Jessica felt that Terry made her realize she wasn't immune to sweet talk and flattery after all.She had to admit, even though she knew his words were likely just offhand remarks, her heart still skipped a beat."I'm not joking, Jessica," he said, crouching down.Jessica looked down as he rolled up her pant leg, his warm fingers pressing against her calf. He asked if it hurt each time he pressed a spot.Jessica shook her head, finding herself momentarily lost in this rare tenderness.Terry pressed several spots until Jessica confirmed that none of them hurt. Only then did he stand up again. "Next time, don't do something like this. If you want me to stay away, just tell me."He dropped his usual teasing smile and looked at her with sincere concern.Jessica snapped back to reality. "You should head back to your company, Terry."Noticing her shift in mood, Terry didn't say anything more. His hand lifted slightly, as if he wanted to touch her, but recalling the earlier incident, he withdr
Jessica wasn’t feeling guilty; rather, she was confused.She had always considered herself someone who holds on to love for a long time; otherwise, she wouldn’t have clung to her feelings for Lucas for so long, even after everything.But just half an hour ago, when she pulled away from Terry and bumped her calf in an effort to distance herself, he told her, “You matter more.” That’s when she realized her heart skipped a beat.Though it was just a fleeting moment, Jessica noticed the shift in her feelings.She had been divorced from Lucas for over a year. While that might seem like a long time, in reality, it wasn’t that long.It wasn’t until recently, when she saw the despicable and dirty side of the Thomas family, that she truly let go of that self-indulgent love.If she were to pinpoint when she stopped loving Lucas, Jessica would say it happened just a month ago.It’s only been a month since she fell out of love with Lucas, and now she’s feeling something for Terry.Jessica wasn’t s
Tonight’s banquet was hosted by the Jameson family, and all the attendees were part of the LA social circle.Jessica and Terry were already the talk of the town, so when Terry entered the venue holding Jessica’s hand, many people couldn't help but glance at Jessica."They're really together, holding hands and everything!""So, those rumors from a few days ago were true—Mr. Davison and Jessica are actually together!""Honestly, I think Jessica and Terry look better together than she and Mr. Thomas ever did.""I agree! Jessica always gives off this aloof vibe, even when she's smiling. It makes her seem distant. And Mr. Thomas, well, he’s almost always expressionless at these events. When two cold people are together, it just feels off!"One woman swirled her glass of red wine and added, "But Jessica and Mr. Davison are different. Mr. Davison might seem like a playful and wealthy young man, but when he's with Jessica, they somehow complement each other."The socialite next to her nodded i
This evening, Jessica and Terry were surrounded by people they knew.As they walked through the crowd, many greeted them, to which Jessica responded indifferently. After a while, she turned to Terry and lightly shook her hand, which he was holding. "If you keep holding my hand like this, it’ll be too much."Terry, sensing her discomfort, smiled and released her hand, showing restraint at the right moment.Soon, some people who had ties with the Davison family came over to chat with Terry. Taking advantage of the situation, Jessica grabbed a glass of juice and moved aside.However, being a member of the Hall family also meant that Jessica had her share of admirers. Even when she stood alone, people continued to approach her for small talk—whether they were business acquaintances or young socialites eager to befriend the Hall family.After politely dealing with a few, Jessica grew bored and, switching her drink for a glass of grape juice, decided to step out into the garden.In December,
The news about Olivia getting hit quickly reached Jessica.When she heard it, she just smiled.But Hannah was overjoyed. She was so thrilled that she wished she could install surveillance at the Thomas family home to capture the moment Olivia got hit on camera.“By the way, why did Lucas suddenly decide to hit his precious sister?”Jessica shrugged. “Who knows?”Jessica had no intention of spreading what happened that night.Not liking Olivia was one thing, but spreading the news about someone’s failed confession to make them a laughingstock was another.Jessica believed that everyone’s feelings deserved respect, even if Olivia was a bit overconfident in liking Eden.But Jessica had to admit, she admired Olivia’s courage to confess her feelings to Eden.Hannah snorted, “Looks like Olivia’s brother doesn’t love her as much as we thought.”Jessica smirked slightly and didn’t respond.While they were chatting, a waiter brought over two Pina Coladas. “Miss Howell, Miss Hall, these are from
Terry, saying this, actually took out his phone.Jessica glanced at him. "No need for that."After speaking, she cast a sideways glance at Hannah.Hannah realized she had said something wrong and, feeling guilty, avoided eye contact. "Tanya’s calling me. I’ll head in first, you two carry on!"As she spoke, she retreated toward the entrance of the bar and, once there, quickly turned and ran back inside.Jessica watched Hannah's retreating figure and couldn't help but chuckle.How spineless."Would you accompany me for something to eat?" Terry asked. After a more than ten-hour flight, he was already hungry.Jessica had said she wanted to go home, not just to brush off Hannah. She had been working overtime the whole past week, so this rare free weekend was a time to relax and chat a bit. She didn’t have Hannah's energy to keep partying all night.She really did want to go home and sleep.But Terry knew very well that she was soft-hearted, and his approach was gentle. His voice was soft, a
Terry had already noticed Lucas's car catching up in the rearview mirror, but he wasn't concerned. If Lucas wanted to follow him, so be it. What Terry hadn't anticipated was Lucas's madness—he rammed his car straight into Terry's.When the airbags deployed, Terry cursed. Even though Lucas hit the brakes at the last second, the impact was still significant. The force of the collision left Terry momentarily dazed, with his mind going blank for a second.The crash between the two luxury cars startled the passing drivers, who felt relieved they hadn't gotten involved. A minor scratch on these vehicles could cost a year's salary.Lucas had been driving a Porsche that night. Despite braking, the front of his car was badly damaged, and the windshield cracked, sending shards of glass into his hand, slicing a long gash across his hand.Blood flowed from the wound, but Lucas seemed oblivious. He pulled out his phone, suddenly feeling the urge to call Jessica and tell her he loved her.He knew he
When Jessica spoke, her tone was completely flat, much like the way she looked at Lucas—cold and devoid of any other emotion.Some people say that the past should be left in the past. But for Jessica, whether or not she still loved Lucas, the wounds she had suffered would never truly heal.The events of that night were still vivid in her memory. The midnight rain was as cold as her heart had become.Lucas was questioning her ruthlessness?What a joke. When it came to being ruthless, no one could compare to him.She didn’t want to exchange another word with him. Now, when Jessica looked at Lucas, she felt nothing.She had decided to give up on this man, and she truly had.This time, Lucas didn’t dare to stop Jessica again.As he stood there, memories of that night a year ago flooded back to him.Ironically, a flash of lightning suddenly streaked across the sky, and a downpour began, just like the night he had forced Jessica to kneel before the Thomas family shrine.Over a year later, he
Roberto lived alone and didn't even have a refrigerator in his house.After Julie bought the watermelon, she had no choice but to tie it inside a wooden barrel and then put it into the well.Before leaving, Julie was worried that the rain would smash the melon. She had already covered the well in advance. The rain was still pouring heavily. Julie held an umbrella and walked to the edge of the well, saying, "It's inside."Terry handed her the umbrella, and she reached out to take it. Then Terry lifted the well cover and saw a rope tied to the well ring next to it. He thought it must be Jessica's tied watermelon, so he put the well cover aside, untied the rope, and pulled it up with force. Soon, Terry pulled up the bucket.The watermelon, weighing over ten kilograms, was tightly bound by Jessica and placed inside the wooden barrel. The barrel was also filled with water, making it weigh over thirty kilograms when lifted.Luckily, Terry had strong arms
Just then, Morgan and a few others happened to walk over, holding umbrellas on the side.Roberto, upon seeing the situation, immediately closed the door again.Julie acted quickly, placing the umbrella aside, stepping inside with one foot, and pushing the door with her other hand. "Old man, I don't care about others, but you're going too far by not letting my parents inside the house, aren't you?""This was my house! I used to let anyone in that I wanted! If I didn't feel like it, I wouldn't even let you in. What's so unreasonable about that?"Roberto hadn't finished speaking when Julie's other hand, which wasn't blocking the door, suddenly pinched his cheek.Roberto immediately jumped and let go of Julie's hand, slapping it lightly. "What are you doing? As a girl, why would you touch someone without permission?"Julie took advantage of him loosening his grip and pushed the door open, laughing, "You talk so tough, I've always been curious if
The rain was getting heavier and heavier. Julie, having nothing to do, took out a chessboard and played chess with Roberto."Old man, your chess skills are too poor. How many times have you regretted your moves?"Roberto felt no shame at all. "You, girl, don't you understand the importance of respecting the elderly and caring for the young? I am of an advanced age; can't you give in to me?""No, I won't. In chess, there is no distinction between big and small. If I can't win, I will admit defeat. Besides, I won't laugh at you. How can you still have the audacity to ask me to let you win?"The rain in August was like someone pouring water from the sky, pouring down heavily. The rain hit the eaves with a "pitter-patter" sound, and the courtyard was filled with misty rain. Occasionally, there would be arguments between an old and a young person inside the house.When the knocking sound came, Roberto's face immediately fell. "It's for you, go open the
Lucas looked at the woman in front of him, even though she was wearing the simplest and plainest clothes, her eyebrows, eyes, and temperament clearly belonged to Jessica without a doubt.He was somewhat incredulous when he heard her call out his name as soon as she opened her mouth, "You, remember me?"Some people lost their memory, but they didn't forget everything. They would remember certain people and certain things.Jessica remembered him too, didn't she?This speculation made Lucas' heart surge with excitement, but the next second, Jessica's words shattered his fantasy. "I don't remember, I have amnesia, I don't remember anything."Upon hearing her words, the brightness in the golden eyes dimmed significantly. "How do you know what my name is?""The Thomas family, Lucas; the Thomas family, Olivia, is it difficult to find online?"After meeting Olivia at the market, before she came back, I had already searched Olivia on Baidu at
Roberto was annoyed by Julie's prank and started grumbling again.The bamboo basket had already reached the shore. Julie lifted the bamboo basket onto the shore and removed the small basket on top. Three fish were lying inside."Roberto, I caught another fish!"As soon as she finished speaking, while still muttering curses, the old man walked straight over and said, "What's the matter?"Julie took another look and said, "It's not much, but I can still make you a fish soup!"The fish are indeed small, with the largest one weighing only about half a catty, and the other two estimated to be around three to four taels.Julie said as she directly carried the bamboo basket and walked into the bamboo house. Behind the bamboo house, there was a fish pond made by an old man, which was fed by the stream.However, with Roberto's fishing skills, it is estimated that even after ten or eight years, there might not be a single fish in the bathtub.
Olivia asked behind her, "So how do I find you then?""Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock, I will come to the front of this store."Jessica tightened her backpack and quickly plunged into the crowd at the market.Olivia quickly took out her phone and called Lucas.It was Jessica! She really found Jessica!When the phone rang, Lucas frowned. He thought it was something related to work and didn't even want to look at his phone.However, the phone in his pocket kept ringing incessantly. Annoyed, Lucas took out his phone and asked, "What's the matter?""Brother! I found Jessica! Brother! I found her!"Upon hearing Olivia's words on the phone, Lucas thought he had misheard, "Could you repeat that?""I found Jessica! Dude! Really! But she seemed...""Where were you?""Where am I? Oh, right, I was in Long Town, in front of a clothing store called 'Fashion Apparel Shop'.""I knew it."After hanging up th
Olivia was very excited. Since the incident of being kidnapped, she had been reflecting on many things she had done in the past. She realized that she had indeed done many childish and unwise things before she matured.It has been half a month since the kidnapping incident, she is safe and sound, but Jessica has remained silent all along.Olivia occasionally recalled that night, Jessica's hint to herself, and felt a little guilty in her heart.She wanted to find Jessica, but she couldn't endure hardships and climb mountains, so she had to bring people with her to go from village to village to find her.Long Town is only about thirty kilometers away from Copper Town, where Jessica went missing.This was her first time coming to such a backward place, where the so-called market was all on one street. Olivia called out several times, but Jessica quickly disappeared into the crowd.Olivia stood there, doubting if she had mistaken someone.
The incident involving Olivia and Jessica quickly spread within the circle. As Terry, Lucas, and Morgan, along with others, searched for Jessica, the news of her disappearance couldn't be concealed.On the fifth day of Jessica's disappearance, Lucas went straight to Terry and demanded Luna without hesitation.Terry had not had a good night's sleep for five consecutive days. Every time he closed his eyes, Jessica would cry and ask him why he hadn't arrived yet.When Lucas came over, he had just returned from Irvine.He and Morgan searched Santa Ana and Oceanside almost carpet-like, but couldn't find Jessica. The reward notices sent out also didn't yield any valid information.They still haven't been able to determine which city Jessica escaped to.Finding someone in a city was already like finding a needle in a haystack, and now there are even more cities.The only fortunate thing was that Jerry, based on the contact information provid
Terry and Lucas arrived at Jerry's place in the afternoon, and it had been fifty hours since Jessica went missing.Terry had two properties over here, which were early development projects by the Davison Group. He came over for a business trip and bought them three months ago. Now it's convenient for hiding Luna."Mr. Davison, Mr. Thomas."Jerry opened the door and Luna, who was already tied up by him, was sitting on the chair.After he opened the door, he voluntarily left. Terry, Lucas, and Luna were the only ones left in the room.Seeing Lucas, Luna smiled and said, "Lucas, did you receive the gift I gave you?"Lucas gritted his teeth, his face filled with anger, "Where is Jessica?""Dead! Didn't I send you the ashes?"Luna spoke and glanced at Terry, "By the way, did you give that ring back to Mr. Davison?"Terry stood aside, lowered his head and lit a cigarette, without saying a word.Luna giggled and said, "M