Back when Ashlynn had not returned to the family, Meredith had brought joy to the Hiltons, so both Beth and Marshall knew better than to neglect Meredith simply because of Ashlynn; however, they were only human and could not help but favor their own daughter.Ashlynn left after dinner, and Jeremy offered her a ride.Beth and Marshall stood outside the door to see them off reluctantly, and Meredith saw every detail in their expressions.Meredith stayed the night with the Hiltons, and Aunt Cher brought her a glass of warm milk. "This will help you sleep."Meredith was not at all in the mood and asked, "Don't you think it's weird for Uncle Marshall and Aunt Beth to treat Ashlynn with such care? You mentioned that Ashlynn comes here often, but why?""Probably to win Mr. and Mrs. Hilton over.""What a joke! Who does she think she is?" In Meredith's perspective, Ashlynn was merely an outsider. "Uncle and Aunty must be out of their minds.""I think they see Ashlynn as their daughter. Y
It would feel like she was committing suicide.After being used by Corentin at the Hilton's the time before, she had avoided Corentin at every turn.As a lady of the Hilton Family, she had plenty of choices when it came to men, and no matter how much she liked Corentin, her own life was more important.However, this had affected her importance to Beth, and she could not help but wonder if this was truly the reason why Beth had stopped caring about her.Jeremy dropped Ashlynn at a distance away from Corentin's mansion as per her request, as she did not want Corentin to see them.Corentin had suspected that something was going on between the two before for no reason at all, despite Ashlynn explaining how she saw Jeremy as a younger brother.Just as she was about to get out of the car, Jeremy grabbed her hand, and when she turned her head, he planted a kiss on her forehead.She gaped at him. "Wh… Are you crazy? Why would you kiss me?""It's a goodnight kiss!"She scowled without
"Ah! Ugh! Ah..." She choked on the water and tried to turn her face away. "Wash your damn face!" Corentin grabbed her collar and forced her to hold still."Umph! Ugh!" Ashlynn could not fight Corentin or move at all.The water was splashed onto her face, scrolling down her neck and onto her clothes.The thin fabric of her white shirt outlined the curves of her body, and the look in Corentin's eyes darkened as his eyes trailed down her neck.Sensing that his grip on her collar was loosening, she shoved him away and fell backward, coughing and panting.She felt as though the water had filled her stomach. It was almost as terrifying as ancient torturing methods.Corentin stood before her and narrowed his eyes. "You should be clean now. If this happens again, I'm going flay you alive."Ashlynn was not cold but was shivering like a leaf in a storm.Corentin was a psychopath!He crouched down in front of her. "Or should I show your videos to Jeremy instead?""Corentin Lloyd!" she
'What happened to Anne and the kids? Why would Anthony let the news about the triplets spread all over the news? They are probably fine... because all news about the triplets disappeared without a trace shortly after, like they never existed in the first place. They... should be fine, right?' she thought.Corentin went into the bedroom and noticed that she was staring at her phone dazedly. "Who are you trying to call? The Hiltons?"Ashlynn felt like Corentin had become prejudiced about the Hiltons and seemed to blame everything on them. "No. I've been calling Anne, but she won't pick up. You are her uncle, so why can't you go and check on her in Luton?"Corentin removed his clothes as he walked toward the bathroom. "That's between those two. We should stay out of it."She watched as he went into the bathroom. Feeling like there was more to the story, she hurried after him."So aggressive. Do you want to shower again?" Corentin's shirt was unbuttoned, revealing the alluring figure
After that, she turned and headed into one of the cafes by the streets.Before Ashlynn could realize what was happening, she was slapped across the face.Enraged by the burning sensation on her cheek, she muttered, "Why you...""You are nothing compared to Ms. Meredith! I'm warning you! Stay away from Ms. Meredith and the Hiltons. If you go to the mansion again, I'm going to poison you!" Aunt Cher said viciously. When Ashlynn did not respond, Aunt Cher shoved at her and said, "Did you hear what I said?"Ashlynn clenched her fists, wondering if she should punch this woman in the face; she then thought of the kindness the Hiltons had shown her and gave up, knowing that Aunt Cher was practically a part of the Hilton Family as well."What, are you going to hit me? Come on, let's see what you are made of!""I wouldn't dare to. After all, one would have to consider the status of the owner before beating their hounds."Realizing that Ashlynn was referring to her as a hound, Aunt Cher w
She really did not want any more jewelry.Before they could walk away, two of the staff stopped them."I'm sorry. Um…one of our diamond rings went missing. Have you seen it?" The female staff asked.Despite it being a question, Ashlynn could tell that they were suspected of stealing the ring."What are you trying to say? I put it down! Are you saying that I stole it? Search me, then!" Alexis straightened her back proudly.Though the staff were not allowed to search the customers, they refused to give way. "I'm sorry. This might be a mistake, so why don't we head back into the store and we can all check the surveillance footage.""Why should I do that? I'm telling you! You are going to pay if you keep standing in my way!" Alexis propped her hands on her hip fiercely. "Why don't you just search me? Come on..." She said while jumping around.Ashlynn felt like they were being falsely accused as they could not have stolen anything. Just as she felt angry from being treated like thiev
"You are forcing me to accept this," Ashlynn said angrily."So what if I am? Can you refuse me?" He said, before pulling her over to plant a forceful kiss on her lips.Ashlynn knew that she could not refuse him, or the videos and photos of her would be publicized. If it was all up to her, she could have been able to bury her dog's remains with dignity, instead of wearing its bones as a watch.Corentin was a disgusting man, and she could only numb herself in the nightmare of being stuck by his side.She buried her face in the crook of his neck and pleaded, "Can you just delete the videos and photos? I won't disobey you. I just feel so insecure that those things exist. I keep getting the feeling like someone is going to find them…""No," Corentin said, before pausing for a brief moment. "Haven't you given up on that?""You are not a woman, so you don't understand a woman's pride," she said, knowing that Corentin had never respected anyone. Everyone, no matter their gender or age, w
It was obvious that Corentin was the issue.Corentin sat down on the couch, ignoring Beth and Marshall, while Ashlynn sat down next to him with her back straightened.Meredith glared daggers at Ashlynn."What's so important that I need to come over right away?"Beth was amazed by just how arrogant Corentin was. He had shown no manners and was the complete opposite of the gentleman-like demeanor he showed on the outside.One should never judge a book by its cover and after being in close proximity with Corentin, Beth had finally seen his true self and decided that a man like him did not deserve to be with her daughter; even though her daughter grew up in the slum, she was a high-born by blood.Cory glanced at Ashlynn sternly. "Did you injure someone from the Hilton Family?"Before Ashlynn could respond, Corentin sneered darkly. "I heard about what happened. That's just a servant, so why are you all making a fuss over this? Ashlynn is my woman and even if she hurts someone in a po
At first, Corentin was stunned. Then, he said, "Who have I killed? Ash, you've misunderstood. I've changed now. It's true. Hurry up and come down. The ravioli is getting cold.""Don't come over! I'll jump if you get any closer!" Ashlynn shouted hysterically."Alright, alright. I won't go over!" Corentin did not dare to take another step further. "Ash, I'm telling the truth. I didn't kill anybody. Come down, and I'll explain to you. It's all a misunderstanding.""Actually, I've felt it was strange since the beginning. It's just that Anne's reassurance dispelled my suspicion about you." Tears filled Ashlynn's eyes, but they did not stream down her face. She looked at Corentin and said, "But I know everything now. I don't have evidence, but you are Salvatore Yeager. At first, I thought you would change for the sake of the child. In the end… In the end, you didn't even spare the child's grandparents. Salvatore, are you even human? Why would a monster like you exist?""Ash, come down, a
After Ashlynn was discharged from the hospital, she called Anne when she was alone in the room."Anne, are you alright? I heard you were taken by Tommy and were later saved by Anthony.""Mmhmm. I'm fine. I've gotten home safely.""That's wonderful," said Ashlynn.Anne could tell that Ashlynn was not feeling alright, so she asked, "What's the matter? Are you not in a good mood?""I've found out about my parent's passing," said Ashlynn.Anne was stunned. She found out? "I'm sorry, Ashlynn. I've kept it hidden from you.""It's fine. I know you're being considerate to me and the child." Ashlynn took a pause before asking again, "Was Tommy killed by you guys?""No. He fled the cruise ship back then. When we found him, he was already killed by somebody. His body was pulled up from the sea.""Corentin was there as well, wasn't he?""That's right. Did he tell you that?"Ashlynn's eyes looked emotionless. "Have you guys ever suspected Corentin?"Anne immediately got so nervous tha
Corentin hugged Ashlynn. "I heard that Tommy's dead, so your parents' murders have been avenged. Now, they can only rest in peace. Calm down."Ashlynn collapsed in his arms as she cried. Then, she started to feel waves of throbbing pain in her belly, and her face turned pale.Corentin noticed something was not right with her, so he hurriedly roared at the driver, "Go to the hospital now!""Hurry up!" Jeremy urged. He held Ashlynn's hand and realized that it was freezing. "Ashlynn, you have to be alright. You still have me! Hang in there, Ashlynn!"Ashlynn looked at him with tears in her eyes. She was extremely saddened. She could not understand why things would end up like that. Did she not deserve to have parents?When Ashlynn woke up, she was already at the hospital.She subconsciously touched her belly, but Corentin grabbed her hand. "You're showing signs of miscarriage, so you need to recuperate."Ashlynn scanned around the room and asked, "Where's Jeremy?""He's outside. H
"I know…" Jeremy looked up and saw Ashlynn standing at the entrance. He was so shocked, and he immediately stood up. "Why…are you here?"Ashlynn stood there dazed. She looked at Jeremy, then the person who spoke earlier. "What do you guys mean when you talk about my parents' soul resting in peace?""Nothing. We were talking about someone else."Ashlynn could tell from their faces that they were clearly panicking. She was not deaf. She heard what they said clearly.Her face turned pale, and she immediately searched for her phone. She did not have it on her, so she rushed to the car."Ashlynn!" Jeremy ran after her and stopped her. "What are you doing?""I'm going to call Mom and Dad.""They are traveling. Don't disturb them."Ashlynn looked at him. "Jeremy, tell me honestly, why aren't Mom and Dad coming home? Don't lie! I have always felt it was strange. Why haven't they come home when I'm already so far along? Something is wrong, isn't it? Did something…really happen to them?"
Corentin came forward and asked, "Anne, are you alright?"Anne nodded."You don't look too well. What happened?""Tommy's dead," said Anthony."Have you found the cure?" asked Corentin.Anne shook her head."Unfortunately, the infected people would have to endure it a little longer."Anne suddenly thought of something, and she immediately pushed Anthony away. "Don't touch me."Only then, Corentin noticed a small patch of ulcer below Anne's cheek. "Anne, did Tommy drug you?"Anthony frowned. "I don't mind.""I do. Both of us would not be able to have contact with the children, and they will worry." Anne rejected his touch.Anthony had been touching her the whole time. It was unclear if he had been infected. Anne was very worried."It wouldn't make a difference now. If anything, I would have already been infected just now," said Anthony.Anne still refused to listen. "That's not necessary. Just don't touch me. We still don't know where the cure is, and Tommy died so suddenly
Just as Tommy finished his sentence, he heard a commotion behind him.Ivan was fighting with the assassin, and every strike he delivered was fatal. If Ivan were not skilled in combat, the professional assassin could have killed him in just a few moves.Tommy realized something was up, so he immediately wanted to grab Anne.While Anne retreated, she was pulled into a person's arms."Let me go!" She thought it was a man she did not know, so she hated to be touched like that."Anne."Anne was stunned. She looked up and felt happy to see a familiar face. "Anthony?""It's me."Tommy was infuriated as he watched the two of them looking lovingly at each other, Tommy became infuriated."As expected, Anne, you did leave a trace for Anthony." Tommy's expression darkened."You're the one who took me too lightly," said Anne.It was because she had always wanted to run away from Anthony in the past that he had the wrong impression, was it not? "So what? You want to kill me? With just t
Anne was drugged at that moment, and there were surveillance cameras all over the cruise ship. She saw a surveillance camera over her head when she was returning to the room. Therefore, it was impossible for her to sneak around in the middle of the night if she wanted to.Tommy had long been guarding against her.However, Anne still left Anthony some clues before she left him. She believed Anthony would find her very soon, but she never expected that he would do it so quickly.At daybreak, she seemed to have heard the rumbling of a helicopter above her. Then, the door swung open. Before Anne could make sense of the situation, she was picked up. "How did you get the message out?" Tommy said. He even searched Anne's body after that."Ah! Are you crazy? I don't have a phone!""Don't think Anthony can take you away just because he's here. If I'm going to hell, I'm dragging you along with me! Let's go!""You…" Anne had no strength, so she was dragged out of the room by him.He thre
Anne ignored him.If she were not afraid that Tommy would pull some tricks behind her back, she would have slept with her back facing him."Do you remember running to my home and sleeping on my bed when Anthony bullied you as a child?"I don't.""I know you do. I truly wanted to help you back then," said Tommy.Anne knew he was speaking the truth, so she did not refute him. She stared at the ceiling and said, "I think the past Tommy died a long time ago."Tommy's expression was mixed, and he asked, "Are we not able to go back anymore?""Instead of asking me this now, you should've gone to hell after you killed the people I cared about. No matter how unhappy your childhood was, you can't hurt others for your own pleasure." At that moment, Anne did not pity Tommy at all."Look at you on your high horse. Has Anthony not killed anybody before? Has Corentin not killed anybody before? Why did you forgive them for killing people but not me? Just because the victims were your friends?
Seeing that she did not move at all, Tommy said, "It won't be good for you if you don't eat."Anne thought that he made sense. If she did not eat, she would go hungry and would have no strength later. How could she fight with Tommy then? It was because she refused to eat and only drank water while hiding in her room that Tommy drugged her.After a while, she seemed to have figured it out.She picked up the fork and started eating the fish.Tommy saw her eating and asked, "How was it?""Could it be that you're the one who made it?" Anne looked up and shot a glance at him lazily."That's correct. I am the one who made it."Anne thought, 'Is this something worthy to be praised?'"It must be tough for you to do such a thing on top of everything else.""If you're worried that it's tough for me, why don't you make it with me?""I don't know how to cook.""How great. You just have to enjoy being served." Tommy clicked his tongue, but he was looking at Anne with a doting gaze.Anne