Joyce was stunned. "Harry, what are you talking about? I... I don't understand. Is someone spreading false rumors to slander me? Summer is my sister, how could I ask people to hurt her?"Harry coldly met her gaze, "Stop acting clueless. You know perfectly well that you're doing it precisely because she's your sister.""You...!" Joyce was stunned once again."In the past, you've always lived in her shadow. Even after she went to prison, she continued to outshine you. The sisterly love between the two of you is nothing but a joke. Over the years, you visited her in the hospital every month, and every time you left, she would be full of injuries. Is that slandering you?" Harry's voice turned icy.Joyce's eyes widened, feeling as if this man standing before her could see right through her. She thought he didn't care about Summer, but he had actually investigated everything. He knew every detail clearly."Yes, there's no love lost between us, but what about you? Do you still love her?
Serenity was obviously telling the truth. Weston Stanton smiled gracefully, saying, "It seems I misjudged you. Summer Hope is lucky to have a friend like you.""I treat my friends with sincerity because they do the same to me. I'm willing to go to such lengths for my friends because they've helped me when I was down in the past," Serenity replied.Weston smiled, saying, "Then I wish you the best of luck!""Thank you," Serenity responded before turning to search for her target at the event.She had already gathered information about North, including his photos and basic details.Unlike his soft-spoken brother Nathan, North carried a serious demeanor and rarely smiled. He was shrewd and ruthless, but he was also a devoted husband. His wife was Yelena Ziegler, who used to be a popular star.After marrying into the Gerhold family, Yelena retired from the entertainment industry and became a dedicated housewife.Throughout the years, North and Yelena had maintained an intimate relatio
Serenity had done her research beforehand, so she intentionally brought up topics related to career and family life to establish a connection with Yelena. But a woman’s voice suddenly interjected, "Who knows if you're even telling the truth. Who are you really? Why did you attend the banquet to get close to Yelena? What is your intention?!"Serenity turned around and realized that the woman who spoke was Joyce.A hint of jealousy flashed past Joyce's eyes. Serenity's outfit and jewelry were obviously very expensive.She must have borrowed them! Thought Joyce. Joyce recognized Serenity as one of the three people who intruded into Summer's ward the other day."Intention?" Yelena and the other wealthy ladies were taken aback."That's right," Joyce said as she walked up to Yelena.The matter between Summer and Nathan had been suppressed by the combined efforts of all three families. Although Joyce was Summer's sister, there were no permanent enemies in the business world. Moreover,
Serenity's composure remained intact as she prepared to respond, but before she could speak, a voice interjected, "She has no need to lie. She can buy as many outfits and jewelry like that as she wants!"That voice... Serenity abruptly tensed up. When the crowd turned to the voice, astonishment and surprise flashed in many eyes.The prince of the entertainment industry... was actually defending this woman!Few could make the prince of the entertainment industry speak up for them in such a manner. Could the woman actually have an exceptional background?Serenity turned around to look at the man in disbelief.Dressed in a gray suit and white shirt, his tall figure exuded elegance and gentleness. His handsome face, particularly his captivating eyes, attracted the attention of the women around him.When he gently raised his eyes, it seemed as if they could evoke endless imagination.Right now, those eyes lacked their usual coldness and aloofness, replaced by a touch of tenderness.
Joyce had lived as an illegitimate daughter for many years. It wasn't until the death of Summer's mother that her mother was able to rise in status and she was able to become the legitimate second daughter of the Hope family. Despite this, she was always subjected to mockery and ridicule in high society. It wasn't until Summer was admitted to the psychiatric hospital that Joyce truly gained the respect she deserved.Joyce's face flushed with anger, but she did not know what to say in response. Meanwhile, Yelena frowned slightly at the mention of "the older Miss Hope." That person represented a scandal from the Gerhold family's past."You must have a keen eye for authenticity, Mrs. Solomon. Maybe you and Mr. Solomon can pay a visit to my residence sometime to help me determine the authenticity of the porcelain I recently purchased?" Harry's voice suddenly rang out.Mrs. Solomon, who had mentioned "the older Miss Hope" earlier, had an uncomfortable look on her face. She awkwardly
Standing among the crowd not far away, Weston Stanton looked on with amused curiosity. He twirled the wine glass in his fingers, a small smile appearing on his face. Things in Lanford were becoming lively!-Coming out of the party, Lucas spoke to Serenity. "Where do you live now? I'll take you home.""No need," Serenity refused. "I don't want to risk getting photographed in your car. It'll cause unnecessary gossip again.""Afraid Jackson will misunderstand?" Lucas said, his gaze intent. Serenity met his gaze and answered softly, "Yeah." Her answer was very natural, so blunt and honest. Jealousy quietly struck Lucas. He told himself countless times that he had lost his right to be jealous of Jackson. He had missed his only chance to be with Serenity, and he had never seized the opportunity."If he truly loves you and believes in you, he won't misunderstand anything," Lucas murmured."It doesn't matter. I just don't want to do something that'll cause him to get the wrong idea,
Serenity gave Yelena a small smile. "Yes. I wish I could talk to you, given the opportunity.""Great! Let's meet sometime," Yelena chirped. After saying goodbye to Lucas and Serenity, she took her husband's arm and left.Serenity watched their car drive away and said to Lucas, "Thanks, you did me another favor.""Serenity, anything I can do to help, I will," Lucas replied."Lucas… You don't have to…" Serenity let out a heavy sigh. It was hard to face him like this. "Maybe… Maybe it's fate," Lucas had a pained smile on his face.Serenity's expression grew intent. "Lucas, if it's fate, I trust that your destined other half must be waiting for you somewhere."Was someone else waiting for him? Lucas thought as he watched Serenity get into the car and gradually leave his sight. Serenity had moved forward, but Lucas stayed where he was, unable to move on.Lucas was still stuck in the forest of that hill, in that childhood encounter. Lucas had never truly left the hill while she had
Wilson's whole body went stiff. After an initial stiffness, he gazed up at Serenity with a thoughtful smile. "Why don't you ask Jackson? After all, he's gone through hypnosis too, right?""It's not like Clara doesn't have any feelings for you. I don't know what's on your mind, but I hope you don't hurt her. She's gone through enough," Serenity murmured.Wilson's smile grew sarcastic. "Serenity, you've got it all wrong. She was the one who hurt me. She doesn't care the slightest about me, and she's the one who insists on separating. Now you're asking me not to hurt her?""She doesn't want to hurt you! She just wants to protect you!" Serenity blurted out without thinking.Wilson's eyes mocked Serenity as he listened to what she said. "Protect me? Do I need her to protect me? What makes her think she can protect me? Serenity, aren't you a lawyer? When did you start talking nonsense?"Feeling helpless, Serenity shut her mouth and stopped talking. Wilson had misunderstood Clara too muc