Theodore had just arrived at his office at Bassett Corporation when Linda knocked and entered. "Mr. Bassett, an attorney in the lobby is asking for you."An attorney?Clark's mind raced, asking, "Is he known as Evans?"Linda nodded in response. "He mentioned that their law firm is interested in discussing a partnership with Mr. Bassett."Clark immediately replied, "Bassett Corp. has its own legal department, so there's no need for outside help. He likely fabricated that excuse because he knew he couldn't meet with Mr. Bassett without an appointment. Let him know Mr. Bassett is unavailable.""It's fine," Theodore said calmly. "Since he's here, I'll listen to what he wants to discuss."Clark paused briefly."I'll go get him." Linda left without showing any emotion."Mr. Bassett, why are you meeting with him?" Clark asked."Well, he's been instrumental in helping Willow with her divorce case. It's only fair to express my gratitude in person." Theodore's demeanor was like a still
Matthew came on strong with his words but danced around the issue instead of being straightforward.Theodore looked away and simply said, "I have no idea what you mean."Matthew felt an immediate lump form in his throat. After a short silence, he erupted, "Everyone knows the Bassetts' influence in Emperia. Whether in business or marriage, you always have the best opportunities. "So, it's no surprise Bassett Corp. doesn't hold my law firm in high regard. Similarly, Mr. Bassett, I doubt you appreciate a divorced woman without connections."A tense silence hung in the air. After a long period, Theodore scrutinized Matthew and calmly said, "Mr. Evans, I found your analogy rather disagreeable.""Isn't that the reality?""It's true that Bassett Corp. doesn't hold your law firm in high regard. This decision is based on our corporate and legal operations, as determined by our management team. However, my relationship with Willow isn't influenced by these considerations. Besides, how doe
Matthew halted abruptly, his fists clenched so tightly that the veins stood out like cords under his skin.Dinah, standing at the door, wore an expression of utter disbelief. A wedding? A celebration? Did she hear that right? After all these years on his own, Theodore's sudden announcement came as a shock. Dinah wondered if he was truly getting married so soon.The group chat among Bassett Corporation's secretaries erupted as soon as Matthew left."Breaking news—Mr. Bassett and Ms. Jett are officially an item." Dinah texted.A response came swiftly. "We've been onto that for ages. You're late to the party.""How did everyone find out?" Dinah asked."Someone overheard Linda and Clark discussing it.""Well, I've got another news you haven't heard yet. Mr. Bassett and Ms. Jett are tying the knot.""No way.""I heard it straight from the source. I'd bet my bonus on it!" Dinah declared.The group chat continued to buzz with excitement.…After the morning meeting ended, Clark to
At Bassett Residence, Ellie gently massaged Sara's shoulders, her keen gaze catching the hurried figure returning from outside."Mom, David's back," Ellie announced.Sara blinked open her eyes. "How did it go?""Madam Sara, the pill has been delivered, and I relayed all the necessary words.""Did she say anything?""Just a few. It was almost as if she sensed my arrival."Ellie taunted, "Seems like she knows the drill. Did you actually see her taking the pill?""No. Ms. Jett seemed quite willing," David responded."You're quite a scatterbrain." Ellie frowned. "How can you be sure she didn't just throw it away the moment you left? What do we do if she does end up pregnant and uses it to her advantage against us?"Sara's tone turned icy. "She'll bear the consequences alone if that day arrives. You know the Bassetts don't acknowledge bastards, don't you?"Ellie's complexion drained as if a troubling memory had resurfaced, her shoulders trembling.Sara rose from the chair. "I rec
Joey suddenly remembered something and said, "What about your stake in Strand Real Estate? You're a shareholder there. Bringing all those people over might be a financial hit for the company, but it doesn't seem like you've benefited from it.""I sold it off a while back." Willow pulled out an agreement. "Ian's been eyeing a merger with Strand Real Estate. He heard about my fallout with Quentin and reached out as soon as I left, offering me this agreement. It just needs my signature to kick in right away." "Ian? Quentin's uncle?" Joey asked.Willow hummed in response.Quentin's uncle, Ian Strand, held a substantial share in Strand Real Estate while owning his own business. In his early years, he had a falling out with the Strands and went on to build his own company from the ground up. Today, his business thrived even more than Strand Real Estate.But like many others, Ian held onto grudges. Despite his successful career, he remained intent on clashing with Quentin's family at ev
Carlos remained silent, his eyes fixed on the ground as he weathered the torrent of reprimands.Sonia cleared her throat. "Mr. Strand."Quentin's temper slightly eased upon seeing Sonia's arrival. He barked at Carlos, "Get out!"The room fell into a thick silence as the door clicked shut, the atmosphere charged with palpable tension."Any updates on the investigation?" Quentin asked."Yes, I found it," Sonia said, approaching the desk with a conflicted expression. "All these resignees have landed at the same company.""You think I'm unaware they've all landed in one place? Which one?""Joywell Real Estate.""Joywell? What's Joywell? It's not a company here in Emperia, is it?" Quentin had a comprehensive understanding of Emperia's real estate industry, but the name Joywell Real Estate didn't ring a bell.Sonia took a deep breath. "Willow is the owner of Joywell."Upon hearing this, Quentin froze in place."She's out to sabotage us. The employees she's poaching away are all ke
"Mr. Strand," someone blurted out in the office.Willow and Joey turned in unison, their eyes settling on Quentin and Sonia, who stood shoulder to shoulder in the doorway."What brings you two here?" Joey's expression tightened at the sight of them. "Quentin, are you looking to stir things up?"Quentin shot her a dismissive glance. "Joey, stick to your lane. As an outsider just getting your feet wet in Emperia, who are you to team up with Willow against me? Aren't you worried about wrecking your own future?""My future isn't yours to dictate," Joey retorted.Sonia sneered. "Joey, show some gratitude. Quent's trying to watch your back."Joey shot back sharply, "What say do you even have here? Who do you think you are?""You!" Sonia exclaimed.Quentin stepped in, pulling Sonia back to defuse the brewing argument with Joey.Willow fixed Quentin and Sonia with an icy stare. "Mr. Strand, did you grace us with your presence today to offer your congratulations on our company's grand
The person who stood up said, "Mr. Strand, your words might sound promising here, but once we're back at Strand Real Estate, that's when our futures crumble.""Absolutely," chimed another. "We left Strand Real Estate chasing a brighter future, didn't we? It's a tumultuous mess there. Where's our future in that?"Nods of agreement spread through the gathering. Quentin's expression hardened instantly."Are you blind? Do you really think some backyard startup could surpass a corporate giant like Strand Real Estate?" Sonia snapped at the crowd, her frustration palpable. "Wake up and see the reality. Mr. Strand himself has come to invite you back personally. You should consider it an honor."A frosty chill settled over Abraham's face. "Honor? We're not interested in that kind of 'honor.'"Abraham had always been held in high regard among the group. He cast a disdainful glance at Sonia. "Mr. Strand, I've been with Strand Real Estate for years. Mr. Strand Senior himself mentored me in hi
"What choice do you think I need to make?" Theodore stepped closer. His tone was filled with displeasure. "What are my choices?"Willow hesitated for a moment but maintained her composure as she voiced her concerns. "We need to face reality, Theodore. I will take Yasmine back to Portumville, and you're tied to the Bassett family. Who knows what will happen in the future?""So, you're giving me a heads-up so I can find someone else sooner?""I—""Should I be thanking you then?" Theodore's anger flared. "Willow, this is what's on your mind after everything we've been through? What do you take me for? What do you take yourself for?""I…" Willow found herself speechless."Are you doing this on purpose?""No, I'm not." Willow tried to explain herself, but for once, her words failed her.Theodore's eyes burned with frustration. Seeing her struggling to justify herself only fueled his anger more. He grabbed her wrist and pulled her close.Willow let out a startled muffle, but it was
Willow noticed something odd and asked, "When did you two get so close? Cedar, you even know what game Jessica likes?"Cedar casually replied, "She posted about it on Instagram."Willow's expression changed to one of realization. "Oh, right. I remember now."After saying that, she looked at Jessica with a raised eyebrow and proudly said, "See how thoughtful Cedar is? He remembered such details and even brought the game you wanted. I wonder which lucky girl will end up with him."Jessica forced a smile and awkwardly shoved the game console under the pillow as if it were something unpleasant to touch.Yasmine raised her head. "End up with him? What does that mean?"Willow patiently explained, "It means who will marry Uncle Cedar.""It must be Ms. Sweeney!" Yasmine pointed to the bed next to her and blurted out, "Uncle Cedar saved her. She said she'll marry him to repay the favor."Willow's face was filled with shock while Jessica quickly waved her hand. "No! I never said that. Wh
At the City Hospital, since both Willow and Jessica needed to stay in the hospital, Terence decided to use a bit of his authority to arrange for them to share a room."So what are your plans? Are you not going back to Portumville?" Jessica asked."I still have to go back. The company headquarters is there. Have you ever seen a president of a public company who never goes to the office? Joywell is still growing. I can't leave," Willow explained."So when are you planning to go back?"Willow hesitated. "I'm still thinking."Balancing a career and family was tough. One had to give way to the other."There's nothing to think about. You wouldn't want to give up Joywell's prime opportunity, and you wouldn't want to keep flying back and forth to see Yasmine. Just have Theodore go with you to Portumville then."Jessica, with her independent mindset, often focused on herself and didn't always consider the practicalities of others' situations.Just then, a knock came at the door. "Come i
As Theodore closed the door behind him, Terence turned to him with a concerned look. "Aren't you going to stay with her?""Let her be alone for a while," Theodore replied.Through the glass on the door, Theodore could see the frail figure lying on the hospital bed, and his heart ached for her."By the way, how's Jessica?"Terence responded, "She's fine. Cedar's with her. Thankfully, he noticed in time, and the sleeping pills weren't of a lethal dose."Joey had drugged Jessica with an overdose of sleeping pills. Then, she was left unconscious and tied up in a small storage room at an apartment in Marldosa Gardens.Following that, Joey hired someone from the black market to drive Jessica's car to Portumville, which caused the car's GPS to show up constantly on the highway.Terence couldn't help but ask, "Are Cedar and Jessica…""I don't know," Theodore replied flatly, "but it's not a bad thing.""Not necessarily," Terence said, crossing his arms. "It's fine for the heiress of Re
At the hospital, Willow's neck wound had been stitched up with four sutures. She had to stay in the hospital for observation.Terence was still in the operating room with Matthew. Over an hour had passed with no news. Yet, Matthew's family couldn't be reached at the moment.Theodore sat by her bedside. "Be careful.""I'm fine," Willow replied, leaning against the headboard. "How did you find out that Joey and I were at the riverbank?""Matthew called me." Theodore's voice was rough. He covered Willow with a blanket and began to explain the recent events."I had a DNA test done with Yasmine and confirmed Iris' claims. At least it proved that Joey was the one who took Yasmine back then. After that, I had Clark start investigating Joey."The first thing Clark did was track down the doctor who did the DNA test for Matthew and Yasmine, and sure enough, Joey was there meeting him."When Clark arrived, the doctor was already dead. His body was hidden in the garage at Marldosa Gardens.
Willow's words crushed Joey completely.Possessiveness? To others, her years of admiration and waiting were nothing more than laughable possessiveness."They're over there!" A voice suddenly rang out. Following that, the chaotic sound of footsteps echoed from the other side of the rocks.Willow looked up to see a tall, familiar figure rushing toward her. Without needing to guess, she knew how anxious the man must have been. Her nose tingled, and tears suddenly began to fall.As Joey glanced at the approaching police, she tightened her grip on Willow and dragged her backward. "Don't come any closer! Stay back!" she shouted.Theodore, who was more frightened than he had ever been, also roared, "Don't go any further! Let her go, Joey.""Let her go?" Joey laughed bitterly. "And let her reunite with your family? Dream on!""Joey." Willow managed to squeeze out the words through her pain. "Stop it, Joey."Even at this moment, she hoped Joey would have a change of heart and turn awa
Willow lay on the rocks as her neck bled and stained the collar of her white shirt. The scene was shocking. But compared to the pool of blood beneath Matthew, her injuries were nothing. Even though she desperately tried to escape, the distance she crawled was far from enough to save her life.Footsteps approached from behind; Joey had released Matthew and was walking toward Willow."Do you know what he just told me?" Joey's voice came from behind as Willow continued to crawl away.Joey didn't stop her, and she merely paced alongside Willow. For every step Willow took, Joey mirrored her, patiently recounting her conversation with Matthew."I asked him if he ever loved me. Do you know what he said?""He told me to let you go."In the wind of the river, Joey's laughter sounded particularly eerie. "Even at this moment, he only thinks of you. His loyalty to you is absolute, isn't it? I want to ask you a question."Suddenly, Joey squatted down and yanked Willow's hair, forcing her
"Leave right now?" Joey asked incredulously. She then burst into tears. "If only you had said this three years ago!""It's not too late now.""It is too late," Joey said as she shook her head. Willow felt herself being choked. She struggled for breath as the immense force pressed against her neck and pulled her toward the edge of the rocky outcrop with the raging river below."Joey!" Matthew staggered closer."Don't come any closer!"Willow felt a sharp pain in her neck as the knife's blade dug deeper into her flesh."Joey." She gritted her teeth against the agony and asked, "So Yasmine really was stolen by you, wasn't she?""You're still asking such questions at this point? Willow, you really are stupid.""Where's Yasmine?""Ha! What do you think?" Joey's laughter was manic.The rhetorical question sent Willow plummeting into despair as if reliving the anguish from three years ago. It felt like her heart and lungs shook violently, and every nerve of hers screamed in pain.
"We've known each other for so many years, and now, suddenly, I plan to leave Emperia. It's hard not to feel a bit reluctant," Joey said with a hint of nostalgia, her expression darkening as she turned to look at Willow.As the river breeze blew, Willow felt something unfamiliar about the woman in front of her, as if she had never known her at all."What's wrong?"Joey noticed the strange look in Willow's eyes.Willow steadied herself, hiding her immense shock and confusion behind her clenched fist, and casually asked, "When do you plan to leave? Have you decided where to go?""We're thinking of heading to Westwood first. Do you still remember we made a promise in college to go to Westwood for our graduation trip?""I remember.""But you suddenly decided to get married at that time and got busy with matters at Strand Real Estate.""Actually, you didn't have to worry about me. You could have gone without me.""Didn't you know? Matthew liked you, so when he heard you weren't goi