Emily shook her head, leaning against the tree trunk as she straightened herself slowly, avoiding his touch. "I'm fine. I just need to rest for a bit. ...Where's Nathan?""Don't worry. He's gone."Emily visibly breathed a sigh of relief. "Good."Jackson blinked, observing her expression closely. "Are you afraid of him?"Emily frowned, a look of disgust crossing her face. "I'm not afraid of him. I'm afraid of being involved with him again. If I could, I never want to see him again in my life."Jackson shrugged. "Although I don't know what happened between you two, it's clear that your marriage wasn't pleasant.""It was terrible," Emily forced a smile, "Boss, thank you. You've helped me twice. It's because of you that I can get away from Nathan's harassment."Jackson crossed his arms, a smug look on his face. "Yeah, shouldn't you thank me?""Didn't I just thank you?" Emily added, "Thank you again, Boss."Jackson clearly wasn't satisfied. "Is that all the thanks I get? Just words? I open
"But I don't even know whose child I'm carrying now," Emily said. "So... let me touch you, can I? No lights, I just want to feel your face."Mr. Satan remained silent for a long time.Inside suite 2307 of the Hilton Hotel, it was exceptionally quiet.The phone rang.Emily's phone was ringing.It was Jackson calling.Emily hesitated, unsure whether to answer Jackson's call at this moment. He would likely be asking about her situation or inquiring about Mr. Satan's whereabouts. But she knew so little about Mr. Satan herself, how could she explain it to Jackson?"Who is it?" Mr. Satan asked.Emily answered honestly, "It's Jackson.""Don't answer his call.""But he's my boss. It might not be polite...""Don't answer, Emily," Mr. Satan took the phone from her hand, ended the call directly, then switched it off and tossed it aside. "Emily, don't answer calls from other men in front of me. I'll get jealous."Emily took a deep breath. "Mr. Satan, you know everything about me very well, but I
The car exhibition ended successfully.Jackson called Emily many times. Except for the first call that was hung up, the rest went straight to voicemail as her phone was switched off.He persisted in calling.Wilson watched him, feeling anxious. But he knew better than anyone that Jackson was like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. He touched his nose, silently standing by, too afraid to speak.The crowds at the car exhibition had dispersed, and the sales manager came in cheerfully to report. As soon as he entered, Wilson intercepted him, quickly covering his mouth and gesturing for silence.The sales manager nodded, indicating he understood, and Wilson released him."All the cars exhibited today were sold out. There were also many new orders..." The sales manager enthusiastically tapped the folder in his hands.Wilson signed.Jackson's current demeanor wouldn't allow him to be happy even if all his cars were sold out."What's wrong?" The sales manager also noticed Jackson's
At this moment, Herry let out a loud sneeze.Logan Morgan, driving the car, furrowed his brows tightly. "Herry, are you catching a cold?"Herry, listless, nestled in Grace's arms, showing no signs of his usual mischievous self.Grace gently wrapped him in her own clothes, softly saying, "He probably played too wildly at the car exhibition and caught a chill from the cold breeze.""Quickly close the windows!" Logan commanded.Grace reached out and pressed a button, making the car window slowly rise, blocking out the cold wind."Darling, have you signed the contract with the Reed Group?" Grace inquired.Logan Morgan nodded. "The offer from the Reed Group was very good, and your daughter is married to Nathan now. I'm Nathan's father-in-law, and I should go help him at his company."Grace smiled gratefully, looking at him with admiration. "Darling, thank you for considering Sophia so much.""We are family, and your daughter is my daughter," Logan Morgan said. "But I heard Nathan had a wif
He sneered, squinting at her.Sophia covered her mouth and nose, feeling a bit awkward. "What are you looking at? Did I say something wrong?""That dress doesn't suit you," Nathan said indifferently. "Emily's beauty isn't something you can imitate. You don't look good in a white dress."Sophia felt exposed in her little scheme and grew irritated. "Nathan, my parents are coming today, and I don't want to argue with you anymore. I like this dress, and I'm going to wear it to meet my family."Nathan shrugged indifferently. "Do as you please."Then Nathan walked past her directly into the living room, sitting on the sofa and watching the morning news.Suppressing her inner dissatisfaction, Sophia walked over to him and said, "Nathan, my parents are coming for the first time today. Let's go greet them at the door together."Without lifting his head, Nathan replied, "I'm not going. I want to watch the news.""You're my husband and the father of my child. You won't even greet my parents?" So
"This is your dad."Sophia smiled and called out loudly, "Dad!"Logan Morgan lovingly patted her head and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm here. If you ever feel wronged in the future, just let me know, I'll back you up!"His words were clearly a warning to Carol and Nathan."Alright, let's all sit down and rest for a bit," Carol invited Logan Morgan and Grace into the living room, signaling to Nathan with her eyes.Nathan had no choice but to reluctantly greet them, "Hello."Logan Morgan glanced at him, "You're Nathan?""Yes," Nathan nodded.Grace nudged Logan Morgan, gesturing for him to lighten up. "So, you're Nathan. Sophia often talks about you. She really admires you."Nathan chuckled but said nothing.Sophia admires him? Nathan sneered inwardly. She probably admires the Reed family's wealth.Although Logan Morgan was a famous designer, they were still considered new money, quite distinct from the old money status of the Reed family.Reed hired Logan Morgan to join the company. Nathan
Sophia placed her hand on her chest, visibly relieved. "Mom, you're not going to leave again, are you? Without you, I feel like I can't handle it.""I'm not going anywhere. I'll help you secure Mrs. Reed's position," Grace said, her eyes shifting before asking, "About what you mentioned last time, Nathan wanting to reconcile with Emily, what's the story there?"As soon as the topic was broached, Sophia was filled with frustration."What else could it be? It's just because Emily is attractive! I don't know if she had plastic surgery after her divorce, but she's completely transformed. Ever since Nathan saw Emily, he's been distant with me."Grace's expression softened slightly. "If it's just because she's good-looking, you don't have to worry too much. Men are fickle, it's not surprising.""But, Mom, you don't understand, he's been acting like he's enchanted lately. I don't know what spell Emily has put on him, he keeps thinking about her."Grace thought for a moment, sighing.She spok
Mr. Satan always wore a mask during the day. The private room was quiet and private. If they were sitting in the lobby, everyone would surely point and gossip at him.Emily's tone was polite. "I'm sorry, but we're not quite comfortable. Could you go and ask the guests in other rooms?"The waiter looked troubled too. "I've asked them all. None of them are willing. Ma'am, could you please help? I'm really in a difficult position..."Emily was a kind person, considering the waiter's predicament.So she said, "Then, Mr. Satan, shall we take the salad back to our room?"The waiter was relieved. "Thank you so much...""No," Mr. Satan's tone was cold. "We'll eat here."Emily nudged him. "Whether we eat here or go back, it's the same...""Emily, this is the second thing I want to teach you: never let others think you're easy to bully. You might think you're helping others, but in their eyes, you're just someone who can be bullied. If we leave today, then in the future, if we encounter such a
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