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 truth was, Wendy had long since grown used to it. Wandering, drifting through life—she had grown up that way. But it was only now that she realized something: Warmth, not hardship, was what made her heart ache the most. That was what brought her to tears.Glinda reached out and pulled Wendy into a gentle embrace, patting her back as if soothing a child. "Silly girl, why are you being so formal with me?""Grandma, there's something I need to tell you.""Sure, darling. What is it?"Outside the door, Stanley stood quietly, watching. Wendy was leaning on Glinda's shoulder, her delicate lashes fluttering as she cried silently, her tears falling like raindrops. "Grandma, I can't stay here anymore. I'm leaving."Glinda was shocked. "What? Why? Has that boy Stanley been bullying you again? I'll go teach him a lesson right now!"Freddy immediately handed her a feather duster. "Mrs. Glinda, use this!"Glinda took it in hand, shaking her head. "Wendy, don't go. You're not the one w
Wendy was just someone brought in to replace another. A small mistake, really. Stanley admitted there was a brief moment when he was lost in desire, but he didn't love her. The person he cared about was Jessica. The person he wanted around was Jessica.He didn't want to be caught between two women. His relationship with Wendy should be over.-Late at night, Cecelia heard a knock at the door. She quickly threw on a robe and went to open it. "Who's there?"Standing outside was Wendy. Wendy wasn't carrying anything, except for the pale yellow vest that Glinda had given her. With a wry smile, Wendy looked at Cecelia and said, "Cecelia, I have nowhere else to go. Can you take me in?"Cecelia immediately pulled her inside. Noticing how cold Wendy's hands were, Cecelia gently rubbed them. "Wendy, what happened? Why are you out here by yourself so late? It's not safe."Wendy gave a faint smile. "Today, Jessica threw herself down the stairs and told Stanley he couldn't share a room
At the moment, Cyril was standing while Wendy was sitting. By all accounts, Cyril should have had the upper hand. But Wendy sat there with perfect posture, her clear, bright eyes calmly studying Cyril. Her composed and confident presence somehow made Cyril feel dwarfed.Cyril cleared his throat. "Y-yes, I am."Cyril mentally scolded himself. What was he even saying? Aside from his revered mentor, Dr. Ceylan, no one ever dared call him by his full name. And yet, this niece-in-law of his addressed him this way.Cyril wanted to reprimand her. "You little—"But before he could say anything, Wendy gave a small nod and said, "Alright, go ahead and give your lecture."Cyril froze. Who was the professor here, and who was the student? She was giving him orders now?But something in Wendy's gaze seemed to make Cyril's body move on its own. Without another word, he turned around and walked to the front of the classroom. Grabbing the chalk, he started his lesson.Why was he doing as s
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