The blows left Joey seeing stars. Her ears buzzed, and the pain in her cheeks felt as if her skin had been torn open.She was forced to lift her head, with traces of blood oozing from the corner of her mouth.Yoel's eyes darkened, and he raised his hand, ready to deliver another slap. Just then, his phone rang, and he forcefully smashed Joey to the ground. Her head thumped against the floor, and Joey winced in pain as her vision went black. She almost lost all consciousness."Hey! I have no idea when this bitch sent an emergency message to her friend. I've been fooled!" Yoel walked away as he talked on the phone.The person on the other end of the call responded, "The contact on that side said it would take three days. I can't do anything about it either!" "I'll try contacting other buyers. Don't worry. I'll definitely take her to the industrial park, where no one will be able to find her."After saying that, he ended the call, turned around, and went to grab Joey.He pulled
When Joey woke up in the hospital, Selena almost threw herself into her arms."Stop … I have injuries. It hurts," Joey said as she pushed her away.Selena's eyes turned red. "I've already called the police. How did it turn out like this?" "Less than two hours after our video chat, he already knew I had you call the police. Plus, he had accomplices," Joey whispered to Selena."The day I received your message, I called the police first. Later, they asked me to go in person …"Do you think we're being watched?" Selena sat by her bedside and asked.Joey hadn't made enemies with anyone. After Yolanda exposed her relationship with Zachary last time, Zachary already got rid of her. Hence, the chances of her being a suspect were low. "Do you think it may be the person who posed as the doctor last time?" Selena continued to ask."Even Zachary couldn't find out who that person was," Joey said in a low voice.Just then, the door was pushed open, and Zachary came in with a lunchbox. His
"Please thank your cousin for me." Joey smiled."This is a gift from Hanson. Keep it with you. It's meant to bring safety." Elise handed Joey a square wooden box.Joey thanked her once more. She realized that she had built her own circle of friends without realizing it.Over the past three years, her life could only revolve around Zachary. Now, Zachary was no longer her only focus.Kenneth pulled Elise behind him. He took a step forward and asked with concern, "What exactly happened? How do you feel now?""I'm alright. It's a long story, and the situation is a bit complicated," Joey replied."I've heard that these things happen quite often. Anyway, be careful when you're out and about," Elise chimed in.Joey did come across such news online before. However, she didn't intend to disclose her own situation."It's so odd that you were taken from Riviera to Yarwood," Kenneth remarked as he frowned."The police are still investigating. Anyway, I'm fine now," Joey explained to Kenne
Joey took the box from Zachary, but instead of opening it, she shot him a curious look."What's with that look?" Zachary asked.With the box in her hands, Joey asked, "Do you know how much the stuff inside is worth?""How much?" Zachary wasn't bothered about the value. He just wanted to know who it was meant for.Besides, he knew Joey's personality well. She wasn't into fancy bags or jewelry. For her, practicality held more value than anything extravagant."A million dollars," Joey replied.Zachary thought about her earlier request for a million dollars and found himself curious about what could be in the box.He wondered what could possibly make Joey willing to spend a million dollars on it."What's in there? A gift for your grandma?" Zachary's gaze lingered on the box.Joey didn't reply. Instead, she held onto the box and slid under the covers.After Zachary finished getting ready, he lay beside her and pulled Joey close. Just as he did, Joey turned, putting something aroun
The next morning, Zachary left Joey's hospital room with the warmth wiped off his face, replaced by a cold demeanor.Henry looked at him.The two walked to a more secluded area away from the hospital room. Zachary leaned against the wall, staring at Joey's door, his tone icy."Make sure to thoroughly investigate whether Mrs. Gray's issue is connected to Julia, and keep a close eye on Julian."Zachary wouldn't let what had happened to Joey slide, regardless of whether Julia was involved.If it did turn out to be her, he would need to step in to protect Julia again.Dealing with Julian was a major headache. He needed to strategize carefully.…After a week in the hospital, Joey figured it was time to make her way back to Riviera.The embroidery left untouched needed her attention, and she decided to send Henry back while keeping Elise as her companion.Considering her plans to collaborate with the Fulham and Yates families, Joey thought it would be best to smooth things over wi
Hanson was in the car when Kenneth called."How did it go?" Kenneth asked anxiously."The Linton Estate only has this old lady left, and she's dead set on Joey being her granddaughter. Are we sure we haven't made a mistake?" Hanson expressed doubt.Joey was equally adamant, claiming Monica as her family."But, she almost drowned at Linton Ville resort years ago … didn't you rescue her?" Kenneth questioned.The latest info suggested the Linton family had always resided in Linton Ville.Two decades ago, it was a renowned resort spot where wealthy people would rent houses for extended stays. The Fulham family lost their daughter while vacationing here.Ten years back, the resort faded as tourism on the outside boomed, turning it into an ordinary village.The once sandy beaches disappeared, and the village now stood in disrepair with very few young people around."No way, it can't just be a coincidence. Why does she bore such a resemblance, and why's she been living in Linton Vill
Joey walked over to Monica, crouched down, and playfully poked the little orange cat. Startled, the feline quickly darted away, prompting a chuckle from Joey.Watching their playful interaction, Monica's eyes revealed a hint of discomfort. She looked away and asked, "How long do you plan to stay this time?""I should leave by tomorrow. Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll pick you up for Eldeville. Grandma, I really hope you won't refuse anymore by then," Joey said, sitting in the chair with a determined expression.Monica immediately rejected the idea. "I've told you, don't waste money on buying a house. Why don't you ever listen?"Fully aware of the housing prices in Eldeville, she didn't want to burden Joey too much."I'm not wasting money. I've saved up enough. There won't be mortgage hassle for me," Joey replied."What if I'm not keen on moving to the city?" Monica asked in a soft tone.Joey understood Monica was used to rural life, but she couldn't let her stay here f
Zachary turned around, frowning at Joey."What's that supposed to mean?" Irritation was clear in his tone."Nothing. I'm just asking," Joey replied.Zachary shot her a look and let out a wry smile. "You still think I'd lie to you for Julia?""I'm heading to the kitchen." Joey sidestepped him, avoiding further discussion on the topic.Zachary was about to say something when Monica interrupted him, "Zac, let Grandma know if you want anything else to eat.""Thanks, I'm good. Making more would only leave leftovers for tomorrow," Zachary quickly responded.Monica was thrifty, and Zachary had noticed her eating leftovers several times.After dinner, not a word passed between Zachary and Joey until Joey drifted off to sleep.Even after struggling with insomnia, Zachary didn't go back to bed. Instead, he headed to the backyard for a smoke.He realized Joey didn't trust him at all.…Early the next morning, when Zachary woke up, he learned that Joey had already reached Riviera.Aft
Joey shot him a cold glance. "You and he are both the same, so neither of you should be laughing at the other."Zachary nodded. "You're right, but I've turned over a new leaf now.""Let's go. Enough about him," Joey said. She was annoyed whenever Henry was brought up.He had a great girl willing to be with him, yet he was still unhappy. Any other man would have been grinning from ear to ear.They arrived at the restaurant, and while Joey ordered the food, Zachary sent a message to Henry."You should think about this. Joey and Grandma just want you to have someone by your side in the future, which is why they're saying these things."Don't give up on her just because of what her parents said. Having someone who genuinely likes you is rare."From Zachary's perspective, Henry had a pretty good start. Tessa didn't mind his circumstances, so what was he dissatisfied with?Henry quickly replied, "I know. I'll think about it carefully."In truth, Henry found it all a bit troublesome.
Henry was immediately startled and started stammering, "O-Okay."As soon as Joey hung up the phone, she turned to see Tessa, who was crying pitifully, and handed her a tissue.Tessa took the tissue and sobbed without saying a word.Monica had prepared some desserts for her and looked at her with compassion. "Henry has never been in love before. Plus, he's straightforward and doesn't know how to talk properly. There's no need to cry."Joey thought that Henry just didn't love Tessa enough. Otherwise, how could he say such things?Tessa's eyes were swollen and red. Her tears continuously streamed down. "I know he doesn't like me. Maybe he just agreed to the relationship because I pursued him."Joey patted her shoulder. "In love, if one person is too proactive, the other will seem passive. The fact that you dared to love already makes you braver than many.""What's the point? He doesn't care about me at all." Tessa sniffled."Here, eat something," Monica said. "Feelings like love d
No one tried to persuade Henry further, but Zachary continued to say to him, "Come with me to choose a location for the security company. It's worth doing."Henry was a bit speechless. "I'm not even pursuing the relationship anymore. Why should I still think about the security company?"Zachary responded, "Do you plan to cling to Joey's coattails your whole life? Once the business is set up, you can have apprentices teach others, and you can become a hands-off boss in a year or two."With that, Zachary headed out.After they left, Monica sighed in disappointment. "And I here I thought Henry had found someone good for him.""I think it's quite normal. Finding a good woman isn't easy," Joey said.Henry was indeed a good person, but with one eye missing and his job as a bodyguard, it was inevitable that Tessa's parents would worry."How disappointing," Monica murmured repeatedly.Joey didn't know what else to say and could only comfort her. "There's still a chance. What if Tessa d
Joey snorted. "You looked down on me and thought I had no opinions back then."Zachary pulled her into his arms. "Joey, do you like the person you are now or the person you were before?""What about you?" Joey asked him."I liked you from the beginning. Do you think I would have pursued you for so long if I didn't? I never thought you were serious about the divorce. At first, I was angry, but now I just think I was too slow to react."Joey was genuinely angry back then, but he had thought she was playing hard to get.The two of them sat close and watched the movie together.Selena hadn't returned yet, so Joey guessed that she wouldn't be coming back."Selena probably won't return. Hanson is cunning by taking her away with just a movie," Joey said.Zachary turned off the projector and was still savoring the moment as Joey left his arms."They're in love. Otherwise, Selena wouldn't go with him so easily," Zachary remarked.Selena must really like Hanson. Otherwise, she wouldn't
Zachary squeezed her hand tightly. "You're just like an exquisite and beautiful flower."Joey couldn't help but laugh. She pulled her hand back with a little force. "Even though we just had a heartfelt conversation, I haven't thought about being your girlfriend.""I get it. You're Chloe, and countless people are lining up to pursue you," Zachary said in a voice tinged with jealousy.If she wasn't so focused on her work, she probably would have found a new boyfriend by now. For example, Kenneth was an excellent person. If Joey had accepted him back then, Zachary thought he wouldn't stand a chance now.When they got back to Emmen, Joey freshened up and got back to work.Zachary couldn't help but say, "Can't you take a break?""I've gotten used to this over the past year. When I can't sleep at night, I'll work. I find it hard to relax now," Joey said while reading a document intently.Without her dedication and hard work, Emmen wouldn't have grown so quickly.Zachary beckoned her
Zachary felt a heavy weight on his chest as he looked at Joey.She continued, "Even if I accept you again, and we try to rebuild a family, I know things can never go back to the way they were. I gave you my best years, and I don't feel like I owe you anything."During those three years, you ignored my true feelings and neglected me. Do you think it's possible to go back to the past now?"Zachary said, "I'm truly sorry.""I want to fully accept you, but I can't. You all think that the many hurts inflicted on me are something I can just get over, let go of, and move forward from. But I can't."I realize now that people are complicated and hold grudges. I constantly revisit every wrong done to me. If I didn't care, it would mean I don't care about any of you at all."Joey rarely opened up to Zachary like this, but she felt it necessary to make this clear.Zachary watched her silently and felt as though it was his first time knowing what she actually thought."It's like how I don't
Selena readily agreed, "Alright. It's not fair for you to handle everything alone."Her relationship with Hanson was intense and passionate at the beginning, but now that the initial fire had burned out, Selena felt less attached to Hanson. But after dinner, she was still dragged by Hanson to watch a new movie.Joey was exhausted from work and didn't want to move, so she sat at the dining table with Zachary to enjoy the peace."Shall we head back soon?" Zachary asked after a long while.Joey hummed, exhausted. "Let's sit a bit longer.""If you don't want to walk, I can carry you," Zachary said with a smile.Joey snorted. "Do you want Grandma to scold me? Have you even recovered?""Probably not. These wounds don't heal so easily," Zachary admitted honestly. He wanted to please Joey but had forgotten that his health was no longer as robust as before."Let's sit for another half an hour," Joey said as she leaned back in her chair and replied to messages on her phone."You're work
Selena felt that what Joey said made sense and immediately nodded in agreement. "Then I won't consider marriage."Zachary glanced at them and thought that Selena was a bad influence on Joey. Even if they were married, couldn't they still have fun? What was the difference?Around noon, Hanson and Tessa arrived at Emmen together.As soon as Tessa saw Henry, she ran to him and grabbed his arm. "I got out of class early to see you. You're not mad, are you?"Henry was taken aback, but seeing Tessa clinging to him so sweetly filled his heart with joy."Not at all. Why didn't you tell me? I could have picked you up," Henry said.Tessa held his hand. "Why do you have to pick me up? I know where you work, so I can come to find you."Henry nodded dumbly."Tessa, have you eaten?" Monica stepped forward with a gentle smile."No, but my parents want to invite him to dinner tonight. I've already arranged it with them," Tessa said with a smile.Joey thought this wasn't just a regular dinner
Henry had a smile on his face, looking quite pleased with himself. "Of course, she fell in love with me at first sight."Selena laughed. "Impressive! But your cosplay style probably appeals to most young girls, right?"Henry may have only one eye, but he was still very handsome. He was like a cosplayer you'd see on the street.He simply smiled and picked up his phone to check in with Tessa.After chatting, Henry grinned like a fool. "She asked me out to lunch. She said she doesn't have classes this afternoon and wants to take me to her place."Joey felt a bit envious. "You're incredibly lucky. You need to cherish this."Henry nodded as Monica looked at Henry with a smile."What is your girlfriend studying in grad school?" Selena asked curiously."Something related to Eldelish language studies I think," Henry replied, unsure.Joey nodded. "That sounds good."After finishing his meal, Henry sat nearby, playing on his phone.Selena couldn't help but tell Joey, "Is he just going