Jessamine got out of the cab and pulled her suitcase. She didn't notice that the Bentley behind her changed lanes after she left the car.The hospital, which was bustling with people during the day, was now quiet. Today was a full moon, and it was high in the sky, accompanied by a few stars. It remained on its spot in the sky, immune to the passage of time.Jessamine once believed that people couldn't remain frustrated or disappointed forever. After losing her mother and grandmother and being abandoned by her father, she married the man she liked at her most lonely and helpless moment. She once thought that her future would be complete upon having a family. However, reality snapped her out of her delusions.Jessamine returned to her senses and went to Thomas' ward.Thomas had slept more during the day, so he wasn't sleepy at all and was more energetic now. He saw Jessamine with her suitcase, looking like she was about to stay in the hospital with him. He scolded, "Why didn't yo
Before Willow died, she had forced Jessamine to buy the cheapest piece of land in the cemetery so that she could pass on without regrets. Jessamine had been the only person she was concerned for when she passed on. So, she asked her to buy the cheapest piece of land to help her save some money.Her grave was in the corner of the cemetery, so Jessamine went there first and placed the two bouquets. There was dust on the gravestone, so she took out a tissue and wiped it clean.When she saw Willow's photo on the gravestone, she felt a tinge of sadness. She asked, "How are you, Grandma? I'll be leaving Zenville in about 20 days, so I may not be able to visit you so often. "You won't be upset, right? I've made this decision without telling anyone, and I hope you'll support my choice. I don't have the courage to keep living here in this city."Just then, there was a drizzle. Jessamine sat on the ground and cried for a long time, her pants getting wet from the rain. Soon, she composed her
Colin no longer looked like the loving father he had been the day before. Instead, he had a ferocious expression on his face. Margaret also looked as if she wanted to eat her alive."Jessamine, didn't you promise to handle the divorce with Thaddeus today? Where are you running off to?" Colin questioned her as he walked up to her. He found out that Thaddeus was at work in the morning and didn't plan to leave. Therefore, he realized that Jessamine had just made a shallow promise to him and didn't plan to divorce Thaddeus.Margaret scolded, "I think you just want to keep my future son-in-law to yourself, you bitch! You should be more sensible and have some dignity. There's no point in keeping a tight leash on him. "Mr. Holt and Amy are a perfect match. You were the one who broke them apart, you bitch! Otherwise, I would've gotten a grandchild sooner rather than now."Jessamine wiped her wet hair and said, "You're the one who should have dignity. After all, being a homewrecker runs
Margaret would never let her daughter go through that kind of anguish. No one should have to go through such a terrible ordeal.Since Colin couldn't do anything to Jessamine, it was up to her to help Amy eliminate her obstacles. "I have something to do, so I'll be heading home. You should keep Amy company." Margaret composed herself and seemed to have made a big decision.Colin cocked his head. "We're already here. Aren't you going to see her?"Margaret explained, "I think I've forgotten to turn off the stove while making some broth, and the maid has taken a break. If I don't get home, the house will be on fire.""Hurry up and get home then!" Colin urged.Margaret hurriedly left the hospital. As Colin watched her leave in panic, he cursed, "What a useless bitch! You can't even remember to turn off the stove."…Jessamine returned to Thomas' ward, drenched in rain. Thomas felt distress upon seeing her. "Why didn't you bring an umbrella with you, you fool? Go and get changed. Don'
Thaddeus opened a gap in the door and leaned in. Then, he quickly closed the door again.Jessamine looked at the intruder warily. "W-What are you doing?"She didn't cover herself, but instead, she instinctively covered her belly.Thaddeus swallowed at the sight of the naked Jessamine. "Did you fall?"Jessamine looked at him warily as she slowly moved away from the wall and stood up straight. Her bath towel was just a step away, hanging on a clothes rack. She wanted to grab the towel and cover herself.Although both of them were familiar with each other's bodies, she felt embarrassed being the only one exposed. She stepped forward, but she was caught off guard and slipped again. This time, she fell into Thaddeus' arms. Fortunately, he was nimble enough and held her steady.Jessamine cleared her throat awkwardly and was about to struggle to get out of his arms.Thaddeus held her waist with his hand and remained silent. He simply stared at her.Jessamine didn't know if it was beca
Thaddeus silently wondered if he would regret his decision. If he continued to persist in this marriage, Amy would kill herself along with her baby. If that happened, he would feel even more regret than he currently did. Soon, he felt his hesitation disappearing. Divorcing Jessamine might be the only way to get out of this impasse, even if he had to hurt her to do so. Therefore, he complied with any of her requests. Since she wanted his shares, he would give them to her.After Thomas lectured Thaddeus, he looked at Jessamine, his expression turning gentle. "Jessie, I've found a few young men who would be perfect for you. You can get to know them when you have the time. Don't worry. No one will look down on you with me around."After saying that, he waved to Joe, who was standing beside him. "Give me my phone."Jessamine didn't expect Thomas to be serious and find some men of suitable ages. He even asked his assistant to make a list of their families, occupations, hobbies, height,
Jessamine panicked for a moment. "I'll go there myself. Since you're busy, you don't have to worry about me," she said"I'm not," Thaddeus insisted.Thomas couldn't help but snap at how Thaddeus and Jessamine were trying to be cordial. "Why shouldn't he be there? Screw that! Let him line up for a number to the clinic! His legs aren't just for show!"Jessamine silently left the ward with Thaddeus in tow. He looked languid as if he was happy to be ordered around by her.Jessamine looked back at the door of the ward. She dared not order an intimidating man like Thaddeus around. Fearing that Thomas would overhear them, she whispered, "I'm fine on my own. You really don't have to tag along. Just go and do your thing."After saying that, she sneezed.Thaddeus scoffed. "Cut the crap. We're running out of time to head to the clinic. If I don't tag along, Grandpa will blow a gasket when he finds out."He walked toward the elevator, and this time, Jessamine walked behind him."I didn't c
Jessamine was half asleep the entire time. She knew that she was being held in his arms and that she shouldn't let him do this, but she didn't have the strength to bother. It felt really comfortable to be in his arms.People were the most emotional when they were sick. She nestled into his chest, her eyes turning watery. At this moment, she craved his gentleness, but at the same time, she cursed her vulnerability. She could never feel peace when it came to him. He just had what it took to make her confused.Soon, they arrived at Jardin Estate. Thaddeus carried her out of the car while Jordan hurriedly rushed forward to open the door.Lana had just returned home after giving Amy food. She quickly ran over when she saw Thaddeus. "What happened to Mrs. Holt?"As Thaddeus carried Jessamine upstairs, he told Lana, "Bring her a cup of warm water and some soup. She has a fever."He carried her back to their master bedroom. After putting her down on the bed, he loosened his tie.It was n
Thaddeus was dumbfounded. Why hadn't he considered using blood types to eliminate the possibility first?"My dad has type O blood."Jessamine's stroked his Adam's apple softly and deliberately. "My mom has type B blood, and I have type AB blood. Do you think it's possible that we could be long-lost siblings?"Thaddeus thought for some time and couldn't help but burst out in hearty laughter. It was impossible for someone with type B blood and someone with type O blood to have a child with AB type blood. What was he worrying about?At that moment, he couldn't believe how foolish he'd been. Biology was his best subject in school, yet he didn't think about this until Jessamine reminded him. His biology teacher would be furious if they knew."Why didn't you say so earlier, Jessie?" He regretted not talking to her about it sooner and ended up suffering in prolonged silence by himself.After Jessamine got bored touching his Adam's apple, she started playing with his rough chin. "I just
Jessamine lay still for a long time, aware that Thaddeus was also awake, battling insomnia just like her.This visit to Zenville to solve one mystery ended up bringing her an even bigger one.The gathering took place years ago in the restaurant owned by Benji's family. She had even asked Benji about it. The surveillance footage from over 20 years ago wouldn't be around now, and even the staff had changed several times. The restaurant's manager from back then had left the job many years ago.It wasn't easy to uncover the truth from back then unless they found the people who were directly involved. The closer they got to the truth, the more pressure she felt.By investigating this matter now, she was essentially peeling back the layers that had been hiding a much deeper issue. As she confronted the dark side of human nature, the ultimate victim ended up being her beloved mother.If Jessamine didn't look into this matter, she felt like she would be letting Elizabeth down. She wanted
Thaddeus frowned immensely at his request. "Don't be ridiculous!""I'm serious. You could help me rent one too. You know, the kind that charges by the day. I'll fool my dad first. We'll deal with everything else once he gets better," Benji said.Thaddeus cursed inwardly, "Dude, don't drag me into this, especially with my wife watching. It sounds like you're implying I have ways to get or rent women."Thaddeus glanced back at Jessamine and said, "I don't know about this. You should ask someone else. If you're at your wits end, go ask one of the assistants in your company to help you out."Benji seemed to come to a realization. He said, "It's getting late. You all should go back and rest. There are doctors here. I'll stay and keep watch."Jessamine asked, "Can you handle this on your own, Mr. Moore?""Sure, thank you… all of you," Benji replied.After saying a few more words of comfort, Jessamine and Thaddeus went downstairs to the car. Thaddeus' phone started ringing again."Mr.
Maya also knelt by the bed and started crying."Dad, don't speak for now. Please be okay."Benji zoned out. Seeing Carmen and Maya crying, his mind was in a mess. He realized that he couldn't continue to live aimlessly—his family needed him now."A girlfriend, a girlfriend..." he mumbled, not even sure of what he was saying.The doctor hurried to the room upon hearing the call, checked on Jonathan again, and then sent the family away."The patient needs rest and should avoid additional emotional stress. You all can wait outside for now. There's no need for everyone to be here, one would be enough. The room can be stuffy if there's too many people here, too."They then left the room. Benji was holding the X-ray images of Jonathan's brain, but he couldn't make any sense of it. He felt completely lost.Shane quietly slipped away from the crowd after watching from afar. He went to an empty hallway and called his father. "Dad, are you free to analyze some X-ray images? It's for a fri
Benji had always lived a smooth and pleasant life. It hit him hard after hearing what the doctor said, leaving him in a state of shock and bewilderment."Mom, hasn't Dad always been in good health? How did he suddenly..."Carmen's eyes were red and swollen from crying."He mentioned feeling dizzy a few times recently and said he'd go for a check-up but actually never did. Plus, he's been swamped with work lately and hasn't got any time. Today, he suddenly fainted at the office. His assistant called an ambulance right away and brought him to the hospital. By the time I got the call, he was already being examined inside."Benji's face turned pale. With Jonathan down, the burden of supporting his family fell on him. He had been free from responsibility for the past 20 years, and now, suddenly having to shoulder this heavy load, he felt completely lost.His father had been asking him to get familiar with the company's operations a long time ago. However, he was too lazy to bother abou
Benji never had any grand ambitions. From the day he was born, people always told him that he didn't need to worry about anything since most problems in this world could be solved with money, and his family had plenty of it. He just wanted to drift through life."I don't need to surpass him. As long as I can cover my daily expenses and not have to ask him for money, that's enough," Benji replied.As they were talking, Shane had prepared a table full of dishes. He set out four sets of plates and cutleries before calling everyone over to eat. "It's time to eat."The four of them hadn't seen each other in a long time, so they had to have a drink.Jessamine looked at the beautifully prepared dishes on the table and couldn't help but offer a compliment. "Shane, your cooking skills have gotten so good."Shane opened a bottle of red wine and poured some for everyone. "What can I do? There's a glutton at home."Benji was not happy with Shane's comment. What did he mean by saying there wa
"It's great that you came by today, Jessie. I'll pay you back the money. Friends who are willing to lend money these days are rare, so I want to thank you again," Benji said.He hadn't repaid the money he borrowed last time yet. Coincidentally, he received some money today, so he decided to settle the debt in person. With that, he picked up his phone to make the transfer.Jessamine's phone chimed, indicating that a payment had been received. The amount was a bit more than what she had lent out."Mr. Moore, I'm not here to ask you to settle your debt. You can keep it for now. I won't need the money for the time being," Jessamine said."If one borrows and returns promptly, borrowing again won't be difficult. You're much easier to talk to than Thaddeus. Despite knowing him for so many years, borrowing money from him is such a hassle. You saw it last time yourself. That scoundrel's attitude was terrible!" Benji complained.At this point in the conversation, Thaddeus happened to arrive
Thaddeus tightened his grip on Jessamine's slender waist. "What am I going to do with you, Jessie?"He thought to himself that if things really were just that coincidental, he would rather play the fool and pretend to know nothing at all. He just couldn't leave her.Jessamine asked softly, "How about you ask your dad?"Thaddeus paused for a moment and took out his phone to call Corey. He couldn't calm his mind at all.After a few seconds of hearing the dial tone, the call was answered."Dad," Thaddeus said.On the other end of the phone, Corey was about to go to sleep. He had been adjusting his routine lately, aiming to go to bed early and wake up early."What’s up?" Corey asked."Do you remember the gathering over 20 years ago with Mr. Hardy, Jacob Langston, Leon Lincoln, Paxton Loomis, and a few others?"After that, Thaddeus added, "That night, a beautiful woman came over. She drank some alcohol and was drugged."There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the ph
On the other side, Jessamine and Thaddeus got into the car.Jessamine and Beatrice were quite familiar with each other. However, it was Jessamine's first time meeting Sabastian. Surprisingly, she had a pretty good impression of him."Do the Hardy and Holt families have business dealings with each other?"Thaddeus drove as he answered her question, "We don't have much interaction. We would occasionally invest in small projects and conduct some charity work in Zenville together."Mr. Hardy is an upright and trustworthy person. He has a good relationship with Grandpa. Hayden would often come to my house with him when I was young."Jessamine paused for a moment and asked, "Does he have a wife?""Hayden's mother passed away from an amniotic fluid embolism during childbirth. Since then, Mr. Hardy has remained single and never remarried."Jessamine was deeply moved. In this era, who would remain loyal for a lifetime to their deceased wives? Most men like Sabastian, who had both power a