Her world was one of brightness."Goodbye," Jasper said before leaving. Choosing to move on, he decided not to prolong the farewell or be indecisive about it."Esther, may you have a passionate and brilliant life," he added.Esther redirected her gaze from Jasper to Logan and handed a gift to him. In surprise, she commented, "This guy is so strange. Could he be someone who has always liked my sister? What was my sister thinking? Leaving someone who adored her like that and insisting on being with a lunatic like Bradley...""Maybe it's love, or maybe it's obsession," Logan mused.Esther shook her head in disagreement. "My sister couldn't possibly be a hopeless romantic."How could someone like Bradley deserve the sincere love of a woman?"You're right."Bradley lingered until the end of the engagement party. If there were doubts about Esther's identity before the ceremony, everyone was crystal clear about how she was different from the Esther they knew by the time it ended.For
Bradley never expected Esther to treat him that way. A sense of unfamiliarity engulfed his nerves as he watched Esther and Logan leave, their closeness leaving him with bitterness and jealousy.He hoped she was her. Deep down, he genuinely wished she was her. Despite that, the current Esther had nothing even remotely resembling the past Esther, aside from the face and name.The Esther from before wouldn't have pulled the trigger even if handed a gun. Bradley had an inexplicable speculation. If it were this Esther, she would kill him without question.The past Esther's heart had a place for him, be it love or hate. Now... her heart had no room for him."Bradley." Jasper extended a hand toward Bradley.Bradley disdainfully glanced at Jasper and retorted, "Are you here to mock me?""I'm not that free," Jasper said casually. "I went for compatibility tests. My kidneys aren't a match. Have you done the test?""None of your business," Bradley replied flatly."It's said that the succe
Esther declared, "I want to create a magnificent cage for Bradley."To this, Logan said, "Imprisonment is illegal.""It's just a hobby," she casually replied.Logan was rendered speechless.Esther confidently added, "Don't worry. I still have unsettled scores. I won't shoot myself in the foot over this."Logan remained silent.Esther idly doodled on a piece of paper.Logan gave it a brief glance and smiled helplessly, his gaze betraying a hidden indulgence unnoticed by the world.A sudden "Ding" interrupted the atmosphere as Logan's phone chimed with a text message.Logan's brows furrowed slightly as he read the message, indicating his displeasure.Sensing Logan's off mood, Esther lifted her head from the paper and asked softly, "Logan, what's wrong?""Fish caught the bait," he revealed cryptically.Esther perked up instantly, looking to Logan for an explanation.Logan promptly deleted the message and advised, "Leave it hanging for a bit."Esther clenched her fist instinc
Mandy gently shook her head and remarked, "Bradley, if you plan to use me to provoke Logan's fiancee, you've approached the wrong person."Bradley coldly asked, "What do you mean?""Do you honestly believe Esther is still susceptible to jealousy because of you?" Mandy replied, convinced that Bradley's past actions had likely soured any positive sentiments Esther might have had toward him.In response to Mandy's mocking gaze, inexplicable anger welled up in Bradley. The flames of fury burned in his eyes as he gripped Mandy's neck with his icy hand.Unfazed, she met his gaze with a smile.The tea master gasped, spilling tea in her trembling hand."Bradley, a friendly reminder—murder is illegal, and there's a witness present."Bradley reluctantly released his grip and retorted, "Mandy, this is the path you've chosen."Undeterred, Mandy beamed and traced the spot where Bradley had choked her. She taunted, "I believe Esther's decision to drive off a cliff is a result of her losing h
Esther also had a family background that many could only dream of. Even during her time at the Ansteys, she had Thomas watching over her.In comparison, Mandy felt like she had nothing at all."I want her back by my side," Bradley said, a statement that made Mandy scoff inwardly.'Quite delusional of Bradley! After everything that happened, how could Esther possibly return to his side?' she thought."Bradley, you wanting her back isn't impossible." Mandy set down her teacup and said, "But you might as well prepare for a tough pursuit.""What do you mean?" Bradley didn't get it."It means you'll have to swallow your pride, admit your past mistakes to Esther, and firmly believe you'll correct them," Mandy explained. "Although it might be challenging, you do have an advantage—both of you share a son, a natural bond between you.""Are you sure following your advice will reunite us?" "I'm not sure, but if you follow my advice, you stand a chance. Otherwise, your previous approach w
X smirked and remarked, "Mandy, some people think vows won't come true. I assume you're not that naive."Despite sensing the threat from X, Mandy remained unfazed. In fact, without X's covert assistance, her life would have long descended into chaos. X had helped her time and again—she couldn't help but feel grateful."Boss, I don't quite understand why you want me to be an emotional guide for Bradley."From what Mandy knew of Bradley, he genuinely loved Esther. The problem was that he didn't know how to express it. However, she couldn't comprehend why X wanted her to do this."Devastate him rather than kill him."It wasn't until the call ended that Mandy finally grasped the significance behind those words.If X's enemy was Bradley, merely taking Bradley's life wouldn't be sufficiently gratifying.At that moment, Mandy had a sudden realization. Regardless of X's motives, Bradley was her enemy. If her enemy was unhappy, she'd find satisfaction in that.Thinking of Leah's imminen
The two rushed to the hospital, and Kevin, concerned for Bradley, requested his friend to conduct preliminary tests before the kidney matching process.As expected, Kevin's medical school classmate professionally advised Bradley after the matching test, "Mr. Warner, considering your current health condition, even if your kidney matches, it's not feasible to undergo a kidney transplant for the time being.""Why?" Bradley sharply questioned."Bradley, your health doesn't permit it," Kevin said.Kevin was unaware that Esther's supposed illness was a ruse for work purposes. He also had no knowledge of Logan's successful baiting.After the matching, Bradley returned to the opposite building of the hospital. Instinctively, he observed Esther and Logan's activities in the ward through binoculars.Logan exercised while Esther frequently sat on the sofa with closed eyes.Today, as Bradley watched Esther through the lens, he saw her practicing yoga near Logan and suddenly collapsing like
Logan was aware that the other party possessed a significant amount of information about his predicament.He glanced at Esther, and his voice carried a blend of affection and determination. "I just want her to stay alive.""You're truly devoted, Mr. Foster," the other party replied.Logan asked coldly, "When's the soonest the transplant can happen?""It depends on you.""Sooner, the better," Logan replied."At 8:00 p.m., three days later, a silver van will be parked at the hospital entrance. You and your fiancee are welcome to discuss further with us.""Okay," Logan agreed before the other person hung up.Esther asked anxiously, "How did it go?"Logan remained silent, merely making an 'OK' gesture.He wasn't entirely surprised at how smoothly things were progressing. Instead, he was astonished at how well-informed the other party was about him. Did this imply someone secretly observing or involved in this work within the hospital's walls?As an international police officer,
Bradley's brazen words made Gabriel raise an eyebrow, and his scrutinizing gaze on Bradley intensified.Unfazed by Gabriel, Bradley calmly stated, "Mr. Sinclair, when I visited Shane recently, he handed me some video footage. It showed Esther being assaulted and abused in prison, with the perpetrators claiming it was my order. I've always dared to own up to my actions. What I've done, I won't shirk from. What I haven't done, I won't admit."Gabriel had seen the videos online. Even though Bradley had obscured the protagonist's face in the footage, he knew it was Esther. He had believed entrusting Esther to Thomas would ensure her safety, only to discover how fate twisted things."Bradley, I'll assume your words are true," Gabriel began. "Then tell me, if those people who assaulted Esther in prison weren't influenced by someone else, who put her in prison? Have you forgotten how you, in your irrational madness, expected a woman carrying your children to pay the price? Or do you believ
When Bradley brought up his grandfather again, he felt utterly unfilial as a grandson."Your grandfather's greatest wish before he passed was for you and Esther to live peacefully and happily. Sadly, all he witnessed was discord and enmity between you as a couple."Gabriel understood better than anyone that Bradley, in his youthful arrogance, felt that everything and everyone should conform to his desires. When Thomas compelled Bradley to marry Esther, almost like an arranged marriage, his rebellious nature surfaced."I've failed my grandfather's hopes," Bradley admitted with a bitter taste in his mouth.During quiet, solitary nights, he revisited memories of the past repeatedly.He hadn't desired that marriage back then. However, since he had promised his grandfather to marry Esther, he should have genuinely treated her as a wife.Despite the subsequent events not aligning with his wishes, he was painfully aware that if he hadn't been arrogant and unwilling to listen to Esther's
Esther wasn't pleasant toward Bradley. If she had evidence, she would gladly send him to prison to experience the joy of life behind bars.Bradley gazed blankly at Esther's stunning face, a hint of indescribable sorrow in his eyes. Those deep eyes resembled a chilly cold spring."Not only do you want to chop off my hand, but you also want my life, right?"Esther gestured a slice across her neck at Bradley with her hand, then turned away to tell Logan, "Let's go. Don't waste time on this.""Okay."With languid steps, Esther walked into the elevator. Once they were inside, the elevator doors shut.Outside the elevator, Bradley watched Esther and Logan like they were two puzzle pieces that matched perfectly. Instantly, he felt an unbearable heartache, as if his heart was being torn apart.He instinctively reached out to steady himself against the wall, observing the numbers on the elevator panel decrease until it stopped at the ground floor.It took a while before Bradley recovere
Throughout the entire night, neither Esther nor Logan had shut their eyes.Feeling their eyes strain, they applied eye drops. It wasn't until Esther noticed someone who shouldn't have been there on the surveillance footage."Logan, take a look at this."Perplexed, Logan asked, "What's going on?""Do you think this person looks like Shirley?"Esther was particularly sharp in discerning a woman's physique. She could immediately tell that the woman being supported by a man due to her intoxication bore a striking resemblance to Shirley."Let me see."Logan zoomed in on the surveillance footage, carefully comparing it with the footage containing Shirley. Physically, the two women indeed looked very similar.There was just one question... How would they confirm if she was Shirley?"Esther, stay here and keep watching the surveillance. I'll retrieve other surveillance footage.""Okay."Logan and Esther divided their tasks. Suspecting that the intoxicated woman might be Shirley, Est
Logan and Esther exchanged a glance. They fixed their intense gazes on Jason's face, unable to discern if he was smirking or provoking them."Mr. Taft, the evidence you seek will come."Jason scoffed. He seemed to transform into a different person as he put his glasses back on."Even if Shirley deceived me, I never wished harm upon her, let alone her death."I can consider your suspicions toward me as part of the investigation, but I hope that once everything is revealed, you can restore my innocence."I've said my piece. As long as Shirley hasn't divorced me, she remains my wife. I am obliged to cooperate in the investigation, and I hope you find her soon."Logan and Esther sensed something amiss with the first confrontation. They didn't say anything untoward until they exited the elevator and looked up at Jason's balcony outside.Jason stood on the balcony, looking at Logan and Esther and waving toward them.Logan and Esther looked at Jason before they turned and got into the
"She blocked me on all forms of contact at that time. I even tried contacting her through my colleagues' phones but found out she had blocked them, too. I thought she might be angry, so we should both calm down."Logan didn't speak and just listened quietly as Jason recounted the events of the case."I was angry that she blocked me. At my age, what's wrong with wanting a child? My parents were pushing for it, and I wondered if this marriage was what I wanted."Shirley is very beautiful. My friends and classmates say I'm lucky to have married her, but they don't know that beauty comes at a price."While my colleagues were buying properties, my wife kept changing bags. Her clothes, skincare products, shoes—everything was designer. To support her lifestyle, I work diligently, even taking extra freelance jobs to afford it."I thought I was a good husband and just wanted a child. What did I do wrong? If she had said that she didn't want a child after marriage in the first place, it wou
Gabriel took a long look at Esther, realizing more than anyone that Esther seemed to be heading toward a different extreme now. He wasn't certain if this shift in Esther's demeanor was good or bad.However, one thing was clear to him—the intersection of Esther and Bradley's lives resembled two lines crossing. After intersecting, they would drift further apart."Esther, you can investigate Bradley's criminal evidence. I won't object to that," Gabriel said with a stern face, emphasizing, "But ensure you complete your tasks on time and with quality.""Grandpa Gabriel, rest assured, I won't neglect my work."Gabriel nodded. "Go on then.""Alright." Esther stepped out of the office and approached Logan. "We can set off now.""Okay."Logan didn't inquire about Esther's conversation with Gabriel. Although they pretended to be engaged, Logan maintained a respectful distance from Esther. He wouldn't interfere much in her matters. However, he was aware that if she needed his help, he woul
Gabriel stated, "According to her husband, they argued before she went missing. He assumed she had returned to her parents' home and didn't inquire further since they often had cold spells for ten days to half a month. Their relatives and friends can testify to this."However, the cold spell extended to a month this time, which alarmed him. When he called her parents, they told him his wife never went home."Esther knew that the husband was often the first suspect when the wife went missing in cases like this."The wife bought a high-speed train ticket to her parents' home but didn't take the train back. The police traced her taking a ride-hailing car, and the driver claimed to have dropped her off on the street. The dashcam recording is proof. However, after that point, there's a blind spot in the surveillance footage. Usually, surveillance is kept for a certain period and gets overwritten after that."Logan asked, "What about the investigation on the missing woman's husband?""T
Esther rose, fixating on the distant scenery with clear eyes. "As long as he commits a crime, he'll leave traces."Logan was on the verge of speaking but was interrupted by the sudden ring of his phone."Hello, Mr. Sinclair."Gabriel's voice sounded grave. "There's a new lead.""Alright, we'll be right there."Logan stood up, turning to Esther. "We'll meet at the locker room entrance in ten minutes.""Is there a new development?""Yes."For most girls, ten minutes might not suffice even for basic grooming. For Esther, it was just right. The only issue was her long hair. Time was too short, and she lacked the opportunity to blow-dry it. Her damp hair draped over her shoulders, slightly soaking her T-shirt.Logan kept his eyes on the road. "I'll drive. You can use a towel to dry your hair.""Okay."As Logan drove, Esther sat in the car, patting her hair dry with a towel. Her hair was thick, posing a challenge to dry with just a towel.Nevertheless, Esther refrained from openi