The study door was left ajar, and Charlotte lightly knocked on it twice before pushing it open.As she entered, the thick smell of smoke greeted her. She coughed twice upon speaking. The study was completely dark, and the only light source was where she stood by the door.Griffith sat on the sofa, leaning forward, his brows and eyes filled with profound melancholy. He pulled a sour face, tapping cigarette ash into a crystal ashtray. Hearing the noise, he glanced at her from the corner of his eye."Get out," he said.Charlotte remained unfazed and said, "Grandma asked me to check on you.""I've been checked. You can leave now."Charlotte took a deep breath. She entered the room and placed the first aid kit on the table before opening it. The man exhaled a puff of smoke, squinting at her as he sized her up. "Have you thought it through? Did you realize I'm still useful and have come back to act like a pitiable and strong-willed victim, clinging onto me as your long-term meal ticke
"You must have driven away everyone who came into your life and tried to be good to you. I don't owe you anything! We're divorced. I have no obligation to cater to your mood! I can't imagine how anyone could tolerate you."Charlotte noticed the look in Griffith's eyes changed at the end of her words.That murderous intent was like that night when he attacked the thugs at Krystal's house. She did not doubt that he might attack her in the next moment.She clenched her fists and stared into his eyes. Since getting the divorce certificate, she had constantly absorbed his emotions. Yes, she had asked for his help, but when it came down to it, hadn't he used her too? It was a mutually beneficial relationship, so what gave him the right to treat her like that?In the darkness around them, illuminated only by the faint light from the doorway, they could see the flames in each other's eyes. After a long standoff, Griffith's overwhelming killing intent gradually subsided. His gaze toward Cha
Charlotte couldn't sleep. The hen didn't sleep either. She couldn't understand why a hen would cluck at night.At one o'clock in the morning, the hen kept clucking in her room, and it was so loud that she guessed that the noise could probably be heard in the small living room outside, but she wasn't sure if it could be heard in Griffith's room."Stop clucking!" she exclaimed.The chicken quieted for a few seconds, then suddenly jerked its head to the right and left, looking extremely nervous.The next moment…"Cock-a-doodle-doo!"Charlotte let out a scream and pulled the blanket over her head. Help!Her tolerance for this chicken because of Julie shattered. She wanted to eat 'Chicky Mushroom Stew' right then.Thinking about it, she felt the argument with Griffith tonight over a silly chicken wasn't worth it. For the sake of a foolish chicken, they had an unprecedented conflict. Now, with the dawn breaking, she didn't know what to do.Griffith lay on the bed in the bedroom and
Charlotte stared at the door momentarily, then lowered her head and called Ash. Before long, Ash came and opened the door again. Seeing that it was her, Ash remained calm and asked, "Is there something you need?"Charlotte raised the chicken and said, "I might not be able to care for Chicky anymore. Can you look after it?"Ash hadn't thought that she would come over early in the morning just to deliver the chicken. He thought she had come to appease the tyrant inside.He took Chicky from her, turned to the side, and casually said, "We're having breakfast. Join us.""No, thanks. I have something else to do," Charlotte replied. She glanced inside but didn't see Griffith. Withdrawing her gaze, she nodded to Ash and walked toward the elevator.Holding the chicken, Ash thought about how he saw her meeting Simon yesterday. He could guess the situation. The poor chicken was the biggest victim here. He saw it; there was a rope tied around the its neck.Sigh.He closed the door, and Juli
Charlotte wasn't completely unaffected; at the very least, her mood was quite sour. Since the promotional tour began, ticket sales for 'Snow White' had not been an issue. On this particular day, they had just finished three major performances in a row. Starting from the morning, she hadn't even had a moment to breathe.By the time the final performance ended, the sun had already dimmed. She sat in the dressing room, gulping down a large sip of water, finally feeling her body relax.However, as soon as she checked the time, she felt restless again, thinking about whether she should skip returning to the mansion tonight. Just as she contemplated this, she heard a commotion outside."Mary, what's going on?"Before she could finish her thought, the dressing room door burst open, and Mary rushed in with a pale face, looking extremely distressed."Charlotte, you need to come quick; something big has happened!"Judging from Mary's expression, this was not good news. Charlotte's heart sk
"This sort of thing should be settled privately by offering some money. Calling the police will only tarnish the theater's reputation!" Inside and outside the office, a crowd had gathered. It had only been a few days since the previous dramatic incident involving the elderly and disabled, and now this. It was quite a rollercoaster ride, and everyone found it overwhelming.Charlotte sat calmly on the couch.When Lucy initially pulled her aside, she knew that if this was a simple aaaextortion attempt just for money; it would be best to settle it privately. However, she was sure that the other party wasn't after money. They were targeting her. She had to call the police and thoroughly investigate all the details to ensure that bigger problems wouldn't arise."Ms. Wallace, I'm so disappointed in you," Mr. Logan said, looking at her with disdain. He had thought of her as a money tree, but now, she caused so much trouble just as she was starting to make him some profit.Jessica was sit
"Someone like you from a humble background is still dreaming of becoming the future lady of the Wilsons? I just find you unpleasant and want you to leave the family!"Charlotte listened and chuckled. She wondered what gave the spawn of a mistress like her the audacity to mock her background. Charlotte had endured enough of Michelle."Do you think picking on me like this will make me miserable?""Are you going to seek help from my brother?""What would I need him for? He's busy running the company to make money for me to support our family. For this kind of thing, I'll turn to Simon.""You wouldn't dare!""You shouldn't be questioning if I dare to do it. You should be making a bet with me on whether I'll do it." After saying this, she hung up the phone directly.Three seconds later, a call came in from that side. They were getting anxious. Seeing this, Charlotte had a mocking expression.As clever as she was, Mariah probably didn't expect her eldest daughter to possess such low
"Yes, she is Jessica, a highly talented actress in our theater.""Okay." Simon nodded. "Then arrange everything according to her configuration—actors, dressing rooms, makeup rooms, and schedules—all the same."He pointed at Charlotte with a playful smile and said, "Give her the same as well."Charlotte didn't expect that by spending one million dollars, he not only solved her urgent problem but also brought their group's configuration up to the same level as Jessica's.Tears welled up in Jessica's eyes. Meanwhile, Ms. Cole pushed her glasses and maintained a dumbfounded expression. Lucy and the interns immediately got up in unison."I heard you have a bet with each other," Simon asked.Mr. Logan hesitated for a moment. Given the current situation, Charlotte hadn't done anything yet, and she had already earned over 1.4million dollars. Jessica had never reached such heights even in her prime.Still, he was reluctant to give up on Jessica.Unexpectedly, Jessica spoke up on her own
Tanya's previous full-length mirror was still usable, but because it was small, she had to walk a bit farther every time she used it. Eli had long wanted to replace it.Little did he know, she got rid of many things in the house to make room for the new large sofa for him, including that old full-length mirror."How do you like it? Surprised?" He patted the mirror.Tanya smiled wryly and pointed to the large sofa. "And you? Surprised?" Only then did Eli notice fewer small items in the living room and a large new sofa. He suddenly chuckled. It was quite nice.He thought of her, and she thought of him. This winter was truly warm.Tanya abandoned the egg tart and hugged him again. "Oh no, this mirror is so big. There's nowhere to put it."Eli carried her with one hand and moved the mirror to the corner with the other. Sitting on the sofa, he thought for a moment, then hugged her and said, "Tanya, let's move to a bigger place."Tanya knew he had been thinking about this all along.
Eli found it amusing. He pushed the head of the small money jar and couldn't help but say, "You gold digger! You love money so much, then why did you give the check I gave you to Soraya?"Tanya blinked and chuckled. "I only acquire wealth in the proper way. To be honest…" She pondered for a moment, then turned to look at him. "Probably because, at that time, I was just too fond of you like I am now."Hearing this, Eli felt a pang of heartache and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Tanya smiled, moved the gifts aside, and made some space for him.Just as they were about to talk, Eli's phone vibrated continuously. It turned out that Bridget was sending over the detailed preparation process for the wedding.Tanya scrolled through it and suddenly felt overwhelmed. Eli looked at it and also felt a headache coming. The two glanced at each other, sighed simultaneously, and leaned back.After they publicly disclosed their relationship, life continued as usual but became busier due to the w
Eli being married was shocking enough, but then his wife was hiding right in the office. In the next half hour, Tanya heard wailing from all around.The atmosphere in their office was quite good, and everyone got along well. After coming clean, everyone joked around and teased each other."Nia, don't forget Mr. Ted, he's been cursing at you all along!""Yeah, he's been calling you a fool!""I heard it, I can testify!"Ted was furious and rushed out to hit someone. Tanya followed with laughter.Before leaving work, Amy indeed brought the cake and candies, sharing them with everyone in the building. Thus, the entire group gave them their blessings.From the office to the parking lot, Tanya received blessings. When she got into Eli's car, her heart was still pounding.Eli was happily eating his candy, feeling good. Especially now that he didn't have to sneak around anymore, he even turned the steering wheel effortlessly.Tanya, holding the cake, asked him in surprise, "Were these
Tanya walked out of the room with her guard down and came face to face with Ted's sneaky expression. She paused.Ted gasped, his brain instantly turning blank.He looked at Tanya, covered his mouth with his left hand, and placed his right hand over the left with his eyes gradually widening.God! This was insane!Tanya regained her composure and glanced in Eli's direction. Eli remained calm, glanced at the fruit plate on the table, and said, "Should we take some down to share with your colleagues?"Tanya nodded. She glanced at the still-disheveled Ted and kindly handed him a tangerine."Sir?"Ted swallowed, looked at Tanya, then at Eli. Finally, he settled his gaze on the tangerine in her hand, mechanically accepting it.Tanya turned to look at Eli. 'Look, you've scared my superior.'Eli shrugged."I'm leaving," she said.Eli nodded and escorted her to the door.Ted followed them out and was sent into the elevator by his boss. As the elevator doors closed, he let out a long
The deep blue bedsheet was neatly spread out. But the two pillows lacked pillowcases, exposed in a sorry state.Eli placed his hands on his belt and turned to look at Tanya. "Is this also your doing?"Tanya leaned against the door frame, only poking her head in, smiling sheepishly."I accidentally drooled while sleeping that day and dirtied the pillowcase. Knowing that you're a neat freak, I took them all off to wash," she said. She raised her hand and swore, "The pillowcases have been washed and are in the cabinet at home."Eli wasn't interested in the pillowcases' whereabouts. He remembered when Amy called him, saying Tanya missed him and wanted to touch the sheets and pillows after waking up.Nonsense!He took a deep breath, then turned his head to Tanya with a frightening smile. Tanya realized the danger and tried to run, but he grabbed her by the waist."Hey, what are you doing?" she said.Eli tossed her onto the bed and followed suit."What are you doing?!""Collecting
Tanya sat upright in the office. Eli stood before her with his hands behind his back. "Come on, explain."Tanya's eyes darted around. "Do you believe me? It's because I missed you too much. When I came to your place, I couldn't help but take away everything related to you." Eli scoffed. "Including the toilet paper?"Tanya pondered seriously.Eli tapped the coffee machine and pointed to the plug that had been pulled out, saying, "If the coffee machine wasn't too heavy, would you have taken that too?"'This brat has no conscience at all. Does she even understand what a cold shoulder is?'While he was reminiscing in her room, she made a fortune in his office!Tanya blinked and gave him an embarrassed smile. "If you think about it from another angle, I love you deeply. If we couldn't reconcile and you came back to see all this, you would hate me. Hate represents love, and love means you can't forget me. My obsession is so deep; I want to stay in your heart forever."Eli fell silen
"You should buy something while visiting. Do you have enough money in your account? If not, I will transfer some to you," Mrs. Moran said on the phone.Tanya didn't want money; she just wanted to hear some advice. She knew her parents' financial situation wasn't good. Due to illness, her stepfather had retired from his position as a butler of the Sterling family. Although the Sterlings provided a retirement package, Mr. Moran was getting old, and he had a son. She heard that his son's business had lost a considerable amount of money in recent years. As a stepdaughter, she had already received enough help from them, so how could she ask for more money?During her university days, she didn't ask her family for money. If she could find a part-time job, she would, and if not, she would endure it just to avoid causing her mother trouble."Mom, I don't need money. I have enough."When Mrs. Moran heard this, she felt even more sorry for her.Since her ex-husband was useless, Tanya suffer
After breakfast, Eli called Bridget."Why did you send her a check? Do you have nothing better to do?"Bridget had just arrived home and begun playing poker with a few old friends.She threw out a card, rolled her eyes, and said, "It's the first time I've met my daughter-in-law! What's wrong with giving her some money!"Eli was speechless."Madam, you came up and threw 500,000 dollars just like that. Aren't you afraid of scaring people?""What should I do? Throw 50,000 dollars instead? That's too stingy."Eli was speechless. Holding onto the railing, he glanced downstairs and saw Tanya ironing her coat in the living room."I almost got dumped because you caused a scene," he joked.Bridget threw the cards while chuckling. "It's good to be dumped. With your unruly behavior, someone should make you suffer a bit.""Are you really my mother?""If you still want to be a good son, hurry up and go through the procedures, live a proper life with Tanya, and try to give me a grandson n
"What did Her Majesty tell you?"Tanya nearly lost her composure, fighting back laughter.Bridget said nothing more as she left with Benjamin, leaving Tanya and Eli to return to the apartment. The journey back was silent, with Tanya deep in thought. Upon entering, Eli halted her at the entrance.Exhaling deeply, Tanya reached into her pocket and withdrew a check. Eli's gaze fell upon it, noting it was only for $500,000. As he moved to take it, Tanya tucked it back into her pocket. On the bar, a spread of breakfast awaited them - fried eggs, sausages, fruits, and vegetables. Despite the inviting display, Tanya's attention was on Eli."Don't you want breakfast?"With the situation still unclear, Eli's appetite waned. Nonetheless, knowing Bridget's nature, he remained calm. Seating himself opposite Tanya, he nibbled at a sausage, noticing her lack of interest."Is everything alright?" he asked, concerned.Tanya shook her head.The oversized sandwich Bridget had ordered had already