In the Scott family mansion, while the other guests had departed, Isabella lingered. Ascending the stairs, she pushed open Madeline's room door.Seated behind the white desk, Madeline, clad in a bathrobe, gazed pensively out at the nocturnal rain. Isabella placed the medication beside her. "He's aware now. Do we need to alter our strategy?"Without a word, Madeline reached for the pill. "We should've anticipated Griffith's decision to allow Charlotte to meet Faith. We didn't need to go to such lengths to harm Bruce, forcing Griffith to release Faith to see Bruce."At this, Isabella chuckled softly. "But what if Griffith and your precious cousin aren't as virtuous as we presume? They may not prioritize whether Faith reunites with her biological father. Then Bruce's ordeal would have been in vain."A faint twitch played at the corners of Madeline's lips.Indeed. She had almost assumed that Charlotte's compassion would sway Griffith's stance. As a couple, they weren't entirely devoid
When Madeline was very young, she often coughed. Fortunately, her maternal grandmother had a friend named Mike Lozano. Her mother took her to see Mike for treatment, and after a few visits, Mike grew fond of her.Later, her mother passed away. She keenly guessed many things but kept them to herself. Her grandfather couldn't be relied upon; she knew that clearly since her mother's funeral.As she grew older, she met many people who made her even more certain that her speculations from years ago were correct.She wondered how to avenge her mother, but she had nothing. For a long time, she thought there was no chance for revenge. One day, she went to see Mike and saw a prescription with a word written in the corner—Wilson.Mike told her that that was Griffith's prescription. It was only then that she realized Griffith couldn't hear.Mike and her grandmother were quite close. He told her that medicine could make Griffith hear temporarily. At the time, she didn't pay much attention.S
In the suburbs, thunder roared and lightning flashed outside the window. The room alternated between light and darkness.After a long time, Charlotte suddenly stood up from her seat. Her eyes widened while she stared at the person opposite her.Faith saw what she wanted to see; she covered her mouth, smiling. "Surprised? Grandpa is dead, but you still haven’t taken your revenge! The people from the Sanchez family and those who helped them commit crimes are living well, Oh, by the way, I forgot to tell you. Do you know who is backing the Sanchez family? It's Eliot! Conway."Faith became more and more excited as she spoke. She pointed at Charlotte, her words venomous. "It wasn't just your parents' car accident; even your grandfather's death was caused by those people. Eliot was involved! I've given all the evidence to Griffith. Why hasn't he given it to you?"Her eyes turned sinister and dark, her words taking a sharp turn. "Because his grandfather was also an accomplice! At the end
"Do you want to seek justice for your parents? Or do you want to seek justice for your grandfather? Or perhaps take the evidence and go to the authorities to report those people one by one?" He bombarded her with one cruel question after another, causing Charlotte's emotions, which had just been suppressed, to face a new round of collapse.She clenched the bedsheet tightly, bloodshot eyes staring at him. Griffith closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms. This time, Charlotte didn't resist. She trembled all over, tears streaming down uncontrollably."Charlotte, you promised me that you’d listen to everything I say.""Then... give me the evidence.""I can't."When she heard this, she pushed him forcefully with her hand. Griffith gathered his arms, not moving an inch, tightly holding her. She couldn't match a man's strength, but when her emotions came up, every push was filled with all her might.Griffith remained silent throughout until she had exhausted her strength, crying so
The rain tapped against the window, making a soothing sound. Charlotte lifted her head dazedly, slowly focusing on Griffith's words. She looked at him, tears welling up in her eyes.Plop! A tear fell onto the bedsheet, spreading into a large patch.Griffith felt as if his heart was being pierced by a knife as he held her tightly in his arms.Charlotte buried her face in his chest, crying loudly. She suddenly realized that this might be a dead end.Griffith loved her. Everything he did was for her. He wouldn't let her take risks. So, he wouldn't really sacrifice everything because the moment he lost everything would also be the beginning of her fall into the abyss.But what about her parents? What about her grandfather? How was she going to tell William? Was she just going to wait for him to gradually plan against the Sanchez family and then the other accomplices? Let him spend his whole life seeking revenge for her? Why should she use his love as leverage for controlling his life?
Griffith drove Charlotte to the airport. This was the first time they resembled an ordinary couple, with one of them traveling afar while the other saw them off at the platform.During the wait at the airport, neither of them spoke. It wasn't until it was time for her to board the plane that Charlotte, holding back the bitterness in her nose, hugged the man beside her."I'm leaving." She tried her best to make her voice sound ordinary.Griffith responded with a vague emotion, patting her back, "Call me when you arrive.""Okay."They released each other. Taking a step back, she took a deep look at his face before turning away.Around them, people came and went in a hurry, everything fading into the background. Griffith watched her gradually retreating figure, feeling as if his chest was being constricted, making it hard to breathe.Charlotte didn't dare to look back, afraid that if she saw him still standing there, she wouldn't be able to board the plane. After everything that ha
It was past six o'clock, and there were no pedestrians outside. Charlotte, wearing a large hat and leather gloves, walked with Tobias in the vast snow. Dooby was already in the car, eating meat inside, while the bodyguard drove behind them.After finishing a kebab, Charlotte was basically full. Tobias said he had a house nearby and invited her to take a look."It's really different. You're so wealthy that you have properties all over the world," Charlotte teased.Tobias replied, "My care for poor friends hasn't changed. As soon as I found out you were here, I invited you over."Charlotte let out a long sigh. The atmosphere lightened up as they spoke.After walking for a while, Charlotte began to pant."Were you coincidentally nearby?" she suddenly asked, looking at him.Tobias paused for a moment. He didn't hide it from her. "No, I came to find you."Charlotte lowered her gaze to the snowy ground."Lottie, is something wrong?" he asked."...No.""You've been posting three up
The hot pot was ready. However, Charlotte had little appetite. She sat cross-legged by the window while Dooby kept circling her, probably hoping she wouldn't delay the important task of eating.Tobias brought drinks and sat down beside her.Sssss—! The can was opened.Charlotte felt a moment of trance. She remembered the dinner she, Griffith, and the Winslet siblings had at the Belzum estate, where she had placed an ice-cold beer on Griffith's face. Although it had happened not long ago, it felt like it belonged to a previous life."Here." Tobias handed it to her."Thanks." Charlotte took it and drank a big gulp. The sweet soda was a far cry from beer. But whenever she drank it, she could still taste the beer from that day.She missed Griffith so much."Tobias...""Yeah?""I want to go home."Tobias fell silent for two seconds."I'll arrange a private jet to take you back.""No." Charlotte lowered her head and sniffed. "I want to go back to my grandfather's little courtyard
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