She glanced at Emily, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions.Emily sensed something was off and frowned, "What's wrong?""Mr. Satan said... Emma is dead."Emma..."She's dead?!" Emily's heart sank. "How did she die?"Was it because of the blow she dealt?But Olivia and Allen Parker had rushed to handle it. They wouldn't have left an injured Emma to fend for herself.Olivia knew everything. Emma was the only witness who could testify against Grace and Logan. Olivia would never let Emma die."The doctor said she bled out and couldn't be saved..." Olivia was stunned. "It doesn't make sense. Allen Parker brought a doctor that day. I saw the doctor bandage her wounds. How could she bleed out..."Emily thought of something important. "When you left, was Emma still in that house in the countryside? Did anyone else go there?"Olivia nodded. "She was always there. She's a fugitive. There was no reason to move her. Jackson found that place. He went there, then it was me and Allen Parker... Cou
Emily's phone rang.Olivia asked, "Is it Mr. Satan?"Emily shook her head. "It's Meggie."...Emily had been abroad for a while and hadn't visited the Norman family in a long time.Bella waited at the door, smiling. "Did you have a good time abroad? Meggie has been missing you."Emily smiled softly. "Is she feeling better?""Much better!" Bella said happily. "She looks much healthier and even has the strength to copy the Bible. She said she's praying for your baby. By the way, why didn't Vincent come with you? Meggie called him. She wanted him to bring you home for dinner."Emily hadn't received any call from Mr. Satan.She took her phone out of her bag to check. The signal was full, and the battery was sufficient. She could receive calls and texts anytime.But... there were no records at all.He really hadn't contacted her.Emily's smile was a bit forced. "He must have been too busy with work and forgot it."Bella supported her as they walked inside, disapproving. "You're pregnant no
Emily forced a smile. "He's busy. It's just me today."Bryden's mouth dropped open in surprise. "No way? He cares about you so much, how could he not come with you, especially since you're pregnant..."This was a question she didn't know how to answer.She didn't even know why things had suddenly turned out this way.When she left for Germany, their relationship was still very good. They had agreed to reveal everything within a week and then get married; he even said he would help her reclaim everything...Could it be because of what she said in the car that day, which angered Mr. Satan?Was he upset that she had figured out his true identity without his consent?Or was it because she questioned his motives for approaching her?Emily suddenly felt a pang of regret.She had been too foolish. Why did she have to rush to clarify everything? Mr. Satan was such a proud person. It must have hurt him to be doubted by his own woman.Emily laughed at herself and said, "I probably made him angr
Emily was taken aback by his words. Before, she might have felt shy or happy about such a statement, but today, happiness was beyond her reach.She was almost six months pregnant, and today was the first time she learned where the father of her child's company was.Bryden continued, "Emily, my brother is truly an extraordinary man. He's my role model. To be honest, I don't even respect my father as much as I respect my brother. Although my mother can be difficult, my brother loves you so much that he'll definitely protect you well. You don't need to worry too much.""Do you really think he loves me?""Of course!" Bryden was taken aback by her question. "Isn't it obvious how much my brother cares for you? Emily, I have told you before, he's liked you for many years. When you got married, he was devastated. I've never seen him so downcast."Emily asked, "Sorry to ask, but did he ever tell you that the woman he's liked for many years is me?"Bryden froze, pausing for a long moment.His f
All the blood rushed to Emily's head, leaving her momentarily unable to react.The woman, seemingly not hearing a response, asked again, "Hello? Who is this?"Emily was still in shock.Mr. Satan had once told her that this number was his private number! Only his assistant and she knew it!But why was this woman answering his phone?Did Mr. Satan allow this?The woman's voice was unfamiliar. Emily was certain she had never heard it before. This woman wasn't anyone she had ever met.It meant one thing. Mr. Satan had protected this woman well.Who was she...Emily felt her doubts almost bursting out of her body, but her throat felt like it was stuffed with cotton, unable to utter a single word.The woman muttered, somewhat puzzled, "Why aren't you speaking? The call connected...""Whose call?" A man's voice came from a distance.It was him!Emily's heart leaped into her throat. It was him, Mr. Satan!Even though she hadn't seen his face, Emily was very familiar with his voice!A growing
When Bryden got home, Mandy was on the phone.Seeing Bryden return, Mandy hastily ended the call, speaking somewhat unnaturally, "Bryden, why are you back so soon? Didn't you say you had plans with a friend and wouldn't be home for dinner tonight?"Bryden, noticing Mandy's flustered state, frowned and reminded her, "Mom, were you talking to Mrs. Morgan again? You should limit your contact with her; she's not a good person."Mandy, having her secret revealed, stopped hiding and retorted, "Mrs. Morgan is my friend. I've been a housewife for over twenty years, and now I can't even have the right to make friends? Your grandmother runs this house, and your father listens to her. I have no freedom, and now even you want to lecture me? Is there any place for me in this home?!"Bryden hadn't expected his casual comment to provoke such a strong reaction from his mother.Seeing Mandy's eyes redden with tears, Bryden could only rub his nose and approach her, patiently explaining, "That's not wha
This remark completely ignited Mandy's fury.She stood up angrily, pointing at Bryden's nose and shouting, "How dare you say that to me?""Mom...""I've raised you for over twenty years, and now you call me petty? Fine, if you think someone else is more generous, go recognize them as your mother! From now on, I'm not your mom. Don't call me 'Mom' anymore!"Bryden hadn't anticipated his mother would get so furious. But now that she was in a rage, anything he said would only escalate her anger. After some thought, he decided to remain silent.Mandy began to cry in indignation, "Why do you think I'm against Emily? Everything I do is for you and Janet. Your grandmother and your father favor your brother, but you are the only son of the Norman family. Only you have the right to inherit our family estate. Vincent is an outsider! If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be targeting Emily so much. But look at what you're doing! I'm doing everything for you, and now you blame me? You're just like yo
"Human emotions are the most complex and difficult to fathom. Loving someone and hating someone requires no reason. A moment, a glance, even just a fantasy, can make someone remember for a lifetime. Bryden, you’re still young. I hope you understand that some things are predestined, unavoidable."Meggie's words sounded philosophical, leaving Bryden momentarily confused. Had she already seen through his feelings for Emily?But looking at her calm demeanor, it didn't seem like it."Grandma, I don’t quite understand.""It’s okay, you're still young. It's normal not to understand," Meggie sighed. "Bella mentioned that you took Emily back today?"Bryden nodded honestly. "Yes.""You must have noticed something, right? Did Emily have a fight with Vincent?""…I'm not entirely sure, but Emily didn’t seem quite herself. I think it has something to do with Vincent."Meggie's gaze shifted to the photo. "I thought so too. Vincent didn't accompany her today. They must have had some issues. What do y
One year later. The house was filled with the soft glow of Christmas lights, their gentle hues dancing across the living room. Emily and Vincent had transformed their home into a cozy haven, with garlands, twinkling lights, and an extravagant Christmas tree that sparkled from every angle. The scent of cinnamon and pine mingled in the air as holiday music played softly in the background, creating a festive, heartwarming atmosphere. This Christmas, their first as a married couple, felt like the beginning of something truly beautiful, a peaceful moment carved from the chaos they’d left behind. Guests began to arrive, the first among them being Allen and Olivia, who had just returned from their honeymoon. They entered, hand-in-hand, faces glowing with happiness. Olivia had transformed over the last year. Now a poised and capable woman, she’d embraced her role in helping Allen manage the family business, but her girlish side was still evident. “Emily!” Olivia squealed as she hugged her f
"Three years ago, I nearly died." Emily snatched her passport back from Sophia’s hand. "This British couple is my family. They’re good people. They saved me and took me to England."She held the passport firmly. "And yet, you still wouldn’t let me go. You went to every length to forge my death certificate.""Do you all want to know why they wouldn’t leave a ‘dead’ woman alone?" Emily let out a bitter laugh. "Because this was their only chance to inherit the wealth I left behind.""I didn’t die; I’m alive and back to reclaim what’s rightfully mine. This time, no one will hurt me. Sophia, you and your mother won’t steal my inheritance, and you won’t ruin my wedding. Now, the ceremony continues."Satan stood in the grand hall, watching the strong, fearless woman Emily had become, a wave of unspeakable joy rising within him. His woman had become powerful.Dressed in a white gown, Emily walked slowly toward Satan, accompanied by Bert. The small diamonds on her gown sparkled under the light
“I know,” Emily said firmly.When Vincent slid the ring onto her finger, she felt a flash of disbelief. She’d expected Sophia to pull something, but Vincent’s unwavering stance took her by surprise. It’s over—everything’s finally over.Emily’s eyes glistened with tears.The priest’s voice resonated, “The groom may now kiss the bride…”Emily lowered her head, tears shimmering on her lashes. Vincent leaned in, kissing away the tear before it fell.Applause thundered through the church, and the priest laughed. “Go on, kiss her; she’s yours now.”Vincent didn’t hesitate, pulling Emily into a kiss. “You’re my wife, Emily. Finally.”Emily smiled through her tears. “Yes, I’m finally your wife.”Vincent turned with Emily still in his embrace, facing the crowd. “Emily and I are together now, and nothing will ever come between us again.”The guests watched, Meggie wiping tears of joy from her eyes.But Sophia wasn’t about to let things end on such a perfect note. Her face twisted with such fury
Dylan was right.Three days later, Emily Carter and Vincent Norman were to be married. With Meggie as the wedding’s head organizer, invitations bore Emily's name, revealing to everyone that Miranda—the talented designer making waves at the Pritzker Architecture Prize—was indeed Emily.The announcement stunned all of New York and the entire architecture community. So Miranda is really Emily? People couldn’t believe the city’s most eligible bachelor, Vincent, had been swept off his feet so quickly.The Norman family, known for their longstanding legacy, hosted an extravagant guest list. Alex greeted everyone warmly, while Mandy barely cracked a smile. She was still fuming—she’d barely started her schemes with Grace to find Vincent a “suitable” bride, only to be blindsided by this wedding! She muttered, “Wasn’t he supposed to be so deeply in love with Emily? Now he’s marrying someone else so fast?”Meggie overheard and firmly replied, “The bride is Emily.”“Oh, come on, Mom. She’s not—”
Emily suddenly felt super self-conscious. “Fine, I’ll drink it. But after I’m done, go back to your office!”With that, she tilted her head back and gulped down the entire glass of lemon water in one go. She quickly shoved the empty glass back into Vincent's hands, saying, "There, all done!"Vincent's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Great. Come to my office at lunchtime," he said with a hint of mischief.Emily frantically tried to signal him with her eyes, mouthing, “People are watching!”Vincent seemed completely unfazed and continued, “It’s freezing outside, so don’t go out. I already asked Dylan to pick up lunch for us; he’ll bring it up, and we’ll eat together.”“...Okay.”He’s gotta be done now, right? Emily thought to herself, hoping he’d leave before the entire office saw this unfold live.“Oh, one more thing,” Vincent added nonchalantly, “Don’t rush off after work. We’ll swing by and pick up your uncle first, then head to my place for dinner with my dad and Meggie.”Emily blink
As soon as Allen left the hospital room, Jackson turned pale and, with a sudden heave, threw up everything he’d just eaten, leaving a mess on the floor.The young nurse, no older than twenty, panicked and rushed toward the door to call a doctor, but Jackson stopped her. “Stay,” he commanded.The nurse looked at him with wide eyes, almost on the verge of tears as she saw his ashen face. “Sir, if you’re unwell, you really should let the doctor check—”“I’m not unwell,” Jackson replied, his voice cold, with a glint of harshness in his eyes. The nurse flinched slightly at his intense gaze.“Are you scared of me?” he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.“N-no, not at all,” the nurse stammered, shaking her head. “It’s just…”“Don’t worry about it,” he said, a faint sneer forming. “Fear is natural. I’ve never been the nicest person, and I don’t pretend to be.”“Oh no, you’re a good person, sir! You… well, you pay me well,” she replied hesitantly.“Money alone doesn’t make someone good,” Jacks
The projects across the company were running smoothly. Ken managed the technical aspects, and Daniel handled administration and overall decision-making. Even during Satan's three-year absence, The Great Wall Group retained its position as New York’s leading business powerhouse.As Emily browsed the recent news on her phone in the car, it was clear the city was engulfed in Christmas cheer, bright and bustling.Satan glanced over. “Any plans for Christmas?”She paused. “Not really. I’ll probably just stay in and watch TV with Bert.”He nodded without pressing further. Emily wondered what had prompted him to ask; he’d usually spend Christmas with his family.A slight smile crept across her face, but her expression held a tinge of sadness. The people in her life seemed to be growing fewer by the year. Christmas used to be difficult but joyful, a shared warmth despite the hardships. This year, it felt especially lonely. Sophia had long severed ties with the family, and William was gone. It
Jackson cut her off. “Then let me take you to meet my family! You’re amazing—they just don’t know you yet. Once they do, they’ll definitely support us being together. That way, we won’t have to choose, and we can stay together, right?”“What if they still don’t agree?”“I’ll talk to them. I’m committed to you for life. They’ll have to come around, whether they agree or not!”Emily couldn’t help but laugh. “But I don’t agree.”Jackson felt a pang of panic. He tried to sit up to reach her hand, but his body was still confined by the plaster, immobilizing him completely, and he was forced to lie back down. “Emily, are you worried because my parents don’t like you? If I love you, their initial reservations don’t matter; they’ll come to accept it.”“That’s part of it,” Emily admitted, “but there’s a more important reason…”A sinking feeling came over Jackson. “…What is it?”……Weather forecasts are rarely reliable, but this time, it turned out to be spot on.By evening, the sky was filled
Emily didn’t say anything, but her mind was a mess.“You don’t need to say so many sentimental things,” she replied softly. “For Meggie’s sake, I’ll go through with the wedding. Don’t worry.”“But I don’t want a fake wedding,” Satan replied. “I want it to be real.”The elevator stopped on the ground floor.Emily stepped out first, and unlike the warmth of the room upstairs, cold snowflakes were now drifting down outside, and the air felt sharp against her skin, like knives slicing across her face.Standing at the Hilton’s entrance, she asked, “Did you drive here?”“I took a cab.”“Did you sneak out again?”Satan shrugged with a wry smile. “Dylan’s been keeping too close an eye on me.”With no other option, Emily walked to the curb and flagged down a taxi for him, signaling for him to hurry up.“To St. Mary’s Hospital, please,” she instructed, then turned back to him. “When you get there, have Dylan call me to let me know you arrived safely, okay?”He nodded. “And what about you? What