"So, you're the boss of the Reed Group?! Give back our money!""Corrupt capitalist, how many people have you ruined?!"The scene outside the maternity ward was chaotic, with Nathan instantly surrounded by a group of pregnant women and men."Emily, let's go."Mr. Satan carried Emily with his arms and smoothly escorted her away from the commotion.As they got into the car, Emily still felt a lingering unease.Mr. Satan tenderly rubbed her forehead, fastened her seatbelt, and started the car. "Don't worry, your uncle is fine."Emily looked up at him.Mr. Satan gave her a gentle look. "I have some connections in New York City. Nathan can't touch the people I want to protect."Every time he said something like this, he seemed nonchalant. It was as if things that were difficult for ordinary people were trivial for him.If Nathan was considered an upper-class man, Emily couldn't imagine what Mr. Satan's true identity might be. When the truth was revealed, she wasn't sure if she could handle
Things were getting worse in the hospital at this moment.Nathan was surrounded by a group of people, and it was thanks to the security guards that Nathan was rescued.Full of anger, Nathan lit a cigarette, furrowing his brow as he took a drag and exhaled white smoke.Carol had been looking for him for a while and finally found Nathan in the smoking room. She was frantic, and finding Nathan felt like finding a savior. "Nathan, what should we do? The doctor said Sophia might not be able to keep the baby..."Impatiently, Nathan furrowed his brow. "If she can't keep it, then so be it. It's even better if there's no baby. Give her some money and let her leave."Carol sat down next to him, grumbling irritably, "I used to think Sophia was a cultured and refined woman, so I accepted her. I hoped she would give birth to an heir, but I didn't expect her to be so useless, sigh..."Nathan was still angry. How dare Emily's lover flaunt his presence in front of him? What infuriated him the most wa
Days passed like water, and since Emily found out she was pregnant, she became increasingly cautious.The person who is even more cautious than her was Mr. Satan.At ten in the morning, she was cooking in the kitchen when Olivia leaned against the kitchen door and complained, "Is Allen Parker really just a CEO of an entertainment company? Are you sure he doesn't own a cash printer?"Emily was frying eggs. "What's wrong?""He said he'd pay me ten thousand every day to take you to the hospital to deliver meals to your father. Ten thousand a day!" Olivia pouted. "He'd be better off buying a nanny car and hiring a driver, nanny, and bodyguard. Their salaries combined wouldn't even reach ten thousand a day."Emily just laughed when she heard it. "I mentioned to him last time that you were short of pocket money recently. I didn't expect him to come up with this method.""Oh my god," Olivia threw her phone directly. "Did you really tell him that?""Yeah," Emily nodded. "You said you liked a
Emily hadn't seen Jackson for almost a week.The last time at the city hall, if it weren't for him, Nathan would have forced her. No matter how bad Jackson's attitude was, Emily remembered his favor."Um..." Emily asked awkwardly, "What's bothering you?""My heart.""...Heart disease?"Jackson was furious. "No heart disease. My body is as strong as a bull, my heart is perfectly fine!"Emily took a step back, avoiding his anger."If it's not a heart problem, then what is it?""I just can't figure it out," Jackson stood with his hands on his hips, looking down at her, "You're pretty, but there are many pretty women out there, and you have a bad temper, not to mention you're dumb. I just don't understand why I feel uneasy when I haven't seen you for a few days?"Emily was stunned. "Huh?""What's with the 'huh'? Are you pretending to be stupid again?" Jackson glared at her angrily. "I asked my brother, and he said that he and you are not in a relationship. He may be a bit uptight, but he
"Emily, that gentleman is really a good person. You have to thank him," said Bert.Emily replied, "I will."After this incident, Bert was completely dejected. He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. "Although we're not wealthy, we've always strived to be kind. It's what our ancestors taught us. How could Sophia turn out like this? I remember she used to be a good person."Emily sighed, "Maybe she was influenced by her mother. Her mother didn't just leave her husband to elope with a wealthy man.""Our family members are too good-natured," Bert exclaimed angrily. "Her desire for money has surpassed morality. I bet she's gotten what she wanted by now."Emily nodded. "The masked gentleman helped me find out that Sophia's mother went abroad and married a wealthy man. She should be coming back soon.""Why is she coming back? What for?" Bert shouted. "Is she coming back to flaunt her wealth?""No," Emily explained. "Nathan and Sophia are together. She's Sophia's mother. Sophia is ge
"Who?" Emily asked."I just bumped into Jackson outside! Your boss! He knows my dad, and he actually knows me too! He said you're doing a great job at work and wanted to thank me for recommending you, so he wants to treat us to lunch."Emily quickly shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm just doing my job. Since he knows your dad, you guys can go for dinner. I don't want to join in."But Olivia insisted, "Why not? You're going to be Jackson's sister-in-law in the future. Wouldn't it be good to get to know each other beforehand?"Although Olivia had a point..."Alright, stop hesitating. Don't you want to have a good relationship with Mr. Satan?" Olivia said."Of course, I do," Emily replied."Then let's go!" Olivia exclaimed. "You've been brooding over Mr. Satan's ex-lover, haven't you? We can ask Jackson about it! Since you've decided to marry him in the future, you surely want to know about this, right?"Emily couldn't help but waver at this reason.Olivia started the car and headed to a r
Jackson didn't say a word; he simply tossed the menu in front of Emily.The menu was a hardcover book, and its impact on the table made a loud noise, startling Emily."Did I startle you?" Jackson furrowed his brow, reaching out as if to pat her for comfort, but Emily quickly dodged.Jackson's hand awkwardly hung in the air for a moment before he withdrew it.The awkwardness wasn't just on Jackson's side; Emily felt it too.Mr. Taylor must know about her and Nathan, and she went to work for Jackson. If there was anything ambiguous between her and Jackson, how would Mr. Taylor see her?Emily frowned. Mr. Taylor had always been kind to her, and she didn't want to leave a bad impression on him.By now, Mr. Taylor had understood everything. He maintained his kind smile and defused the awkwardness, "Shall I order instead? I'm the oldest here, so I'll go first, alright?"Jackson took the menu and handed it to Mr. Taylor. "Of course."Jackson smiled politely, but he wasn't here today just for
"Jackson, who chases girls like this?"The door to the private room opened once again, and Allen Parker walked in under the guidance of the waiter.A hint of unknown meaning lingered at the corner of his mouth as he glanced at Emily, finally settling on Olivia.But Jackson was instantly ignited with anger. "Bro, what are you doing here?""Can't I come?" Allen Parker withdrew his gaze and asked Emily, "Emily, can I sit here?"He was referring to the space between Emily and Olivia."Of course!" Emily felt like a drowning person finally grabbing hold of driftwood, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.Olivia moved her chair to the side, making room for Allen Parker.Allen Parker's gaze seemed to casually land on her, then quickly shifted away. "Thank you, Miss Taylor.""This is perfect, haha!""Miss Taylor, do you know me?"Olivia laughed, "How could I not know you? You're the godfather of the entertainment industry. Your company has so many famous actors and models, and of course, my husb
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