I felt a bit frustrated as I turned on the computer. Staring at the screen, I suddenly couldn't remember what I was supposed to do next.I took out the peppermint oil I had prepared and applied it to my temples. The cool sensation helped me calm down a little. I found my to-do list and struggled to get into work mode.At lunchtime, I made a point of calling Wendy.On the other end, Wendy was driving, with the GPS giving directions towards the outskirts of the city.Wendy's workplace was in the city center. Remembering her conversation with Mrs. Marshall yesterday, my heart skipped a beat, and I asked nervously, "Did Mrs. Marshall contact you?""Sweetie, don't be like a startled bird, afraid of every little movement," Wendy said, turning off the GPS. "I'm heading to a resort in the suburbs for work.""Are you meeting a client?""The recent news about the Universe Tech founder's backstabbing has been spreading like wildfire online. There's been a lot of negative press, and their s
As I opened the car door and got in, my emotions had completely settled by the time we had driven a short distance. I unconsciously shifted my position in the seat.Luke noticed my movement, his brows furrowing tightly.He pressed his lips together and closed his eyes.I didn't notice his expression, instead looking down to check the time.Ten minutes had passed since I ended my call with Wendy. I wondered if she had arrived at the meeting place yet, and whether Mrs. Marshall was genuinely cooperating or if she might betray us. Various possibilities flashed through my mind, causing my recently calmed nerves to tense up again.I took out my phone, ready to contact her."Brian is with her the whole time. She'll be fine," Luke said.I hadn't seen Brian at the company during lunch today. So he had gone to protect Wendy.I had seen Brian's profile before. He was the national martial arts champion 15 years ago, capable of both offense and defense. I had once witnessed him subdue a kn
"Look at me, getting all sentimental seeing such accomplished young people like you. I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable."Luke remained silent, briefly checking his phone before putting it away.In the private room were only Henry and his assistant. Henry kindly said to Brian and me, "Please, have a seat. We're all friends here, no need to stand on ceremony.""Thank you, Mr. Smith," Brian and I said in unison. After getting Luke's approval with a glance, we sat down.Henry looked at me, "You seem familiar. Have we met before?""A few times," I replied. I had encountered Henry a couple of times when out with Wendy, but she wasn't close to her father and never introduced us."For someone so young to be Mr. Walker's assistant, you must be quite capable. My daughter is about your age, and she's very talented too! She's my pride and joy," Henry said, his eyes full of admiration. "Unfortunately, my daughter doesn't like being tied down, always preferring to carve her own path. She'
Outside the private room, Richard was tied up and thrown on the ground. His mouth was gagged, only able to make muffled sounds.Henry, fearing Wendy might cause trouble that could affect her and the Smith family, sternly said, "Don't be stubborn!"He approached Wendy, but she stepped back.Wendy was a top PR professional, usually smooth in handling situations. Her aversion to her father was the reason for this reaction.A flash of hurt crossed Henry's eyes.Luke noticed Wendy's movement and subtly shifted closer to me.My attention was focused on Wendy, so I didn't notice his action.Seeing I didn't move, his handsome face relaxed slightly."Mr. Smith, if I handle this, it can be passed off as young people fooling around. If you get involved and uncover something you shouldn't, it could be problematic," Wendy said.Henry, as Johnsonville's richest man, was sharp. He sensed something unusual in Wendy's words.In an instant, the shock and disbelief in his eyes were replaced by
The surveillance footage showed his face contorted with rage, his eyes filled with vicious intent, sending chills down one's spine.Mrs. Marshall, watching the video with Wendy, looked at the "stranger" on screen with horror.Richard's brutality made me want to hand him over to the police immediately."The human heart is unfathomable," Wendy said, kicking Richard's shoulder lightly. "You can keep trying to defend yourself.""I..." With irrefutable evidence, even if Richard stubbornly denied it, he couldn't change what he'd done. He mumbled, "But you're fine, aren't you?"I was speechless.He showed not a hint of remorse. How could someone be so shameless?Wendy laughed bitterly at his words. "If something had happened to me, you wouldn't be here right now.""This is a society governed by law. Since there was no loss of life and you weren't injured, even if you call the police, they can't do much to me.""You should be grateful we live in a lawful society.""If you let me go t
I had heard of Candice Kingston. She was as ruthless as her second brother, a true hellraiser. Her boyfriend who had supposedly committed suicide bore marks all over his body, clear signs of inhumane abuse.His family had once sought justice, but the matter was quickly suppressed before it could escalate. The incident only circulated within a small circle. In less than two years, it had faded into obscurity, never to be mentioned again.Richard shook his head vigorously, like a rattle drum. "I was wrong. I apologize for my actions. Please don't hand me over to her!""I can grant your request."Clearly, Richard had some understanding of Candice’s methods. His fear of her far outweighed his fear of Wendy.Wendy's words gave Richard hope, and he hastily thanked her."You have some leverage over Nancy?""Her leverage..." Wendy's words caught Richard off guard. Without thinking, he blurted out, then quickly tried to backtrack, "Although we worked at the same gym, we didn't interact m
"Even if Janet didn't follow her advice and contacted friends back home without permission, she still couldn't stand by and do nothing.""Sweetie, do you really think what Richard did was Candice’s idea?" Wendy asked softly.Standing next to her, I couldn't hear clearly. "What did you say?"“Candice has done so many shady things. If she dares to mess with me, I'll expose her," Wendy yawned. "Now that this is resolved, you can go home and rest easy tonight.""Didn't you sleep well last night?""After listening to you talk in your sleep half the night, how could I sleep well?"My heart tightened. I had indeed talked in my sleep. "What did I say?""It was broken and unclear. But I understand one thing: my little sweetie has grown up and has her own secrets now.""Wendy..." Unable to explain, I tried to change the subject by acting coy."I get it. I won't ask or mention it," Wendy said affectionately. She took out a card from her bag and handed it to a nearby man who had been help
Wendy wasn't the type to sit idly by. Her lack of interest in fighting for inheritance didn't mean she'd allow others to bully or scheme against her.Whatever choice she made, the path ahead would be fraught with thorns and dangers, full of challenges."Everyone has their own path to walk. What we can do is lend a hand when she needs help," Luke said.His words reminded me of my own painful experiences, when he and Wendy had reached out at the right moment to pull me out of the mire. Otherwise, I don't know how long it would have taken me to climb out of that abyss.Luke had always struggled to break free from the shackles of the Walker family. Though they weren't all-powerful, their influence was not to be underestimated.Luke's journey to where he is today involved hardships beyond imagination. I felt an inexplicable surge of sympathy and blurted out, "When you faced difficulties, did anyone help you?""Hanque's breakthrough was thanks to you," he replied."It was Jon's arriva