Yvonne helped Xena up from the ground, concern evident in her voice. "Are you okay?"Xena's gaze settled on Yvonne, her lashes trembling as if she was frightened. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you. I just wasn't feeling well and was in a hurry.""Do you need me to take you to the hospital?""No, I just need to rest a bit. But I do have something to pick up from my hotel..."Xena glanced at Yvonne, hesitating.Understanding her hesitation, Yvonne quickly offered, "Get in the car, I'll take you there."Xena's eyes brightened, suppressing her excitement. "Thank you, thank you so much. You're so kind."Yvonne smiled and shook her head, helping Xena into the car. Once inside, Xena gave the driver an address and then started chatting with Yvonne."You look a lot like someone I know. It's such a coincidence.""Really?" Yvonne replied absentmindedly, her thoughts drifting. She wondered if Charles had woken up by now. If he woke up and didn't see her, he would probably start
Watching the car speed away, Xena stomped her foot in frustration, her face showing a hint of malice. She had initially planned just to ask for some money, but since Yvonne was being uncooperative, she wouldn't hold back anymore.Inside the car, the driver glanced at Yvonne through the rearview mirror, his tone heavy with concern. "Ma'am, that girl is clearly up to no good. She's probably trying to latch onto our family. Please don't be taken in by her.""Don't worry, I won't," Yvonne reassured him with a smile, turning her gaze to the window. Even without Haley's warning, she wouldn't easily trust someone she had just met.She hadn't expected anyone to dare make a move on her directly. Over the years, Yvonne had kept a low profile and rarely interacted with outsiders. However, this didn't mean she was naive. Many people had tried to dig into her background or offered high prices for her whereabouts, all to connect with Charles. She had seen plenty of such people.But Xena was mo
He was really terrified. Terrified that Yvonne might revert to her old self, spread her wings, and fly away from him."Alright, alright, let’s not make a scene anymore. Do I still have a fever?" Charles obediently bent down, letting Yvonne feel his forehead. Satisfied that his temperature was back to normal, Yvonne smiled, "Not bad at all, your fever is completely gone."Holding Yvonne’s hand, Charles said, "I’m strong. No illness can bring me down."Yvonne put away the herbs and leaned into Charles’s embrace. "Honey, I miss Haley. How about we go to Jasper City to see her?"Charles stiffened, "Why do you suddenly want to go to Jasper City?""It’s not sudden. I’ve wanted to go for a while, but you wouldn’t let me. As parents, we can’t live apart from our child forever. Besides, I’ve heard the environment in Jasper City is better than in the capital, with a more pleasant climate, perfect for recovery."Charles pressed his lips together, not responding.Yvonne’s fingers tugged
Yvonne had a wonderful meal, and even the tense lines on Charles's face relaxed. After dinner, Haley pulled her mother outside for a walk to help digest the food. The restaurant was designed like a garden, with pavilions and terraces that were elegantly charming. Outside, the scenery was beautiful with shady trees, winding paths, and a sparkling lake.As they walked, Haley chatted with her mother about recent events.Meanwhile, back in the restaurant, Charles sat on the couch sipping tea, while Shane sat silently nearby, lost in thought. Charles looked up at him, "It's clear that Haley really likes you.""Yes, and I love her very much too," Shane's eyes softened at the mention of Haley, filled with an unmistakable tenderness.Charles continued, "I missed out on Haley's upbringing and have no right to interfere with her relationships now. But let me make one thing clear. If you ever betray her, I won't take it lightly."His words were cold and menacing, his expression stern eno
The men in black suits approached without a word, one of them quickly covering Joe’s mouth with a cloth. He struggled, but a pungent smell invaded his nostrils, making his head spin. Within moments, he lost consciousness.When Joe woke up, his head was pounding. He rubbed his temples, piecing together what had happened. He remembered seeing a group of men in black suits before he lost consciousness. Men in black! They must have been here to kill him!Panicking, Joe bolted upright in bed, opening his mouth to call for a nurse. But to his horror, no sound came out. Confused, he tried again, only to be met with silence. He couldn't speak.Why couldn't he speak?Frantically, Joe pressed the call button. When the nurse arrived, he pointed desperately at his throat, managing only short, strained grunts.The nurse looked puzzled. "Mr. Carter, what kind of trick are you trying to pull this time? If you keep this up, we'll have to notify the prison authorities."Joe shook his head wil
However, those thoughts could only remain in Joe's mind, for the moment they were spoken aloud, they turned into, "Ah... Ahh..."Charles, dressed in a black suit and trench coat, looked tall and imposing. His presence exuded a cold, authoritative aura. His usually composed and gentle demeanor, especially around Yvonne, was replaced by a chilling intensity."Mr. Carter, long time no see."Charles casually pulled up a chair by the hospital bed and sat down, crossing his legs in a relaxed manner that still commanded respect.Joe shrank back, his eyes slowly filling with fear. "Ah...""Wondering why I'm here?" Charles's gaze was piercing and a slight smirk appeared on his lips. "I'm here to settle accounts."Joe's hands, hidden under the blanket, clenched tightly, his whole body tensing up involuntarily.Charles raised a hand and clapped him forcefully on the shoulder, smiling as he spoke. "Don't be nervous. Did you like the welcoming gift I sent you?"Joe's pupils contracted. So i
Charles cast a disinterested glance at her before turning away and leaving without a word. The bodyguards followed suit, slowly releasing Xena's restrained hands. As soon as she was free, Xena scrambled up from the floor and rushed over to ask, "Dad, what did Charles show you?"Before she could finish her sentence, Joe suddenly went mad, lunging at her and choking her neck. The sensation of suffocation gripped her throat, accompanied by sharp pain. Xena's eyes widened in shock as she struggled to pry his hands off, "Dad..."Joe snapped out of it, delivering a fierce slap to Xena’s face, screaming “Ah” as he pointed to the door, commanding her to leave.Xena, bewildered, glanced down and saw the words "DNA Test Report" written on the document. Her breath caught, and cold sweat broke out all over her body."Dad, listen to me. This isn't true. It can't be true. How could I not be your daughter?"But Joe just stared at her, his eyes full of disappointment. She knew all along?No
Three days later, the news of Joe Carter losing his mind in the hospital was exposed by the paparazzi, causing quite a stir. Joe was somewhat well-known in Jasper City, especially after Haley had personally sent him to prison, making headlines. Moreover, Haley had managed to turn JY around in just a few months, restoring it to its former glory from over twenty years ago, making her a prominent figure in the business world.This incident drew a lot of attention, with many people curious to see how Haley would react. However, they were disappointed when she showed no reaction at all, continuing with her life as if Joe had nothing to do with her.In reality, when Haley heard about Joe’s breakdown, she was momentarily surprised. Having lived under the same roof with him for over twenty years, it was impossible not to feel something. But she couldn’t muster any sympathy for him. Joe deserved his fate. Sometimes, madness would be a kinder fate than painful clarity.With a deep sigh,