Anne raised her head tearfully. "I… I am having menstrual cramps... It’s killing me…" Seeing Anne clutching her stomach, Lucia said, "Is it that serious? Would you like to take sick leave to see a doctor?" Another colleague standing behind, Zelda, sneered, "What an interesting conversation I'm hearing here! To take sick leave for menstrual cramps? I'm also on my period, and yet you don't see me taking leave, do you?" "Hey, don't you think that's a little too harsh?" Lucia lowered her voice with a frown. "Am I wrong? You're now telling me every woman that has menstrual cramps should take sick leave?" "Can't you see how much pain she is in?" "Well, she's not going to die, is she?" Zelda snorted. Anne knew that Zelda was close to that fired director, and she must be upset when that director got dismissed. Hands on the wall, she stood up with difficulty and uttered, "I'm fine..." After that, she left the washroom. Having menstrual cramps was the best reason she could give
"Today is the first day!" Chris said happily. "Fourteen days to go. We still need to wait for a long time..." Chloe said. Nancy grabbed their chubby hands and said, "Let's wait together. Mama will definitely come back. She is working hard there, so let's work hard together here, okay?" "Sure!" Anne was restless all day, and she was worried about Chloe, even though Nancy said that she had gotten better now. As their mother, she still felt worried as long as she was not by their side.When the children were in good health, they still could force themselves to calm down. If they had fallen sick, would they have held themselves back from crying? She would get worried about the children even when they tripped. Her distress would only be more self-explanatory since Chloe was sick now. As soon as she got home, Anne immediately video-called Nancy. However, as soon as the call was made, she hung up immediately as if she was afraid of something. Could she video call her kids i
Anne was much calmer than she used to be. She walked toward Mr. Zabinski, who was slightly stunned. Mr. Zabinski thought that Anne was Anthony's woman. Why was Anthony telling her to accompany him instead? He was bewildered, but he did not say anything. After sitting down, Anne poured wine for Mr. Zabinski. "No, no, I'll do it myself." Mr. Zabinski took the wine and poured it for himself. He also poured Anne a glass. It was not the first time Anthony had pushed Anne into a group of men, but Mr. Zabinski was the first one who did not molest her. She could not help but take a closer look at Mr. Zabinski, only to find that he looked familiar.After thinking about it, she remembered that she had seen him on TV. Of course, Anthony’s friends would not be ordinary.Obviously, Mr. Zabinski was afraid of Anthony and behaved well toward her. Nonetheless, that was not Anthony's intention. Anthony had hoped Anne would get humiliated instead. Anne and Mr. Zabinski clinked glass
She woke up in a daze with a splitting headache. She found herself lying on the carpet not far from the door. It was as if she was thrown in here like a piece of trash. She knew who did it without thinking.Anne sat up, and the familiar surroundings reminded her that she was in the Royal Mansion. God really took pity on her and gave her such a good opportunity! Anne freshened up in the bathroom and went downstairs. Hayden came over to her, saying, "Miss Vallois, the food is ready." "Where's Anthony?" Anne asked. "Mr. Marwood has gone out." Anne nodded and went to eat. If Anthony had taken her passport, where would he hide it? Either in a room, or… in a study? It was just a matter of luck. After eating and walking out of the room, she avoided the servants and went to the study. The door was unlocked. She pushed in and hurriedly closed the door. The study was large, minimalist, cold, and stressful, as if Anthony himself was in the room. Anne held her breath
Now as an adult, how long would she be locked up this time? Three days? One week? Anne did not want to fight back anymore. She got herself into this desperate situation because of her naivety. There was no food, no water, and not even a bed in the basement. She could only fall asleep against the door or the wall. On the first day, the empty stomach was bearable, but on the second day, it seemed that she was starting to get dehydrated. On the third day, Anne's lips were chapped, and it was already difficult for her to move her body, so she simply stayed still. She did not knock on the door to ask for help because she knew Anthony would not let her go; it would be useless to scream or shout. During the time Anne was detained, Tommy was looking for her everywhere. His calls went unanswered, and then he called Sarah. After knowing Anne's address, he went to look for her. Only then did Tommy know that she not only did not go to work in the surgery clinic and that she d
Tommy looked at Hayden coldly. "You're just a butler, aren't you? We are Anthony's family members. Are you sure you have the authority to kick us out?" Hayden stopped for a while, unable to speak. Tommy turned around and went inside. Hayden made a call immediately. Just before the call was made, Ron stopped him. Ron's attitude was still neutral, and he asked, "Is Anne imprisoned here?" Hayden looked uncomfortable. "No one can disobey Mr. Marwood. I advise you to leave now!" Anne was leaning against the door groggily as if she heard someone calling her in a trance. Was it an illusion? Why did she seem to hear Tommy's voice? "Anne? Where are you?" There was a knock on the basement door. "Anne, are you inside?" Anne's body trembled, holding on to her consciousness, as if she saw a glimmer of hope. "I… I'm..." Tommy was overjoyed to hear her voice. "Anne, I'm here, don't be afraid! I'm here to save you!" Anne did not speak. Her eyes brimmed with tears. She did
Anne's body softened and leaned against the edge of the sofa. She was unlucky indeed. If not, why would she be kept an eye on by Anthony… "You can't take her away. You can stay here if you want to die." Anthony pulled the trigger of the gun in his hand, and with a bang, the vase in the distance shattered— "Ah!" Anne screamed in fright. Turning her face, Anne saw that though Ron and Tommy were also frightened, they were not injured. "Guards!" Anthony's cold voice rang. The bodyguards came in from outside and stared at Ron and Tommy. "Do you want us to kick the two of you out of here?" Ron would not dare to fight back because he was obviously an underdog. Besides, Anthony was still his son. How could he get physical with his son?Tommy was unwilling to leave Anne here. Anthony would torture Anne to death if he left her here. As soon as Tommy turned his face, he met Anne's eyes, motioning for him to go. Tommy did not want to leave! "He won't let me die. Don't worry.
Anne staggered back. "Can you hold a gun? Can you fire one? Want me to teach you?" Anthony pressed down on the trigger. "Ah!" Anne put her hands to her head in fright, and her legs gave way. When she came to her senses, she did not feel any pain because the bullet did not hit her. "Get out of my sight, or I will fire the second shot," Anthony said indifferently. Anne turned around and walked out of the hall. A car was waiting outside, and she got in the car. The car had been driven away for quite a distance, her body was still shaking. She was in great trauma and needed enough time to recover. Returning to her apartment, she closed the door and smashed a chair while roaring, "Anthony, you lunatic! You lunatic!" When she was twelve years old, Anthony was less scary. At least he did not have a gun! That was not the case now. What did he want to do? Murder someone? If he really killed someone, what could others do? Nothing! No one would ever dare to investigate h
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