Clark inquired, "Mr. Bassett, what do we do next?"Theodore picked up the dagger from the ground. It glimmered dangerously. He asked Sonia, "Which hand did you use to hold the dagger?"His eyes were devoid of emotions. Turning white, Willow stammered, "W-What are y-you doing?"Theodore showed an aversion to Sonia. Instead, he turned to the driver, who was pinned down. He questioned, "Do you want to live?"The driver was caught by surprise but swiftly nodded. He explained, "They paid me to do this. I didn't do anything to Ms. Jett except bring her here. I won't do this anymore. Please let me go!""Which hand did she grip the dagger with?"The driver was in a daze when he was questioned. Theodore dropped the dagger in front of the man and said, "You may leave if you cut off one of her fingers."The men who pinned the driver had let go of him. His legs turned jelly as he fell onto his knees, staring at the dagger.Finally, he came to a decision and swallowed hard as he reached for
"Don't move." Theodore's cool voice reverberated in Willow's ears, making them buzz.They were in such a small space that she couldn't move even if she wanted to. As she pondered whether kneeing him would be considered repaying his kindness with cruelty, Theodore spoke.He said, "I told you to press on your wound without moving, didn't I?"Then, he tugged the handkerchief out of her hand and pressed it to the wound on her neck. This took Willow aback. It was fortunate that she hadn't had the chance to knee him yet."Uh … it's not bleeding anymore," she said."Are you sure?"Willow followed Theodore's line of sight and looked down to see that fresh blood had already trailed down her neck, dying her white shirt crimson.She yelped, immediately feeling the pain in her neck. It was stronger than before. "I'll do it myself, Mr. Bassett.""Forget it. Just stay still." Theodore's tone was firm. It was as if he didn't believe Willow could handle herself. He didn't give her a second cha
"Huh?" Willow's expression changed. "Your house?"Before she could ask why Theodore had brought her here instead of to the hospital, he'd already strode toward the villa. As he walked, he asked, "Is Terence here yet?""Dr. Roth arrived ten minutes ago. He's been waiting for you in the living room."Willow was still stunned to the spot. A maid reminded her, "It's cold outside, Ms. Jett. Hurry up and head inside. Dr. Roth is waiting for you."She returned to her senses and followed the maid into the villa. As she walked, she took in her surroundings. The land was expansive, and the villa was one of the top ten most luxurious ones in Emperia.Willow couldn't believe she'd ever had the honor of stepping foot here. It was all thanks to Theodore, too.The maid led Willow into the villa."Terence." Theodore's cool voice rang out.A man standing before the display shelves turned around. He wore a white doctor's coat, which accentuated his tall figure. He'd been admiring the items on th
Before leaving, Terence glanced at Willow. Then, he reminded Theodore, "I can only tell you to toe the line when it comes to certain things. Otherwise, you'll only be causing trouble for yourself and others if word gets back to your grandmother."Theodore frowned in response. Once he left, Willow wanted to leave as well. "It's already 11:00 pm. I've got to go. Thanks for today, Mr. Bassett. I—""You'll stay here tonight," Theodore cut her off crisply. She was taken aback."You must be joking, Mr. Bassett." She was grateful and touched that he'd saved her, but that didn't mean they had to take their relationship to another level.Willow also didn't think Theodore was obligated to interfere in her matters. "Look, it's getting late, so let's leave it at that. I'm going to go, Mr. Bassett."She didn't want to get any more entangled with Theodore than she already was. She got up to leave. But before she'd even stepped off the wool carpet, he grabbed her by the wrist and tugged her to h
"Is it necessary to be so excited?" Theodore looked at Willow expressionlessly.It took Willow a while to settle down. "Look, I'm nothing but an older woman and a divorcée to boot. What is it about me that you like?""We're well-matched.""How so? How long have we known each other? Do you even know me?"Theodore looked up at her. "What do you think?"Willow faltered. Her face burned as she suppressed her roiling emotions. She continued stubbornly, "Mr. Bassett, you need to try these things a few more times before you truly know whether someone is right for you."How do you know I'm the best for you if you haven't compared me to anyone else?""Are you saying that we need to try a few more times to determine whether we're well-matched?""No, that's not what I mean!" Willow saw it now. Theodore had a way of molding the conversation to his liking whenever they talked.As they continued speaking, it would become apparent they'd deviated from her initial purpose. No matter how thing
"It's because I don't want to let our relationship go, of course. Do you really think it's necessary for us to take things so far?" Quentin said."Yeah," Willow said bluntly.Quentin was taken aback. Then, he said anxiously, "When did you become like this, Willow? You never cared about these things in the past!""I didn't care in the past because we were married, and I was the general manager of Strand Real Estate. I care now because I'm Willow Jett." Willow had always been rational. Every bit of obedience and tolerance she'd had had been given to Quentin during their marriage.She'd trusted him not because she was a fool but because she felt that trust was imperative for a strong marriage. But things were different now. She was no longer restricted by anything. She was only Willow Jett."I've already had a lawyer draw up the newest property settlement agreement. It should be delivered to your company by this afternoon. Everything else is the same as before, except for one thing—I
"You really didn't need to escort me, Mr. Bassett. Quentin wouldn't have dared to do anything to me in broad daylight," Willow said while seated in Theodore's car. She never expected him to wait for her outside the café."You're overthinking this. It's on my way," Theodore said.On his way? This took Willow aback. It seemed she'd thought too highly of herself this time.Clark had to have the worst timing ever. From the driver's seat, he asked, "Ms. Jett, where are you headed?""Baker & Associates, thanks." She belatedly realized something as soon as the words were out of her mouth. Earlier, she hadn't told them where she was headed. How would Theodore know it was on his way?But Theodore was currently leaning against the back seat with his eyes shut and arms crossed. He looked completely at ease. Willow swallowed her doubts.She'd never been able to understand the reason behind his actions. Who knew what went on in his mind?Clark drove steadily. They quickly left the concrete j
"Did someone drop you off here?" Matthew asked."Oh, yeah. A friend." Willow didn't elaborate. "Did you see the things I sent to you this morning?""Yeah. Let's talk upstairs." Matthew retracted his gaze. He led Willow upstairs so they could discuss the lawsuit. "If I'd known something like that would've happened, I would've sent you home myself. I'm sorry you had to go through such danger. Are you okay?""Yeah. I just had a few minor injuries," Willow answered.Matthew's expression darkened when he saw the gauze peeking out from underneath her silk scarf. "I can't believe Quentin resorted to abduction and threatening you. Does he dream of ending up behind bars or something?""I don't think he'll likely get sent to jail. He can just push everything on Sonia. At most, he'll be locked up for a few days. Anyway, I don't want to make too big a deal out of this," Willow said."Got it. I'll try to get you the best compensation."As they spoke, Matthew's phone rang. He frowned after ch
"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