Max was utterly infuriated by my words. As I left, he screamed my name, grabbing the bars and yelling, "Jen! I'll kill you, you bitch! And Cindy too! I'll kill all of you!"I paused at the door and glanced back at Max. He looked like a crazed beast, thrashing wildly, his eyes bloodshot. His voice, tinged with desperation, cried out, "You ruined me! I'll kill every last one of you!"In that moment, I saw the true face of Max, a side I had never witnessed before. I shook my head and sighed. People like him, with such a pitiful yet hateful nature, are truly their own worst enemies. Leaving the visiting room, Max's wails faded into the distance. Outside, Luke and Taylor were waiting in the seating area, engrossed in a document. Taylor was speaking animatedly, while Luke listened intently, their heads close together. They look rather compatible.Hearing my footsteps, Luke looked up first and then stepped aside. His usual calm tone asked, "How did it go?"Taylor quickly put away the
Taylor opened the folder and handed it to me."This one shows Max purchased three apartments in the downtown district of Quainty under his three sisters' names. While the properties in Quainty aren't that expensive, the total comes to over six million," Taylor explained, pointing to another document. "This one details the large cash withdrawals Max made since marrying you. There were twelve transactions, each between one hundred thousand and two hundred thousand dollars, totaling exactly two million."Taylor continued, "Ms. Middleton, from these documents, it's clear that Max started transferring marital assets from the moment you got married. Technically, he was siphoning off the inheritance your parents left you. The combined total of these properties and cash withdrawals is sixteen million."I looked at the documents calmly, without much emotion, but I couldn't help feeling a bit reflective. I gathered the papers and handed them back to Taylor. "Max really worked fast with all th
His tone remained calm, but there was an unmistakable sense of determination and authority that left no room for refusal.I opened my mouth but found myself at a loss for words. Taylor smiled at me and said, "Ms. Middleton, there's no need to be polite. You're so familiar with Mr. Walker! It's rush hour, and finding a cab now is nearly impossible. Last time I tried, there were over a hundred people in line for an Uber."I forced a smile, feeling uncomfortable. It wasn't that I didn't want to ride with Luke; I just didn't want to inconvenience him. I had already burdened others enough during this time.After Taylor left, it was just Luke and me in the car. The driver was in the front with a partition up, ensuring our conversation remained private.Luke was engrossed in his tablet, seemingly reading an investment analysis report. His long, slender fingers glided effortlessly over the screen, and his sharp, stern profile was pleasing to the eye.I leaned against the window, watching
How could I possibly discuss this with Luke? It's so awkward.Luke glanced at me briefly before coldly looking away and returning to the data analysis on his tablet, making the atmosphere even more awkward.Then Luke spoke up, saying, "Why don't you move back to the villa?"I was stunned. I thought, yeah, the current house disgusts me, and buying a new one would be a hassle. Moving back to the small villa my parents left me would be better. Max never lived there, so it's clean.But...Luke noticed my hesitation. "Do you find moving troublesome?"I nodded.Luke casually said, "It's not troublesome.""Huh?""You just need to move there. I'll have my assistant handle the rest," Luke said, looking up at me, his eyes sharp as blades.I felt a bit embarrassed. "Won't that be too much trouble for you?""It's no trouble," Luke said gravely. "I promised Mr. and Mrs. Middleton that I would take good care of you."I was about to thank him, but before I could speak, Luke added, "With y
Luke had made arrangements for someone to help clean and tidy up the small villa. Even the hydrangeas and roses in the garden and on the terrace were thriving.Upon our arrival, a woman in her fifties was busy arranging the vases in the living room. As soon as she saw us enter, she quickly set down the scissors and sunflowers, came over to assist with the luggage, and warmly introduced herself. "Good afternoon, Ms. Middleton. I'm Marianne, Mr. Walker's housekeeper. He asked me to come and see if there's anything you need help with."After a short exchange of pleasantries, Marianne asked, "Ms. Middleton, how do you find the cleanliness of the house? If you have any requests, please let me know. Mr. Walker is currently out of town on business and he asked me to take extra care of you while you're here."I was about to decline her offer, but Wendy tugged at my arm and said, "I think Luke's arrangement is quite good. His housekeeper seems efficient and not too talkative. Just look at ho
I poured Wendy a glass of water, hoping to comfort her. "Steven is probably doing his best. It's not easy for the hotel's information to be leaked, so he must find another approach. It's a big task and there's a chance it might not succeed.""Jen, what are your thoughts?""I actually want to let things unfold naturally. If we find out, great; if not, that's okay," I replied, holding the glass and sitting on the couch, feeling a bit melancholic. "I'm fixated on finding the answer because I don't understand why Max became so uncontrollably angry when he mentioned that person from that night. Do you understand? It's like there's some deep-seated grudge, a seething hatred that I can't ignore."Wendy nodded. "Do you think Cindy might know who that person is?"I shook my head. "Even if Cindy does know, do you think she would tell me?""No," Wendy slumped into the sofa. "She hates you too much. She would only tell you if it would hurt you.""Let's forget about it and just go with the fl
Was there someone else at Luke's place, or had he returned from his trip early?At that moment, Marianne brought me some fruit and milk, so I decided to ask her. She glanced towards the house opposite, looked puzzled for a moment, and then explained, "It's probably Mr. Walker's assistant.""Assistant? Didn't they go on the trip together?""I'm not sure. His assistant, Calvin, often comes by to pick up or drop off documents," Marianne said thoughtfully. "Maybe Mr. Walker forgot something at home and sent Calvin to retrieve it. Look, the light is off again."I glanced over and saw that the light was indeed off, so I didn't think much more about it.In the following days, I was waiting for the court to notify me of the hearing date while also job hunting. I received a few interview invitations, but they all ended in disappointment.Whenever the interviewers asked why there was a two-year gap on my resume, I honestly answered that I had chosen to be a full-time housewife. They would
"How did you know I was rejected?" I asked."It's written all over your face," Luke replied. "It wasn't hard to figure out.""Right," I sighed, resting my chin on my hands. "Luke, I can't tell the truth, but being vague isn't working either. What should I do?"Luke said, "The livestream incident wasn't that long ago. The internet has a long memory. If you're looking for a job now, you have to be prepared for rejections because of it."Before I could ask why, Luke explained, "No employer wants a calculative employee. Given the livestream incident, it's hard for them not to think you orchestrated everything with Max. If something happens at work, how would they expect you to handle your colleagues and boss?"I was speechless. But why should it be this way?Seeing my frustration, Luke continued, "You shouldn't feel it's unfair or that people misunderstand your situation. The reality is, employers don't like employees who are overly scheming. It's the same everywhere.""Does that me
Due to jet lag, I was already exhausted though it wasn't dark yet.Ian was drooping too, suddenly slumping against me.Worried he'd fall, I quickly steadied him.He glanced at me before contentedly closing his eyes again.He was completely worn out.Mr. Lloyd, who had been chatting with the director, noticed this and quickly wrapped up his conversation to join us.Still half-awake, Ian instinctively held onto my arm when his father reached for him."It's your Dad."At my words, Ian let go.Mr. Lloyd picked him up and strode toward the car, while I gathered Ian's things and followed.On the way back, I offered to drive.Mr. Lloyd was quiet. I turned on the car's music system, and soft music filled the space.Having debuted overseas as a trainee, Mr. Lloyd's fingers unconsciously tapped along to the rhythm on his leg.At a red light, I caught this movement in the rearview mirror.Mr. Lloyd had been an all rounder superstar - consistently among the top three highest-earning
Since Penelope was mid-flight and unreachable, I sent her a message and forwarded Sara's letter."Are you okay, Jen? You seem worried," Ian asked."Just blown away by your amazing performance. I'm still thinking about it."Ian was a natural - his acting could really move people."I might be cocky,” Ian grinned.He looked proud, and I ruffled his hair. "No chance of that."For a four-year-old, he'd shown remarkable composure during the preschool incident.Even after being cleared, he hadn't played the victim. That kind of emotional strength showed real character.A few compliments wouldn't change that.Ian's smile lit up his whole face, showing perfect baby teeth."When do you start filming your scenes?"The director was clearly impressed - Ian's role was locked in."Not sure yet."Ian looked up at his father."Soon," Mr. Lloyd said, clearly proud of Ian's performance. "I'll stay on set with Ian these next few days. Jen, feel free to explore the city. I'll call if we need
Just when they thought they'd found hope, the bad guys caught up with them.During their escape, his best friend fell off a cliff. When Bobby was finally rescued and led them back, they found his friend's body, mangled beyond recognition. He was devastated."I'll start now!"In an instant, Ian transformed. He walked heavily toward a chair, his expression gradually filling with pain.Kneeling beside the chair, he reached out as if to touch "him" but couldn't bring himself to do it. Tears silently rolled down his face.The director checked the script and signaled his assistant to remove the chair, simulating the scene where the friend's body would be placed in a body bag.At this, Ian broke into heart-wrenching sobs.His emotional outburst impressed everyone watching on set.Mr. Lloyd looked proud, and the director, as if discovering a treasure, praised Ian after his performance: "Your acting reminds me of your father in his prime.""If I'm as good as Dad was at my age, imagine
I'd dug my own grave, hadn't I?I swallowed my food, took a sip of water, and kept my head down while eating.Luke pushed the mild seafood soup toward me. "This is less spicy."Stubborn as I was, I ignored him.Luke called the server over, trying to order milder versions of the fish and pork."Don't bother, I love extra spicy food."Even though I needed water after every bite, I was determined to finish what I'd ordered.Seeing my stubbornness, Luke apologized to the server and let her go."Jen...""Don't talk while eating."By now, my soul had practically left my body from the spice. I wasn't in the mood for conversation.My throat felt like it was on fire as I gulped down more water.Luke quietly refilled my empty glass. He'd barely touched his seafood soup, his elegant movements making me feel even more ungraceful.I was suffering from my own spite!I wanted to throw down my chopsticks and leave.No, stay calm!I tried to maintain my composure, fighting the urge to d
Just as I finished speaking, my stomach let out an embarrassing growl."There's an excellent Chinese place around the corner," Luke said."You've been here before?""No.""..." Then how did he know about a good restaurant?Did he research every place this thoroughly?He'd make a perfect travel companion.I later learned he'd researched local restaurants knowing my passion for food.I'd only had water since waking up. The film crew would have finished lunch by now, with no leftovers available. I needed to find something on the way.Being in a bad mood lately, I hadn't researched any local restaurants before coming here.Craving authentic Chinese food, I decided to take Luke's suggestion.It was an upscale Chinese restaurant specializing in spicy cuisine. As soon as we sat down, a cheerful server brought out place settings and started listing their specialties."Our portions are generous. For a couple, I'd recommend one appetizer and a soup to start.""We're not a couple," I
Luke came to search for his birth mother himself?As I looked at him, he noticed me too.I greeted him and was about to get a taxi to the set."If you have time, can you show me where you saw her yesterday?""I... okay."Mr. Lloyd and Ian would be fine - finding Luke's mother was more urgent.After weighing the pros and cons, I agreed.Luke hadn't brought an assistant. I waited outside while he took his luggage to his hotel room, then we walked to where I'd seen his mother yesterday.It wasn't far from the hotel, so we went on foot.Without thinking, I kept about three feet between us.Luke: "Do I look like some kind of monster?"With his model-like features that made you want to break rules just looking at him, how could he possibly look like a monster?I shook my head."Then why are you keeping such a distance?""..." So that's what he meant...Though I'd decided to stay just friends, my heart - already full of him - still skipped beats when we were together.He was t
"If you can't find her, Luke can! Now that he has a general area, he can track her down quickly.""I'll let him know."Mrs. Walker was also searching for her, planning to use her to manipulate Luke. We needed to contact her before Mrs. Walker did.After hanging up with Wendy, I looked at Luke’s number on my phone. Several times I almost called him, but kept backing out.After hesitating, I tried calling Emily, but hung up just before it connected.Although Emily had been open with me, I couldn't be sure if she was genuinely helping Luke.To be safe, I called Luke instead. He answered on the first ring.Luke stayed silent."Mr. Walker, this is Jen.""I wasn't planning to cut you out of my life completely. I kept your number."Me: ...There he went again with his sharp tongue. I almost hung up, but remembering how much he'd helped me, and that I could finally do something for him, I told him about possibly seeing his birth mother near the hotel.After a moment of silence, Luk
"Dad, he's a bad guy!" Ian pointed at the man who was already several yards away.The robber was huge - well over 6'2", wearing a denim vest that showed off his muscular arms. Mr. Lloyd probably couldn't take many punches from him, and we didn't know if he was armed. It wasn't worth the risk.I ruffled Ian's hair. "Let's go get something to eat.""Help! Stop the robber!"A woman was running after him, desperately grabbing passersby for help, out of breath.Following the 'better safe than sorry' principle, no one stepped forward to help.She reached us, and seeing we were Asian, her eyes lit up with hope. "Please help me, I have something very important in my bag."Mr. Lloyd looked down at his arm where she was clutching it. "I'm sorry, we're new here and unfamiliar with the area. We can't help."She let go, disappointed, staring dejectedly in the direction the robber had disappeared.Ian said in his sweet voice, "When you're in trouble, find a police officer."The woman was a
His stern look only made Penelope more nervous.When Director Nolan called "Cut!", she was already drenched in cold sweat.She quickly apologized to the director.Director Nolan watched the playback with a grave expression.As the makeup artist touched up Penelope's makeup, I went to her side and encouraged her: "It gets easier after the first try. You'll do better in the next take.""Jen..." Penelope glanced at the crew members around us. "This is my first time on such a major production.""You'll have many more opportunities like this."One Entertainment had been investing most of its resources in Penelope lately, and with her connection to Jethro, her popularity wasn't waning.One hit was all she needed to skyrocket to stardom."Jen..."Penelope's voice trembled with worry.George was particularly anxious too. "You've done well in other productions. We can't mess up at this crucial moment!"A good performance in Director Nolan's film could lead to future collaborations,