Willow felt satisfied as she finally moved out of the Strand Villa and severed all ties with the Strands. Plus, she found the perfect home. It felt like the tides were finally turning in her favor.Matthew gazed silently at the inspiring woman before him. The admiration in his eyes slowly shifted to a longing gaze, and then a determined resolve took over. This time, he wouldn't let the chance slip away.He suggested, "How about we grab something at the nearby Walmart? It's just a 10-minute walk. I can help you carry things back. You might not manage it all on your own. Your car is still at the Strands', right? Why not use mine for these two days?"However, Willow shook her head and replied, "No, it's alright. I'm not working right now, and I don't have to go to the office unless there are projects to follow up on. I'll just take a cab."Matthew felt a twinge of disappointment at her response. Still, he said, "I see. Let me know if you need anything.""Thank you for your concern an
Despite Helen's miserliness, greed, and penchant for gambling, she had instilled valuable lessons in her children—especially Cedar, whose strong sense of morality and fairness even made Helen fear his judgment.Compared to Helen, Cedar wouldn't hesitate to confront Theodore if he discovered that the latter was harassing Willow while engaged. Cedar cared little for Theodore's status as the president of Bassett Corporation, let alone being a billionaire.Understanding Cedar's resolute character, Willow ended the call with satisfaction. She expected Theodore's swift expulsion upon her return home.Half an hour later, Willow reached the street near her home. Striding toward the poker house, she noticed a "closed" sign hanging on the door. As she approached, the savory aroma of lasagna wafted through the air, bringing tears to her eyes. Throughout her three-year marriage with Quentin, Willow rarely visited her mother's house. Between her demanding job and Gina's displeasure with these
Theodore casually remarked, "Actually, I did consider what you mentioned.""Theodore Bassett! Who do you take me for? A prostitute?" Clenching her fists, Willow said through gritted teeth. It was the first time she had used Theodore's full name.Theodore refuted, "If that's the case, why would I waste my time and money on someone like that?""What are you planning then? Why bother me when you're about to get married?" Willow snapped back.Raising an eyebrow, Theodore calmly asked, "Who told you that?""Ms. Godfrey did," Willow scoffed.Unfazed, Theodore continued to question, "Did she now? Was it the day you met her in my office?""That's right! I've seen enough men fooling around with their secret lovers. I don't care about your fancy games, but just so you know, I've got my fair share of admirers and wealth. So, keep those fantasies to yourself!" Willow huffed.Theodore squinted, saying, "So, that's why you haven't replied to my messages since then. What else did Hailey say?
Willow sprinted until she reached an alley, where she stopped to catch her breath. She placed a hand on her chest and attempted to soothe her racing heart. Yet, Theodore's kiss kept replaying in her mind, and she could still feel the warmth lingering on her lips."There you are, Willow." Theodore's voice suddenly echoed from behind.Startled, Willow accidentally tripped over her own feet and let out a shriek. Luckily, a pair of strong arms caught her before she fell."Are you alright?" Theodore asked with genuine concern.Willow attempted to push him away, but her stumbling led her to unintentionally nestle into his embrace, her face resting against his chest.A brief silence filled the air.After a pause, Theodore remarked, "I didn't know you were more into my chest."Willow took a sharp breath at his words and inadvertently choked in response."Easy there." Theodore gently patted her back to help her catch her breath.With a flushed face, Willow shot back, "Who said I care a
After their lunch, Cedar swiftly pulled Willow into her bedroom—a look of concern on his face."Are you seriously dating him?" Cedar questioned.Annoyed, Willow poked his head and retorted, "Mom fell for the money, and you're just going along with her daydreams? Are you blind? Did you ever see me showing the slightest interest in him?""Then why did you ..." Cedar hesitated, fidgeting before continuing, "... kiss?"A blush spread across Willow's face. Hastily, she denied, "That ... That was an accident!"Cedar frowned and took on a more serious tone. "There seem to be a lot of 'accidents' in your case. I get that things have been rough, especially after the divorce. But please, think carefully before jumping into marriage again."Touched by his concern, Willow reassured him with a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, I've got this. Just concentrate on your studies. And hey, I'm financially stable now. You can choose to stay or go abroad for your studies."Cedar shook his head dete
Willow successfully ushered Theodore out of the house and toward the alley entrance.She kept talking as they walked. "Actually, Mr. Bassett, I was thinking of arranging another meeting before the project kicks off. It's for—"Her words were abruptly interrupted by a chilly voice. "Mrs. Jett didn't follow us."Willow cleared her throat, attempting to mask her embarrassment. Truth be told, there was no meeting scheduled.Theodore retrieved his phone and called his chauffeur. "I'm at the alley entrance. Come and pick me up."Once he ended the call, Willow swiftly remarked, "Since someone's coming to pick you up, I'll be on my way. I'll catch you in the next meeting, Mr. Bassett."As she prepared to leave, Theodore seized her arm and questioned, "You're the one who dragged me out here, and now you're leaving me alone?"Willow found herself speechless. "That's not what I mean …" "You're looking for some private time, right? Consider your wish granted," Theodore declared.Willow w
Having been with Theodore for a considerable time, Clark could instinctively grasp his intentions. After a brief pause, he asked the most likely question, "Is Ms. Jett thinking about renting an office?"The question received a soft hum of approval from Theodore.Understanding his task, Clark asked, "Got it. Should we lower the rent, Mr. Bassett?""No. Charge it at the market price," Theodore instructed. He knew Willow wasn't one to take advantage of others' generosity. Plus, she wasn't in dire financial straits. In truth, Theodore wouldn't have offered his assistance if he hadn't considered the security concerns in other locations.Meanwhile, Willow had gone to explore the office building the real estate agent recommended."It's a bit run-down, but the rent is reasonable. You know how it goes; you get what you pay for." As the agent showcased the office, Willow glanced around. However, she wasn't particularly impressed with the choice given."It feels a bit gloomy without natural
Willow's messages kept popping up on the screen. "How did you find out where I rented my place? Did Matthew tell you that?"Holding her phone, Joey responded slowly, "I happen to know his friend, so I took a guess."Willow texted back, "Got it. Are you joining us for dinner, then?""Nah, I have a video conference tonight. Maybe next time," Joey replied."Alright." After replying to Joey's message, Willow signaled to the real estate agent to leave the premises."I want you to look for a better office building. It doesn't have to be big, but the surroundings should be favorable," she stated her requirements."No problem," the real estate agent agreed. Meanwhile, back at the apartment, Joey set her phone aside and used the basin to help herself stand up. Gazing at her haggard self in the mirror, she cupped a handful of cold water and splashed it on her face. As she tenderly touched her damp skin, the resolve and kindness in her eyes transformed into self-deprecation.She didn't p
"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