"What about Stephanie?""Well, it depends on whether you want to press charges."Stephanie was also initially a victim, but from the moment she started to scheme to frame Willow, she went from being a victim to a perpetrator. Her fate now rested entirely in Willow's hands.However, Willow was indifferent about it. "We can talk about that some other time. Let me see your wound."She couldn't be bothered to think about the Strand family right now. As a matter of fact, she couldn't care less about what would happen to them. Her mind was still replaying the scene of Theodore rushing into the office.Theodore turned to button his shirt. "There's nothing to see. I'm fine."Willow immediately grabbed his arm. "Let me see."Not giving him a chance to protest, she pushed his hand aside and began unbuttoning his half-buttoned shirt. Just then, the door suddenly opened with a bang."Theodore!" Two voices called out simultaneously from the doorway. Cedar and Erica were at the door. Their
"Does she usually take any chronic medication?""My mother has high blood pressure, so she usually takes antihypertensive medication. Recently, she complained about poor sleep, so she's been taking some over-the-counter calming medication to help her sleep.""Did you bring them with you? I'd like to have a look.""She should have them with her in her bag."Quentin rummaged through Gina's bag and found several bottles of medication. The doctor took out a few capsules and examined them for a while, but he couldn't determine what they were. Then, he handed them to the nurse. "Take these to the lab for testing.""Doctor, what's wrong with my mother?""To put it bluntly, the patient may have been taking medications that damage the kidneys for a long time. Fortunately, she was brought in early. Otherwise, if her condition was allowed to worsen, it could have become a serious issue.""How is that possible? The antihypertensive medication was prescribed by the hospital. And the calmin
Willow was momentarily stunned, her eyes widening in shock.Gritting his teeth, Quentin said, "I know I'm asking for a lot, but I really don't know who else I can trust right now. Willow, could you please take care of my mom for a little while?"Willow frowned slightly when she heard him."The Strand family is in disarray right now. If they find out my mom is sick, those relatives with their own agendas will definitely come after her when I'm not around."Right now, Stephanie is mentally unstable, there's no one at home, and the police have also called me in to cooperate with their investigation…"Quentin spoke disjointedly, listing all the problems he was facing as if he were on the verge of collapse."And? Why should Willow even help you just because you asked?"A cold voice came from behind Willow. Theodore lifted his cold gaze by a fraction, staring unblinkingly at Quentin. The oppressive atmosphere was laced with unceremonious mockery."You blindly listen to your mother, y
"Who said anything about looking forward to it?" Willow's face was burning with embarrassment, and she quickly changed the topic. "I'm going inside to have a look. Just stay here."After Quentin let Gina know he needed to go, he thanked Willow and Theodore profusely before hurrying off.Willow's gaze hardened as she looked at Gina, who was lying motionless on the bed. She poured a glass of water and brought it over.It was evident that Quentin was pampered growing up—he didn't even notice how dry and cracked Gina's lips were even after talking to her for so long. He could have at least gotten her a glass of water."Take your time. I'll go get more water.""You don't have to. This is enough.""Alright, then just rest for a bit. Let me know if you need anything."Willow sat down and placed the glass of water on the coffee table. Across from her was Theodore, who was flipping through a magazine. His features were as perfect as ever, and his expression was cold and distant.Gina le
"Perhaps Godfrey Group will use the commercial development of that area to firmly establish their foothold in Emperia." After Willow picked up on what Gina was trying to say, she spoke in a firm tone. She turned to Theodore, trying to glean something from his expression, but he remained as calm as ever and showed no emotion, leaving her unable to guess his thoughts.After Quentin returned, Willow and Theodore left the hospital. Once they were home, Willow put her coat down."Erica should be asleep. You should go rest too. Sleep early." Theodore grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge and opened it. As the fizz of it opening filled the air, white foam spilled out all over his fingertips. "You can't drink right now." Willow immediately took the beer from his hand. "I'll heat up some milk for you."Theodore frowned. "Is there nothing you want to ask me?""Not really.""Do you have any questions about what Mrs. Strand said?"Willow was visibly startled for a second but didn't st
"You can reopen the case. All the evidence points to Godfrey Group. Edward and his family are the masterminds, and it has nothing to do with anyone in the Bassett family."Theodore's cold voice echoed in the study, allowing no dissent.Willow stared at him. "Are you trying to get me to clear your grandmother of any responsibility?"The cold wind outside howled, beating against the glass. Theodore's eyes were as cold as ice. "Willow, the world isn't just all black and white.""Everyone must take responsibility for their actions. If one is bold enough to do it, one should be bold enough to face the consequences.""Grandma is old.""Then have you thought about those who died in the fire? They also had families, parents, and children. Were their elders not old?"After taking a deep breath, Willow handed the documents back to Theodore. "I don't need these. I'll keep investigating, or I will never find peace."The documents hung between them, but Theodore didn't try to take them. Wil
The car slowly rolled to a stop by the roadside. Through the windshield, Theodore could clearly see that the person inside was Matthew. His eyes darkened immediately."Willow Jett!" He suddenly grabbed Willow's arm, his voice cold as he demanded, "Do you simply not want to twist the truth, or are you trying to use this as a way to sever ties with me completely?""What are you talking about? Let go of me!""Answer my question!"As Theodore's face contorted with anger, he tightened his grip to the point of nearly crushing her wrist. "Anyone but you can reopen the case. Do you understand?""Let go of me!" Willow's face flushed red from the struggle, and in her frustration, she snapped, "Stop with the righteous talk!"Anyone can reopen the case? Even if you expose the evidence to the public, who in Emperia would dare make the Bassett family their enemy?""If you know that, then why are you insisting on doing as you please? Do you think having that random contract from Mrs. Strand is
In the car, Willow didn't look too good.Matthew asked as he drove, "What happened just now? Is everything alright?"Willow took a deep breath to calm herself before replying, "It's nothing. What was the new evidence you mentioned over the phone?""Tobias' brother has a recording.""A recording? Of what?""The entire conversation between Hailey and Tobias during their transaction. The recording proves that Tobias was bribed by Hailey to deliberately start the fire."As Matthew explained, he grew more excited. "Once we hand this recording over to the police, the truth will come out. Even if Hailey is a wealthy heiress, so what? With solid evidence, I'm sure she won't be able to find another guy to take the fall for her."Despite having the evidence in hand, Willow didn't feel the expected sense of satisfaction. Instead, she felt a bit downcast.Noticing her reaction, Matthew asked, "What's wrong?""I wish it were that simple." Willow looked up at him. "Come with me to the hospi
"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