At first, Johnson thought he misheard."Who's in trouble?""Somebody exposed Mack's dirty laundry online. There's everything from illegal activities to murder and arson. The police are already making arrests!" the person who came in replied in a terrified tone. "Johnson, what do we do? Mack wouldn't betray us..."Before this person could finish speaking, Johnson pushed him away.It was only then that the person regained his senses, realizing that there were also people from the headquarters in the office.He immediately stopped talking."Johnson, that's enough," Fiona spoke up.She had no patience left to watch these hoodlums continue their act.Johnson turned around.Why did everything regarding Mack suddenly come to light at this precise moment?Could it be..."Secretary Woods, is this your doing?" Johnson asked.Fiona shrugged slightly. "Who knows? Perhaps there's a higher power ensuring that the wicked face their judgment. I don't know if the police have caught anyone yet, but I'd
In the end, Fiona didn't even give Johnson a chance to turn himself in.As soon as Johnson stepped out of the office, he was arrested by the approaching officers."Fiona, a woman as cold-blooded and ruthless as you will face retribution sooner or later!" Johnson cursed as he was shoved into the car.Wyatt furrowed his brows and instinctively looked at Fiona.Fiona, who was being cursed, had an extremely cold expression.He raised an eyebrow slightly, "When did you plan all this? You didn't even tell me.""These matters happened during my time in charge, so naturally, I have to handle them completely before handing them over to you, Mr. Durham," Fiona said calmly."To be so ruthless and not even give him a chance to turn himself in. We have known each other for five years, right? How did I never realize that Secretary Woods has such a ruthless streak?" Wyatt crossed his arms, although he still appeared carefree, admiration couldn't be hidden in his eyes."If I don't go all out against
Fiona used both kind words and firm actions.First, she used Johnson as an example to intimidate the others. When these people were panicked, fearing the possibility of prison. She offered them a way out by encouraging these people to actively return the stolen property.Wyatt looked on, wishing he could stand up and applaud Fiona.Amid the chaotic uproar.They retrieved the company’s millions.Fiona looked at them, and the rest of the people dared not make a sound as they looked at her.Most of these people were repaying the amounts listed by Johnson.However…Even blood brothers sometimes need to hide things.How could Johnson be familiar with everyone’s situation?Fiona remained silent for a while.She lifted her gaze and scanned the crowd, "Everyone, are you all certain about the amount of this money?"In the crowd, it was apparent that some of the people gathered were feeling restless, looking suspicious.Those who hadn't lied responded loudly.Fiona toyed with the neutral pen in
Regardless of Wyatt's intentions.Fiona was grateful.Over the years, no matter how well she did her job, she couldn't escape being perceived merely as Darwin's secretary.There were always people who attributed her accomplishments to Darwin.This was one of the few instances where someone stood up for her.Wyatt was in a good mood as well.Finally, he saw a genuine smile on Fiona's face.Even the cafeteria food tasted delicious.After having lunch, Fiona was about to return to the city."Most of the matters have been resolved. You'll have to take care of the follow-up work, Mr. Durham." Fiona resumed her distant, business-like demeanor."Are you going straight back to Bay City?" Wyatt asked."I have an evening flight." Fiona replied.Wyatt smiled.There was an inexplicable feeling of constriction in his heart.Why was she in such a rush to return to Bay City? Who would she meet once she got back?"Secretary Woods, I hope you took to heart the advice I gave you yesterday." Wyatt couldn
Sally was happily drinking her wine.Fiona didn’t say much.She transferred a sum of money and asked her to take good care of the people who helped her.After finishing up, Fiona slowly packed up her things.While tidying up the clothes she wore yesterday, a diamond cufflink fell out.Fiona was stunned for a moment. She reached out and picked it up. She had seen this cufflink last year when she was shopping in a designer store in Switzerland with Darwin on a business trip. She really liked it and immediately bought it with two months' salary.Looking back, it seemed ridiculous. She was well aware of her position. Even giving gifts felt presumptuous. This cufflink was worn by Darwin when he stayed overnight at her place after they returned. The next day, she discreetly attached it to his suit sleeve."I'll take you with me too."Fiona tightened her grip on the cufflink in her palm.Its sharp edges made her hand tingle.After packing her things, Fiona checked out and went to the hotel r
At that moment, the kidnapper's phone rang. He glanced at the rearview mirror, smiled maliciously, lit a cigarette, answered the call, and put it on speakerphone."Why is it taking so long? Where are you?"An impatient male voice came from the other end.“We still have twenty minutes. The little bitch discovered us, just dealt with her.”"Did you sleep with her?" the other party shouted.“How could I? Mack hasn’t made a move, how could I dare?”Fiona listened to the disgusting and vulgar words. She lowered her eyelids, suppressing her disgust. Her hand slowly reached into her handbag at the side. Ashton had heard before that she was traveling alone, especially to a remote place like New Port. She was worried, so she had Fiona pack a self-defense electric shocker in her bag."This foolish woman was planning to call the police just now," the kidnapper continued.“She probably isn’t aware of the relationship between Mack and the local police chief.”Fiona's heart sank. Through the rearvi
Fiona was prepared to go down with at least one car.But!!!!She never expected!!This car had a high safety rating.It even had automatic braking and automatic emergency braking and active collision avoidance featuresFinally.After a few more turns on the road, her car also crashed into the green divider.With a loud bang.The world spun around, and a pungent smell filled Fiona’s throat. Apart from the buzzing in her ears, she couldn't hear anything else. Lost in a daze, she looked through the shattered windshield, which now resembled a spider's web, and saw several figures getting out of their cars one by one. Leading the way was a chubby man, carrying a steel pipe as he approached her.Fiona raised her hand and manually locked the car once again. She had no idea whether her luck was good or bad. The doctor had said she had difficulty conceiving, yet she ended up getting pregnant after a brief moment without protection. Chased by kidnappers, she had prepared herself for death, but
"Harold..."Fiona called him.Harold looked at her, then lowered his eyelids. "Does Darwin know?""This child is mine, he doesn't need to know." Fiona paused for a moment, "Her life is also saved by you. You have to keep it a secret for us. If Darwin finds out, he will kill her."Harold was taken aback.He looked up in shock and anger. “Is he still human?”"Don't get so worked up." Fiona comforted him.Harold’s eyes turned red, filled with heartache. “Fiona”…""Don't be like this, I'm fine." Fiona smiled and said, "By the way, I was just thinking, since you saved my baby’s life, how about being her godfather in the future?"Harold froze.God… godfather?"Let's... let's talk about it later." Harold felt a bit guilty.“Alright.” Fiona lay down.Today has been exhausting for her, both physically and mentally."Don't think about anything, just get a good rest." Harold said by her side, "Fiona, you're not alone, I'll be with you."Fiona’s nose felt a bit stuffy.Her grandmother, in her las
As Ashton was sorting through the gifts, she too was reflecting on everything."Isn't my life just a series of bizarre twists?" she mumbled, looking down. "Finding out Chris was secretly going on blind dates behind my back, then breaking up. Watching him get engaged, and seeing my own mom take his fiancée's side, leading to our fallout. That should have been my rock bottom, right?"Fiona nodded in agreement.The day Ashton cut ties with her mom, she'd even bought her a plane ticket. She wanted to send her to some tranquil getaway for a much-needed vacation to relax and rejuvenate."Who would've guessed? Right after the falling out with my mom—a spur-of-the-moment decision—I ended up marrying Kenny. I was so down on my luck, I thought, 'How much worse can it get?'” Ashton chuckled ironically, then softened a bit. "But, who could have predicted how good Kenny would turn out to be? How he'd respect every single wish of mine."It was a kind of care that she hadn't felt since her dad had l
Fiona was actually surprised. After all, she wasn't a saint without desires. It all made sense to just go with the flow and do what naturally came next. She might only berate herself later for succumbing to her cravings. But Darwin stopped, and that was beyond her expectations. In the past, this would have been unthinkable. It seemed as though... he really had learned to respect her.She pressed a quick, rewarding peck onto Darwin's lips, smiled, and teased, 'Mr. Solomon, maybe you should head to the bathroom?”Her smile was captivating and bright, causing Darwin's past five years of distressing memories to resurface. He pulled her into his arms again."Wife, I miss you so much, I'm starting to lose my mind," Darwin's voice shook, betraying his emotional turmoil. "I keep seeing your shadow at home, but when I chase after it, there's nothing... Thank goodness... this time I've really got you in my arms."Fiona listened to his voice laced with sobs, her heart aching with each word."Ser
Darwin had always been self-centered in matters of intimacy. Whenever he desired, she couldn't refuse.In her haziness, Fiona felt like she was back in those times again."Don't be afraid."Sensing her anxiety and unease, Darwin softened, kissing her lips again and coaxing her with his gentle voice, "I won't force you. I'll wait until you're ready to truly accept me."In Fiona's misty eyes, desire began to cloud her vision. Her gaze often seemed distant and disconnected. As Darwin kissed her, her mind turned into mush, instinctively she kissed him back softly.Mr. Solomon just stood there, silent, his towering frame taut."You know exactly how to torture me," Darwin groaned, voice hoarse, as he peppered her neck with more fervent kisses."Be gentle..." Fiona clenched his hand. "You'll leave marks!"Darwin chuckled lowly, then tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze, "Why fear my marks? Scared that man will see and get jealous?""No, it's not that…" Fiona turned away with a sligh
Once finished, the anxiety within Lilian began to subside.Just wait a little longer, Lilian. All these nuisances will soon vanish.And then, you'll be there for Darwin with all your gentle warmth. He’ll eventually be moved, realizing you're the one for him...Lilian took a deep breath and exhaled.On her way out, she passed by the flower shop where Darwin made his purchase. From a distance, she had only glimpsed the type of flowers Darwin had bought and decided to buy the same kind.Inside the apartment, Darwin silenced his phone and tossed it aside."Why didn't you tell me? Worried I'd take Lilian's side?" he pulled her close and asked earnestly.For five years, she had lived in Lilian’s shadow, a daily reminder that she was merely a stand-in and that Lilian was the more important one—a notion that had likely seeped into her very marrow.This realization made Darwin wish he could travel back in time to give his younger self a good thrashing.He
"The only person I've ever schemed for was Solomon. What could possibly make you believe I'd harm someone I don’t even know, like Miss Rhoads?" Lilian asked. "If that's truly how you see me, maybe it'd be better if you just kicked me out of Solomon's life..."Darwin had promised to protect Lilian.Hearing her say this, he felt a twinge of guilt.But...Darwin feared even more that because of the thorn that was Lilian, his wife’s heart, which had just started to soften toward him, would turn cold again.He was walking on eggshells just to avoid pushing her away.So..."I'm sorry, Lilian," Darwin said flatly. "There's no room for discussion."Lilian sat frozen in the car, as if her blood was slowly turning to ice.Even in her early days back in the country, Darwin had never protected Fiona like this.He used to drop everything to be at Lilian's side whenever she needed him, leaving Fiona behind.Now...Even when she tried to befriend Che
Fiona gazed at Darwin, his face inexplicably brimming with pride."Lilian places great value on the RH Company project." She kept to herself the fact that Lilian had plagiarized her proposal, but Fiona wasn't about to let it slide.This was simply a clash of interests, and she felt no need to drag Darwin further into the fray, avoiding the mess of tangled priorities."Hmm," Darwin's smile faded slightly, "Her proposal is indeed impressive, but it pales in comparison to yours."Fiona studied him intently, searching his face for any hint of romantic sentiment towards Lilian.Her search ended in vain."What are you looking at?" Darwin pulled her closer by the waist, gazing up at her.Fiona brushed her fingertips gently across his cheek, causing him to nuzzle into her hand like a kitten seeking affection."Don't stay away too long, come back soon," he whispered softly, his voice barely a murmur.What he truly wanted to say was, "Don't leave."Thei
Darwin had no clue about the sunny-side up egg story. Upon hearing it, his gaze immediately sought Fiona's.Fiona was clutching her burger too tight."Oh, why bring that up, mother?" the daughter-in-law chided softly, "I'm sorry about this.""It's fine," Fiona shook her head gently.Seeing Granny distressed, she excused herself to rest.Fiona stared at her burger, lost in thought.She had never imagined it.Her death had cast such a shadow, not only over her loved ones, but over those beyond her immediate circle.“It’s okay.” Darwin soothed her gently.Fiona cast another glance toward where the Hamburger Lady had disappeared and bowed her head to eat slowly.If the Hamburger Lady was so affected...What about Darwin?She had never been fully convinced of Darwin's love for her. It always seemed to her that his treatment of her was nothing more than possessiveness.Like an old belonging he didn’t want to discard, nor did he want anyo
Darwin sat in the treatment room with Fiona sitting beside him, scrolling through messages on her phone, while a doctor attended to Darwin's wound."The wound's not too deep, but it's not superficial either. You'll have to watch your diet," the doctor advised after dressing the wound."Got it, thank you for your help," Fiona put away her phone and politely thanked the doctor.Then they left the treatment room together.Darwin's face was brimming with relief, "We really didn't have to come to the hospital for this."Fiona didn't look at him.Leading the way, she said over her shoulder, "I'm here to prevent someone from using their wounds as an excuse to get me to come back."At that,the joy visibly drained from Darwin's face."I would never do that," he murmured softly.Fiona finally stopped and turned to look at him, "Mr. Solomon, you're becoming shamelessly unprincipled. Aren't you embarrassed to say such things?""Hungry?" Darwin steppe
“Monsoon Investment and I have always held deep respect for traditional industries. We hope that while guiding these industries through current challenges, we can also preserve the essence of the company's original culture as much as possible. Furthermore, we aim to highlight the significant contributions that RH Company has made to Armie Country and its citizens during challenging times. Monsoon Investment sincerely wishes to join hands with the esteemed shareholders of RH Company, to usher in the next era of brilliance,” Fiona concluded her address with a respectful bow.As she stepped down from the podium, the auditorium was quieter than expected.In contrast to the heated reactions to Lilian’s proposal, Fiona’s approach landed like a heavy punch right at the heart of RH Company’s shareholders. Lilian's face turned particularly sour.Chelsea's new strategy represented a complete shift.While the first proposal seemed, at first glance, to have a stronger pull on pe