Chelsey thought her name would be cleared after the school released the surveillance footage. However, many people accused her of having an inappropriate relationship with the dean, which led to Quincy, the "victim", being punished instead of her. Chelsey remembered that her classmates were all innocent when she was in university. How had university life transformed into something entirely unexpected in just a few years?She wondered if it was her or the school that had changed. She considered if it meant that the better the school, the less innocence it held. She now realized the harsh reality of how destructive rumors could be. There were already several versions of gossip circulating among her classmates. Some claimed she was Nigel's relative, while some went as far as saying she slept with him. Everyone sympathized with Quincy and cursed Chelsey behind her back. Even Kylie, who was on good terms with Chelsey when the semester began, started avoiding her. Kylie would
"I'm fine, really…" Lia insisted, but tears continued to stream down her face.Dianne felt uneasy. "Lia, tell me, why are you crying? I don't believe you're crying for no reason.""Grandma, it's better if you don't ask. I don't want to ruin your relationship with Chels."As Lia spoke, she wiped her tears, looking utterly aggrieved."Did Chels bully you?" Dianne inquired, her tone laced with worry."No, Chels didn't bully me. But she's unhappy at school, and it's not entirely her fault. She didn't do anything wrong."Lia continued to beat around the bush. Dianne became even more distressed as she refused to tell the truth.With no other option, Dianne could only approach someone she knew at the National University of Arts.Having received money from Lia, Dianne's contact followed her instructions and exaggerated Chelsey's situation.Suddenly, Chelsey was painted as a domineering and arrogant heiress at school. The acquaintance told Dianne that Chelsey threw coffee at her cl
Before Chelsey completely lost consciousness, she heard the woman whisper in her ear, "If you want your child to live, make Lucas pay with his life. Once he dies, your kid will be returned to you."Chelsey struggled to speak. She was weak and unable to utter a word. A second later, she plummeted into the bottomless abyss. Chelsey had no idea how long she had been unconscious. When she woke up, she found herself in the hospital ward.At the sight of Chelsey opening her eyes, Timothy gently stroked her forehead with joy and said, "Chels, you're finally awake."Memories from before she blacked out came rushing back. Chelsey abruptly grabbed Timothy's hand, saying, "Tim, my baby… Please save my child…"She spoke each word with difficulty. Tears streamed down her cheeks uncontrollably. "Save Collie… Oh, Collie…"Timothy grabbed some tissues and gently wiped Chelsey's tears. "Chels, I've already sent people to look for Collie. We'll definitely bring him back."Suddenly, Chels
Feeling sorry for her, Timothy embraced Chelsey, gently patting her back and reassuring her, "Lucas will definitely bring Collie back. Both of them will be fine."He knew what Chelsey wanted to hear. So, he said that to comfort her.With Timothy offering solace, Chelsey gradually calmed down. She refrained from being either too optimistic or too pessimistic. The best outcome would be for both Lucas and Cole to return safely. As for the worst-case scenario, Chelsey couldn't even bring herself to imagine it. Timothy, too, was worried neither of them could return. It would undoubtedly be a devastating blow to Chelsey if that were to happen. Despite her remarkable talent, her life was tragic. Timothy remained by Chelsey's side, fearing she might be unable to manage when the bad news arrived. Chelsey held onto the phone tightly. She lay on the bed like a zombie, her eyes dull and devoid of light. Timothy suggested, "Do you want to call Lucas now and tell him that Collie is his
Chelsey was stunned after hearing that familiar name. "Uncle Zach? Does he know Draco?" No matter how Chelsey racked her brain, she could never imagine Draco and Zach to be acquaintances. Draco was a notorious drug lord and a murderer, while Zach was the owner of a pharmaceutical company, saving people's lives. Timothy nodded, saying, "Zach has always had business dealings with Draco. But don't misunderstand. Zach isn't involved in any of those shady deals. "All he does is sell medicinal drugs and equipment to Draco. Although the money he makes isn't entirely clean, either."Chelsey could not help but shudder. She was a shareholder of Cosmic Pharmaceuticals. She wondered if that meant she was also involved in those suspicious transactions.Chelsey pondered momentarily. Then, she responded with a frown,"Just because Uncle Zach sells medicinal drugs to Draco doesn't mean they're close. Draco might simply be using his connections."Timothy chuckled and explained, "It's im
Zach's voice resonated with a sense of helplessness. "Uncle Zach…" Chelsey called out, staring at him despairingly. "Must Lucas die?"Her body trembled with fear as she spoke."Yes, Lucas must die," Zach responded. His words were like sharp knives stabbing into Chelsey's heart.The pain made her gasp for breath while tears continued streaming down her face.Zach handed Chelsey a tissue and said, "Chels, don't cry. There are plenty of men in the world, not just Lucas. If he dies, so be it. I'll introduce you to even better young, handsome men."Chelsey covered her face and shook her head vigorously. "I don't want other men…. I only want Lucas!"Zach sighed before commenting, "You're still too young.""Haven't you ever been young, Uncle Zach? Haven't you ever loved someone so much that you're willing to die for them?" Chelsey looked up at Zach, her words delving into the depths of his being. Her words reminded him of someone who had passed away many years ago.At that
Chelsey shook her head in disappointment. She wanted to cry. So, she looked up at the sky and tried to hold back her tears."Uncle Zach said he could only promise that Collie will safely return after Lucas dies. As for everything else, there's no guarantee, and he can't offer any help."Chelsey was confident when she arrived at Zach's house. She was confident he would help if she asked because he cared so much for her.Unfortunately, the harshness of reality struck her.Chelsey understood what Zach meant. It was not that he did not want to help Lucas, but he could not. If he did, he would endanger his own life.Chelsey's tears fell uncontrollably when she got into Timothy's car. She wanted to help Lucas but did not know how. The feeling of helplessness was akin to watching Lucas march to his death. Timothy handed Chelsey some tissues. She wiped her tears and began comforting herself, "Lucas is capable. He crushed his enemies before. I'm sure he'll come back safely this t
"Coming," Chelsey said in response to the knock on her door. She supported herself on the edge of the bed, sat in the wheelchair, and wheeled herself to the door.When she opened the door, Timothy entered and asked, "Chels, what do you want to tell me?"Worried that her room was bugged, Chelsey handed the paper with the word she had written to Timothy.Timothy looked at her in confusion when he read "Harborview". For a moment, he did not understand what it meant.Chelsey took the paper from him and wrote Zach's name on it.Right then, realization dawned on Timothy. Since it was a hint from Zach, there must be something suspicious about "Harborview". The kidnappers might have hidden Cole there.Timothy immediately found places with the name "Harborview".Their search produced Harborview Square, Harborview Mall, and Harborview Tower, all in a town not far from Westine.Timothy surmised that Cole was hidden somewhere in one of those three places.Given that Harborview Tower w