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
Wendy lifted her gaze to Stanley. "No, I'm leaving tonight."She tried to pull her wrist free from his firm grip, but Stanley's grip held fast. His strength was unyielding, making it impossible for her to move. He parted his lips, his voice as calm as ever. "Tomorrow, go to Clavendale University to register."Wendy froze. "Why?""I'm sending you there to study. Everything's been arranged, and you'll be studying medicine there."Wendy was speechless.He was really sending her to Clavendale University to study medicine? Had he even thought about what he was saying? Was he serious?"I'm not going!" Wendy snapped, refusing immediately.Stanley frowned, his brows drawing together in a handsome line. "Wendy, Clavendale University is one of the best in the country. It's not easy to get in. This is a rare opportunity. I know you stopped studying at 16, but now I'm offering you a chance. Aren't you interested in medicine? If you study hard, one day you can shine just like Jessica does
The familiar announcement rang out.Benny shot up from the couch, his eyes wide in disbelief. "Damn it!"He swung his Zen staff and lunged forward, but before he could take a step, Wendy spun in the air, landing lightly and bringing her axe down on him. It was over in an instant—he was down. He was dead! He actually died!Benny couldn't believe it. The sudden turn of events caught Stanley's attention, and he looked over at Benny with a raised eyebrow.Benny, not one to admit defeat, huffed, [Wendy, let's go again!]Wendy agreed, and the second round began.Just two seconds later, Stanley heard Benny's voice erupt again, more furious than ever. "Damn it! Damn it, damn it, damn it!""Game over." Benny had lost again.Still unwilling to accept it, Benny growled, [Wendy, another round!]Wendy replied, [Mr. Gondale, you should think about this carefully. If you lose the third round, your rank will drop.]Benny had always been at the top rank as the champion, but after facing o
Wendy's absence only seemed to highlight Trish's success.Trish signed autographs for the group of students, then cheerfully walked over to Wendy. "Wendy, I heard you were kidnapped by Paul. Why do you always get yourself into trouble? You're making our Crone family look bad!" No one from the Crone family seemed to care about her, only blaming her. Wendy wasn't the least bit upset—she was used to it by now. She gave a playful wink, her voice light as she replied, "I don't mind making the Crone family look bad, as long as you're there to make up for it."The comment struck a chord with Trish. She immediately smiled, her lips curling into a proud grin. "You heard about my academic paper, right? It was selected by the Medical Museum, and tomorrow, it's going to be officially displayed in their showcase. Our whole family is celebrating. Tomorrow, Grandma and my parents are coming to the Medical Museum to witness my moment of glory."Even Edith was getting involved—after all, Tri
Wendy pulled out her phone and found Stanley's number, but she hesitated for a long time before dialing.He had truly surprised her. Wasn't Jessica supposed to be his favorite? How could he bring himself to turn her down? Last night, Wendy had left without a word and never thanked him in person. She wondered whether he had seen the note she had left on the nightstand."Wendy, what are you daydreaming about? Hurry up and call Mr. Hawk! He stood up for you this time!" Halsey urged.Wendy pressed the dial button.The phone rang once, then was answered with a calm and unhurried voice.Stanley picked up the phone, but didn't say anything.The silence on the other end stretched on.Wendy's slender fingers tightened around the phone. She didn't know what to say.After a moment, his deep, magnetic voice broke the silence. "If you're not going to speak, then I'll hang up."Typical of him—domineering and direct."Wait!" Wendy quickly spoke up. "Paul's parents came to the school looki
In the girls' dormitory…"Ouch... It hurts... Halsey, please be gentle..."Wendy had returned to the dorm after leaving Saville Villa, and Halsey was carefully applying an ice pack to her face.Hearing Wendy cry in pain, Halsey cursed under her breath. "Paul is an animal! How could he do this to you? Where is he now? Wait a minute, Wendy—why did you come back alone?"When Halsey opened the door to the dorm, she was shocked to see Wendy walking in with a swollen red handprint across her face. Wendy's arms and legs were also marked with bruises and red imprints—clear signs of abuse.It was late, and Wendy had returned alone, her body covered in injuries. Halsey's heart ached for her.Where was Paul now?Earlier, Jessica had gone to see Stanley, so Paul was probably released by now.Wendy trembled slightly and, without a word, wrapped her arms around Halsey's warm body. "Halsey, my face hurts. I don't want to talk right now.""Okay, okay," Halsey replied quickly, "I'll stop askin
Stanley couldn't focus on the documents anymore. He stood up and walked toward the master bedroom.The room was empty—no sign of Wendy.Seeing the bathroom door was closed, Stanley stood at the threshold, his voice low as he called out, "Wendy, are you almost done?"There was no response.No sound came from inside.Stanley raised his hand, about to knock, but before he could, the bathroom door opened on its own.He paused, then walked in. The large bathtub was empty. Wendy was nowhere to be found.Where did she go?Stanley stepped out, and just then, a maid entered the room. "Mr. Hawk, Mrs. Hawk has already left."She left? Just like that?Stanley glanced at the untouched ice pack. "She didn't use it?""No, Mrs. Hawk said she didn't need it."On the nightstand, there was a note. Stanley extended his long fingers and picked it up. The note was simple.[Thank you.]She left without telling him and just left that little note behind for him.Stanley stood with his hands on h
Jessica clicked her heels in her crystal-clear stilettos and walked into the study.Wendy was left standing alone, frozen in place."I feel sorry for you because no one loves you."Jessica's words echoed in her ears over and over again.Wendy knew Jessica looked down on her. To Jessica, she was just some quiet onlooker, hiding in the shadows, coveting what Jessica had, her mother and Stanley. And Wendy had nothing— no one loved her.Jessica felt sorry for her.Wendy's chest ached as if a thousand needles were piercing her heart. The pain stretched deep inside her, reaching her core. It was so bitterly ironic. Jessica's mother and Stanley—they had all once been hers!Wendy's gaze lingered on the study door ahead. If Jessica spoke to him, would Stanley really release Paul?Jessica had told her to listen outside, but at this moment, Wendy had lost all her courage.She couldn't bear to hear it.Her heart, once warm, now felt like it was slowly freezing over. She realized she shou
Ursula quickly spoke up. "Today, my son kidnapped Wendy. Mr. Hawk rushed over to rescue her, and now he's holding my son hostage. Mr. Hawk refuses to let him go, all because of Wendy." What? Jessica's expression shifted immediately. No wonder Stanley had suddenly left Dr. Ceylan's lecture today. He had gone to rescue Wendy. How many times had this happened now? The last time, Wendy had been kidnapped by George, and it was Stanley who had rushed to save her. Now, Stanley had gone so far as to hold Paul? The Hawk and Andrews families had ties—for Stanley to go so far, did Wendy mean that much?Jessica clenched her fists. Frank watched her closely. "Ms. Crone, everyone knows you're Mr. Hawk's favorite. No amount of words from us can compare to just one request from you. If you speak to Mr. Hawk, I'm sure he'll release my son." At this, Jessica, Harry, and Lilian all smiled knowingly. Jessica's lips curled into a playful smile. "So that's all you wanted me to do
Stanley stood tall by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his long legs and imposing figure casting a shadow in the room. His cold, dark eyes seemed as if they were pools of ink—deep, distant, and dangerous. "Do you think this can be solved with just an apology? You should leave." Ursula's eyes filled with tears, and she begged, her voice trembling, "Stanley, please, I'm begging you! When you were a child, we used to hold you. Paul's our only child, so please let him go. I swear we will discipline him properly from now on." Stanley didn't flinch. His voice was cold as he gave the order. "Zayn, show them out." Zayn immediately gestured toward the door, his voice polite but firm. "Mr. and Mrs. Andrews, please follow me." Frank's face turned red with anger. "Stanley, are you really going to be this heartless? Just because of a girl like Wendy? I've done my research—Wendy's just some country girl with poor grades! Is she worth it? You're willing to tear apart the relationship betwe
Wendy cried uncontrollably, her voice breaking with emotion. "You're always so angry with me... Why does it matter if I put on makeup or wear lipstick? Jessica does it every day, and you never yell at her... If she had been the one taken, you'd be hugging her, calling her 'babe'... You just hate me, don't you? Why do you hate me so much?" Her sobs were raw and desperate, her delicate shoulders trembling with each breath. Her eyes were swollen and red, her nose pink, like a rose about to bloom, and tears fell in sparkling drops, endlessly streaming down her face. Stanley's expression shifted, his face turning pale. He quickly crouched down beside her, his hand reaching out. "Wendy, please, stop crying." She hardly ever cried in front of him. The only time he'd seen her cry before was in her sleep, when she had sobbed out for her mother to stay. This was the second time, and it was because of him. He couldn't bear to see her in tears. Stanley gently wiped a tear from