantly."Shirley, what's wrong?" Keith scooped Shirley up and rushed out. "Doctor, nurse!""Keith, my stomach hurts. It hurts so much," Shi
After stomping out the cigarette butt on the floor, Lillian picked up the cup intending to take a sip, only to find it empty.Anxiously, she put the cup down and paced around the room.This shabby motel was tucked away in a corner of the old town, notorious for its crime and violence.Lillian really didn't want to be here, but she couldn't think of a better option for hiding out.The big hotels required ID registration, and she didn't want to risk being recognized, especially looking as disheveled as she did, with her scruffy appearance.She couldn't even bear to see herself like this, let alone others.This morning, while washing her face, she felt a lump in her throat, a sign that it might protrude again.This discovery made her extremely uneasy.In order to expedite the surgery and achieve the desired effect, she opted for a conservative procedure, leaving part of the Adam's apple intact.In other words, if her testosterone levels rose again, surpassing the estrogen in her body, sh
Shirley saw the flowers Simon had sent her blooming beautifully, and her mind wandered to the scene of Susan meeting Simon.Then, Shirley couldn't help but sigh.These days, Simon had been quite active in this circle, reminding everyone of Mr. Simon's presence.Hopefully, he could recover smoothly from Susan's death blow soon.Lost in thought, Shirley heard the doorbell ring.Naturally, someone went to open it, while Shirley stayed put.Lately, she noticed she was becoming lazier—moving only when necessary.Soon, Janet came over with a box, smiling as she said to Shirley, "This is from the Smith family, probably more flowers from Mr. Simon."These days, Simon had been sending over many flowers from his greenhouse.Thankfully, they had a dedicated gardener to tend to them, and a large enough greenhouse to store them. Otherwise, there wouldn't be enough space for all these flowers.You see, even a random potted flower would cost tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars!These were all S
Well, Lillian would if she could!She felt all numb now!She could only look at Evan with pleading eyes, hoping he would spare her considering she had given him her first time.Sure enough, Evan caught Lillian's plea and immediately said, "Hannah, that's enough. You must be tired from all the hitting, be careful of the baby in your stomach."Hannah stopped immediately as Evan spoke.Shirley and Tina were once again speechless in shock.What a nice way Hannah turned things around!Indeed, Hannah must have been tired; hitting someone was physically exhausting!Hannah pointed at Lillian, accusingly saying, "You heartless creature, I considered you my friend, and you slept with my husband!"Shirley touched her nose; why did that line sound so familiar?Despite Lillian being physically numb, her mouth could still talk. However, the voice sounded oddly off."Hannah, do you think I don't know how you got pregnant?" Lillian's face was swollen from Hannah's hits, and coupled with her hoarse vo
Keith nodded, "You do understand my style and methods. Indeed, anyone who dares to target the Nelson family won't survive more than three days. I spared your life for a reason. You haven't disappointed me; you've smoothly resolved the trouble I wanted to get rid of."Lillian was trembling even more violently, "You...you...""Lillian, you've got some nerve! You actually wanted to lay a finger on the Nelson family's influence in Europe. Should I praise your bravery, or mock your stupidity?" Keith sighed lightly, "You thought getting enough shares would let you meddle in Europe? That's incredibly amusing!"Lillian glared fiercely at Keith, her voice becoming even hoarser, lacking the sweetness and clarity it once had. Instead, it sounded like a cracked drum, extremely grating."If you know everything, then do what you will with me!" Lillian gritted her teeth.Despite her words, her eyes kept drifting towards the door, as if waiting for something.Suddenly, Keith chuckled softly."Why wou
Lillian heard Monica's words and burst out laughing without reservation!"I'm talking nonsense? Monica, can you swear you haven't fallen for Simon?" A strange flush suddenly rose on Lillian's face, letting the cold wind blow against her, but she felt nothing, turning to look at Monica like this. "Yeah, with this scandal, how could you possibly keep it under wraps? You love Simon so much, you went as far as warning Susan, stirring up trouble with Shirley. But no matter how you cover it up, do you think everyone is a fool?"Monica recoiled in fear, frantically trying to explain, "It's just sibling affection...""Enough, save those lies to deceive yourself, stop pretending in front of me." Lillian continued pressing on: "But, I wonder, how would Simon feel if he knew his adoring little sister, who's been in love with him for over a decade, what would be his state of mind?"Monica finally panicked, reaching out to cover Lillian's mouth, but Lillian slapped Monica's hand away, looking at M
Lillian's words caused the expressions of those around her to subtly change towards Albert.Many people present knew of Albert's background.Despite various disdain towards Mr. Albert, he was still connected to the Nelson family, an entity not to be crossed.Even if Lillian did not like Albert, she dared not openly confront him.Evan, grinning, approached Shirley, "Oh oh, your second brother was hit, as his sister-in-law, are you really going to remain indifferent?""Let's put aside the question of whether I am his sister-in-law, as the host of today's banquet, are you truly going to stay indifferent in the face of such a drama?" Shirley countered Evan.As Evan hesitated about whether to help, a commotion erupted at the entrance.Shirley followed the crowd's gaze. At the villa's entrance, a Rolls-Royce spun elegantly and parked perfectly.A group of well-trained bodyguards formed two rows, the car door opened, and an impeccably dressed figure leisurely got out.Shirley was speechless
Following Evan's gaze, Shirley turned around and saw Lillian in a white fur coat, wearing a red form-fitting dress underneath.Lillian walked in with a man in his forties on her arm."Lillian changes her man every time she appears," Tina remarked, crossing her arms. "Evan, did you invite her?"Hearing Tina's disdainful tone, Evan quickly replied, "Come on, why would I invite her? She's just a minor character, and doesn't have the qualifications. But the man next to her might be a potential investor tonight. Shirley, do you remember him?"Shirley looked puzzled at Evan, "Why should I remember him?"Evan smirked mischievously, "Because he's Director Alice's ex-husband!""Pfft..." Shirley and Tina both sprayed out the juice in their mouths!Shirley looked incredulous, "No way? Is Director Alice coming tonight as well?"Evan laughed more maliciously, "Yep, Director Alice will be here too! I wonder what it would be like for her to see her ex-husband attending this party with her actresses.
Mr. Flores suddenly looked up at the person handing him the pen. When he saw the face clearly, his fingers trembled, almost throwing the pen away!This was...one of Keith's assistants.Keith had many assistants—some were public, like Tony and Jim. Of course, there were also some who worked discreetly, like the current assistant in front of him.As a member of the board of directors, Mr. Flores had seen this assistant a few times.This assistant was a formidable figure with blood on his hands. Did his presence mean that Keith already knew everything?Mr. Flores felt like a fish in hot oil, suffering repeatedly.Mr. Flores had an unprecedented sense of regret.He had always thought he was watertight, but little did he know that Keith had long grasped his weaknesses.The assistant gestured for Mr. Flores to look at the document in his hands.His gaze fell, and when he understood the contents, his eyes became increasingly sinister!The assignee of this document was not Lillian, but Keith!