Everyone at the press conference was filled with outrage, with everyone pointing fingers at Wendy.Stanley's cold, sharp gaze locked onto her. He thought she deserved what was coming to her. Didn't she know this was a dangerous situation? How could she have come here alone?"Damn it!" Nathan muttered under his breath, stepping forward to protect Wendy. But someone moved faster. Stanley was already in front, his presence commanding attention.Nathan paused, feeling slightly bewildered. What was going on? Why was Stanley rushing in without thinking?The room, which was buzzing with chaos seconds ago, suddenly fell silent. Stanley watched as Wendy, the target of the mob, lifted her eyes—clear as a calm lake, yet full of power. She calmly surveyed the crowd, and with a single glance from her, everyone fell silent, as if the very air around her had shifted.Stanley froze in his tracks. He had never seen Wendy like this before.The reporters were also taken aback. They didn't und
George's eyes widened in disbelief. Now he understood. He hadn't realized it until this very moment. When he got out of prison, Wendy was the first to know. She had been waiting for him the whole time. Everyone thought she would never speak of the dark past from her childhood. After all, a woman's reputation meant everything. And she never did speak up. She didn't tell Glinda or Stanley. When George demanded money, Wendy gave it to him without hesitation. He had easily knocked her out and kidnapped her. It seemed like he truly had her in his grip.But it was never like that.She had been pretending the whole time. She had been wearing a small surveillance device, making it clear that everything—whether it was his demand for 100 million or his attempt to rape her in the cave—was all part of her plan. She fed his greed with her fake obedience and guided him with her feigned endurance, leading him straight into the abyss of his own crimes.She had set the trap, and after ten
The media conference had been a complete disaster for them.Lilian immediately said, "Wendy, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you earlier. Let me explain. I had no idea…" Wendy turned to look at her. "Are you sure about that?"At that moment, a police officer stepped forward and addressed Lilian. "Lilian Landon, you hid and assisted George during his escape. We reasonably suspect that you are an accomplice. Please come with us for questioning."Two officers grabbed Lilian by the arms.Her head buzzed. She remembered that, when George escaped, she had indeed sheltered him. Lilian stared at Wendy in disbelief. "You're behind this?" Wendy had arranged for Zayn to release George, knowing all along that he would try to approach the Crone family.Wendy looked at Lilian innocently, a slow, almost knowing smile creeping across her face. "I don't understand what you're talking about. Mom, you don't need to explain to me. You should go explain yourself to the authorities."Lilian was left
Realizing Benny was still on her side eased Jessica's nerves just a bit.-After the press conference ended, Stanley returned to his luxurious Rolls-Royce. His voice was low and smooth as he addressed Zayn, who sat in the front seat. "Tell the media team I don't want any details about Wendy leaking out."Zayn responded in a quiet tone, "Don't worry, Mr. Hawk. Some of the female reporters deleted all the photos and videos of Mrs. Hawk right on the spot. They won't be reporting on her."Stanley's lips curved into a faint smile. "She really knows how to manipulate people."Zayn replied with sincerity, "Mrs. Hawk is truly brave."Stanley raised an eyebrow. Yes, she really was brave.He pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Hello, Uncle Cyril."Stanley's uncle was the dean of Clavendale University, one of the top institutions in the country, and a man completely obsessed with medicine. He was known and respected everywhere.Cyril's voice came through the phone. "Stanley, what
Everyone emptied their glasses.At that moment, the television in the private room started broadcasting a news report. The host, holding a microphone, said, "Today, the authorities arrested a criminal who committed child molestation and attempted rape. They have also captured a suspected accomplice."The screen showed George, his head covered with a black bag, being escorted to a police car. Then, Lilian was shown being led away.The three men didn't recognize George, but they all knew Lilian. They froze for a moment. "Mr. Crone, doesn't that suspect look like Mrs. Crone?"What?Harry, who had been about to pour more wine, stopped mid-motion. He turned toward the television. Sure enough, there she was—Lilian.His face instantly drained of color, and he stood frozen in place.The host continued, "Everyone's asking who the biggest simp of the century is—well, I've got to hand it to this suspect. Despite her age, she's actually selling her own daughter just to be a simp herself
Jessica actually invited Wendy for coffee.Wendy didn't respond immediately, but Jessica raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What's the matter, Wendy? Are you scared? You've been winning lately, riding high on your victories. Are you afraid of me?"Wendy curved her lips into a small smile and replied, "I'll see you soon."She hung up the phone and got ready to leave.Just then, her phone pinged. It was a message from Cyril Lincoln, which was an operation plan.Cyril wrote, [Ms. Crone, this is a difficult surgery I encountered last week. When you have time, could you guide me through it?]Cyril was the dean of Clavendale University and also one of her students. Trish, who came from the same university, was one of Cyril's favorites.It was thanks to Cyril's strong recommendation, Trish became her assistant.So, in a way, Cyril and Trish were all her disciples.Wendy replied, [Okay.]-Half an hour later, Wendy arrived at the café and immediately spotted Jessica.Rather than sittin
Wendy gave a bitter, self-mocking smile.-In the VIP room of the hospital, Jessica's leg had already been treated by the doctor.Stanley pressed his lips together as he looked at the doctor. "Are her injuries severe? Will they affect her ability to dance in the future?"The doctor reassured him, "Mr. Hawk, there's no need to worry. We did an X-ray, and thankfully, they're just soft tissue injuries. There's no damage to the bones or tendons. With proper rest, she'll be able to dance again."Once the doctor left, Stanley felt a soft sensation in his palm. He looked down and saw Jessica's small hand reaching up, slipping into his grasp. She held onto him gently.As he looked down at her, Jessica gave him a faint smile, her pale face showing a touch of vulnerability. "Stanley, I'm fine. Don't worry so much about me."Stanley was so tense, and though she had expected it, a wave of sweetness washed over her heart."Why did you throw yourself down the stairs?" he suddenly asked, his
What? He was sending Wendy to school where? Clavendale University? Was he out of his mind?! Clavendale University was one of the top schools in the country—what right did Wendy have to go there?Jessica's expression shifted as she processed this. "Stanley, Wendy dropped out of school when she was 16. She came from the countryside. The only thing she knows is how to seduce men. How does someone like her even have the right to go to Clavendale University?"Stanley looked at Jessica without saying a word.His gaze was firm and resolute, clearly indicating there was no room for negotiation on this. His decision to send Wendy to Clavendale University was final.Jessica was quick to catch on. The two of them had just started to patch things up, and she wasn't about to start a fight with Stanley now. Besides, someone like Wendy would only make a fool of herself by going to Clavendale University. Eventually, Stanley would grow more and more tired of her. Jessica didn't need to do
The snow had stopped falling in Feirwale, but the dock remained damp and chilly.Jessica and Benny stood on the pier, where a yacht was docked. A man dressed in black threw the unconscious Wendy onto the deck of the boat.Benny looked at Wendy, then at Jessica. "Why did you have him bring Wendy here? What did you do to her?"Jessica furrowed her brows. "Are you questioning me? I can tell you've changed. It's like you're starting to waver, like your heart's shifting toward Wendy.""That's not true," Benny replied quickly."Do you still see me as the one Stanley's supposed to be with?" Jessica asked.Benny nodded. He had always admired Jessica and believed she and Stanley were a perfect match. "Of course!""Then prove it to me. You've always hated Wendy, right? Now that she's unconscious, get on the yacht, take her out to sea, and throw her into the water. Make sure she disappears forever!"Benny froze. At first, he thought Jessica was just joking when she said Wendy had to disap
Had Stanley realized that Jessica had been pretending to be Wendy all along?Stanley glanced around. He had been waiting for quite some time, but Wendy hadn't shown up. With a sigh, he turned and walked away.Jessica approached Benny, standing in front of him. "Benny, now that Stanley's completely captivated by Wendy, you have to help me."Benny remained silent.Inside, Jessica was growing anxious. She knew Benny had always wanted to pursue the genius girl. Now that he knew Wendy was the very one, she couldn't help but wonder: Would Benny's feelings shift toward Wendy? No way! She couldn't let that happen.Without wasting a second, Jessica grabbed Benny's sleeve and started to speak ill of Wendy. "Benny, don't let Wendy fool you! She may seem like a genius, but she's been stringing you and Stanley along, playing with your feelings. She just wanted to bask in the spotlight at the Summit Academic Forum. She's very calculating. She knows her way around men."Benny stayed quiet f
"Stanley, we have met before!" Wendy declared. Had they really met before? Yet, Stanley couldn't recall a thing. When had he ever seen her? Still, there was something about Wendy that felt so familiar—something that always seemed to pull him toward her, making him want to get closer to her without even realizing it. "We actually..." Wendy reached for her neck, hoping to pull out the crystal pendant Stanley had given her. However, she couldn't find it. It was then she remembered that she had left it in her room. "Stanley, wait here. I'll be right back with something." Wendy quickly got up and ran off. Stanley watched her leave, his mind swirling. What was she going to get? Wendy rushed back to the hotel and entered her room. She retrieved the crystal pendant and held it in her palm. Would Stanley recognize it? Would seeing this pendant help him remember their past? Would Stanley remember her?She wanted to try.Wendy hurried back to the ski resort. From a distance
Stanley slowly turned his handsome face toward Wendy.Wendy was concentrating on massaging the large bump on his head, unaware of how intimate their situation had become. But then, Stanley suddenly turned his face, and she felt his lips soft against hers.Stanley's cool, thin lips brushed against her soft, red ones, and the two of them kissed.Wendy's clear eyes widened in shock, freezing in place.Stanley looked at her, his voice steady. "Wendy, you kissed me."He was accusing Wendy of kissing her.Wendy opened her mouth to speak, but just then, Lucas and the other older students arrived, calling out, "Wendy? Wendy!""She was just over there skiing! Where is she now?"They had realized Wendy was missing, and Lucas led the search.Wendy tried to say something, "I'm—!"Before she could finish her sentence, a large hand grabbed the back of her head, and Stanley kissed her again.What was he doing?Wendy struggled, but the man's strength was overwhelming. He held the back of h
The accident happened so suddenly. Wendy lifted her gaze and saw Stanley's handsome, distinguished face. In the split second before the crash, Stanley had thrown himself to the rescue.Why would he do that?"Mr. Hawk?"Their bodies were rapidly tumbling downward, and a large rock was coming up fast. They were about to crash into it.Stanley's strong arms tightly wrapped around Wendy. He whispered, "Hold on to me."Without thinking, Wendy clung to Stanley.A loud "thud" rang out as they collided with the rock, coming to a stop.Wendy was now on top, with Stanley holding her. She quickly pushed herself up. "Did you hit your head on the rock?"Just before the collision, Stanley had spun her around with force to protect her, and his head had slammed against the rock with a heavy thud.She didn't feel any pain, though, because he had held her so tightly that she wasn't injured.Now, Stanley was lying still, his eyes closed, unresponsive.Wendy was scared. "Mr. Hawk? Mr. Hawk! O
Stanley stared at the ceiling above him, realizing it had all been just a dream.He had dreamed of Wendy.Last night, Wendy had come into his dreams.His throat tightened, and his muscles tensed, every inch of his body feeling the heightened sensitivity of a man in the early hours of the morning, full of youthful energy.Stanley slowly reached his hand under the covers, his eyes closing in a moment of indulgence...-The snow had fallen all night, and today, everyone had agreed to go skiing.The group had gathered, but Stanley still hadn't arrived."Where's Stanley?""I'll go get him."They were about to head out to find Stanley when, just then, he walked out of his room."Morning, Stanley."Stanley's handsome face showed no sign of emotion, but the chill around him was palpable, a clear warning to keep your distance. He gave a slight nod. "Morning.""Stanley's here! Let's head to the ski resort."Stanley noticed Wendy standing with Lucas.Lucas was talking to her. "Wend
"Stanley, let go of me!" Wendy shoved him away forcefully. Stanley's narrowed eyes were dark with desire, and he leaned in to kiss her again. "Stanley, we're divorced! Think about Jessica!" Wendy yelled.The mention of Jessica hit Stanley like a cold bucket of water, freezing him in place. Wendy pushed him away once more and turned, running from him. Stanley stood there, not quite understanding what had just happened. Jessica was his girl, and he knew he had to be responsible for her. Yet, he couldn't stop being drawn to Wendy. He couldn't control himself around her—it was like an unbreakable spell. After finishing the fondue, everyone returned to the resort hotel. Stanley walked with two other students, while Wendy and Lucas were ahead, walking together. Stanley glanced over. Lucas was saying something, and Wendy was laughing happily. "Stanley, you'll be staying in Room 621. Is that alright?" Stanley showed no expression. "Where is Lucas staying?" "Lucas
At that moment, Wendy felt a sharp pain in her delicate chin as Stanley tightened his grip and squeezed hard. Wendy furrowed her brows in discomfort. "You're hurting me." Stanley looked at her, a faint, mocking smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't realize you have so much charm." He had already seen many men fall for her—Lucas was the most outstanding of their peers, and even he had been caught by her. He didn't mind that she had been married. Seizing the opportunity, Wendy snatched her phone back from his hand. "No matter how much charm I have, I still couldn't capture your heart." She turned to leave. Before she could take a step, a strong arm wrapped around her slender waist, pulling her back into his chest. Her soft body pressed tightly against his, the thin fabric barely separating the warmth and hardness of their forms. Wendy immediately struggled. "What are you doing? If you don't stop, I'll scream for help!" "Wendy, have we met a long time ago?" We
Wendy felt like she was being roasted over an open flame. What was Stanley doing? Did he really want to hear her call him "Stanley"? He was definitely messing with her again. Wendy shot him a glare. Stanley, however, only smiled slightly, clearly enjoying himself. At that moment, a phone rang, breaking the tension. Wendy's phone was ringing. It was like a lifeline. Wendy quickly stood up. "Enjoy your meal, everyone. I need to take this call." Wendy stepped into the hallway to answer the phone. It was Samuel calling. "Wendy, I'm already in Hovendale. Where are you?" "I'm in Feirwale right now, but I'll be back in a couple of days." "Okay, I'll wait for you." Wendy hung up the phone and turned to leave, but as she did, she collided with a warm, muscular chest. "Ah!" Her phone slipped from her hand and fell toward the floor. Her phone! Wendy quickly reached down to grab it. However, a large, well-defined hand stretched out first and caught the pho