Shirley thought she had done it without anyone knowing, but Monica was deeply attached to Linton Ville and wanted it to develop better.So, during bad weather, she would count the number of tourists to ensure none were in danger, as any mishap would hinder the village's progress.Monica said as she held Joey's hand, "I saved Joey. Due to the lack of oxygen, she lost her most terrifying memory and forgot her past with the Fulham family, believing wholeheartedly that I was her grandmother."Poor child. Her grandfather and I never dared to reveal her past as we were afraid it would bring trouble. If it weren't for Hanson's search, we would have lived like this forever."Then, Monica suddenly turned to Shirley. "Shirley, it was you back then, wasn't it?"Shirley retorted, "You're lying! I think you two old geezers wanted to steal a child and now you're slandering me!""You don't have to admit it. It doesn't matter to us anymore. I just want to tell everyone what I saw," Monica said.
Brook looked at her and calmly answered, "Yes, I knew."There was nothing more to say.Vaughn released Emily, grabbed Brook by the collar, and punched him hard."You damn bastard, you didn't even spare a four-year-old child! Are you even human? What did I ever do to you? You scum!" Vaughn kicked Brook to the ground.Now it all made sense. Brook and Shirley brought Yvonne back and even had her harass Joey relentlessly, trying to eliminate Vaughn and Emily's daughter. They were utterly despicable.Emily was in tears. "What a misfortune for our family… How could I have a sister like this? How could she harm my daughter?"After crying, she clutched her chest and gasped for breath. Her face quickly turned pale.Zachary hurried forward to support her.Emily clutched her chest with her brows furrowed in pain. "It's my fault… It's my fault…"Before she could finish her words, she vomited a mouthful of blood.Vaughn rushed over to hold her. "Emily…"Emily's tears flowed uncontrollabl
Joey sobbed softly, like a bullied child.Zachary held her tightly and patted her back. "It's okay. I'm here with you."Joey let out a mournful cry from her throat.Seeing her distress, Vaughn raised his hand to cover his face while tears uncontrollably streamed down. He didn't know what he had done wrong for his family to take away and try to kill his beloved daughter.Elise ran over and hugged Vaughn, crying as well. "Uncle Vaughn, Joey is back. Everything will be fine."When Emily came out of the emergency room, she had already lost consciousness.Joey and Zachary stood up together. Her eyes were very red."What happened?" Vaughn asked the doctor."The patient had a ruptured blood vessel due to extreme emotional distress. It's not serious," the doctor replied.Joey unconsciously let out a sigh of relief, and Zachary squeezed her hand with his eyes full of reassurance.Vaughn's legs trembled, and he almost collapsed.Henry promptly supported him. "Are you alright?""I'm f
Zachary chuckled softly and sat beside Joey, looking at Emily lying on the bed.He said gently, "My parents passed away early, and my grandparents raised me. The year they left, I fell seriously ill both physically and psychologically."Joey bit on her straw without saying a word."People always say men don't cry easily, but at that time, I couldn't get over it. I cried every day like a girl," Zachary confessed after having long since forgotten the sadness of losing his parents.He once thought he would never get over it, but time was merciless. All emotions faded slowly over time.Joey looked at him. "What happened then?""After a month, I cried less. After a year, I hardly cried at all. Now, I've almost forgotten the heart-wrenching pain of that time. I only miss them occasionally," Zachary said before popping a strawberry into his mouth."Are you telling me this to remind me to cherish the present?" Joey's gaze was clear at this moment."Joey," Zachary called her name seriou
"Grandma will always come first," Joey said softly and looked out the window.Her life was saved by Monica, and she would always be Monica's granddaughter.Zachary held her hand. "She's also my Grandma."Joey pulled her hand back. "I know you're trying to butter him up today. I saw through your schemes."Zachary blinked innocently. "Who are you talking about?""Stop pretending!" Joey wanted to pinch him."I was just moved by their behavior today. I want to be close to everyone who stands by your side," Zachary said, skillfully navigating the conversation.Joey snorted. "Don't keep touching me. I only cried on your shoulder today because I was sad. That doesn't mean I've accepted you!""So, I still need to work hard, right?" Zachary asked.Joey didn't answer him.When they got back to Emmen, Joey took a shower and went to rest.Meanwhile, Zachary lay on the office couch and pondered over Joey's words.She hadn't accepted him yet. Did that mean he could pursue her?This thou
Joey pressed on her chest, trying to calm her uncontrollably beating heart as she couldn't bear it anymore. "Are you that short on data?""I'm not, but I must connect to the WiFi in your office," Zachary replied naturally.Joey told him a string of numbers before keeping her head down to avoid thoughts of his well-toned body.Joey thought that he must be doing this on purpose, but Zachary didn't do anything further. He simply connected to the WiFi and smiled meaningfully after noticing her reddening ears.…Meanwhile, Henry was carrying Zachary's clothes as he wandered around with Monica. They had finished their meal and were now enjoying the neon lights along the street."I wonder when Mr. Gray will let me go back," Henry said with his mouth full as he ate the kebab Monica handed him.Monica held the shopping bags with one hand and slowly chewed on the sausage held by the other hand as she commented, "My teeth aren't good. Even a sausage is hard to bite.""Come closer, Monica,
Henry returned to Monica's side and took the shopping bags from her. "I almost had to pay for it. It's a good thing I'm quick on my feet!"Monica patted her chest in relief. "That's what you get for making up stories. No more fooling around in the streets. Let's go back."The two of them slowly walked away.The girl clutched her phone to her chest, glanced down, then looked longingly at Henry's tall figure. She felt a mix of happiness and sadness.After Monica and Henry returned to Emmen, Zachary went to Joey's room to change clothes.Monica sat on the couch and recounted the incident on the street to Joey with lingering fear. "Henry's stories nearly cost him dearly. He almost broke someone's phone."Joey thought there might be some truth to Henry's tales, but she didn't voice it.Instead, she looked at Henry and reassured Monica, "Don't worry, I can afford it.""Do you think having money is all there is? No matter how much money you have, frugality is a virtue!" Monica lecture
Zachary walked up to Henry and looked down at him. "Congratulations, you're fired. From now on, you're a free man. No more risking your life for anyone. Just live for yourself."Zachary's words touched Joey.It was also only now that Henry realized that being fired could be so blissful. His throat tightened, and after a moment, he knelt on one knee in front of Zachary."Thank you, Mr. Gray. It's been an honor working for you all these years. I've found the meaning of life and realized that life is precious and should be cherished."Zachary patted his head. "You should never have felt that life was meaningless. The things you've done are beyond what ordinary people can achieve in a lifetime."Assisting in the takedown of human traffickers and guarding our borders are honorable feats. Your Grandma would be proud of you."Henry lowered his head and felt that he was about to cry. "Thank you, Mr. Gray.""Stand up," Zachary said gently.Henry stood up and looked at Joey, who was visi