Glinda gasped, "Stanley!"Outside the door, Wendy was equally stunned. She hadn't expected Stanley to shield Jessica from the whip.It was clear—Jessica had his blatant favoritism.Stanley looked at Glinda, his voice firm. "Grandma, that's enough. I'm the one who wants to be with Jessica. She's done nothing wrong—it's all my fault. If you want to punish someone, punish me! Don't touch her!"Jessica immediately reached out and clung to Stanley. "No, Grandma, don't hurt Stanley! If anyone should be punished, it should be me!"In that moment, Jessica and Stanley seemed like two star-crossed lovers, while Glinda stood as the villain trying to tear them apart.Wendy felt a bitter ache in her chest.Glinda's hand, still gripping the whip, trembled with rage. "Stanley, Wendy's your wife! Have you forgotten that for three years, when you were in a coma, it was she who stayed by your side, never leaving you? How could you hurt her like this? I can see you've been completely bewitched b
Jessica's arrogance was something Stanley had nurtured. She was the woman he'd spoiled rotten, and now, she wielded that power.Wendy gave a bitter smile. "Freddy, what exactly happened today? Did someone send Grandma a photo?" Freddy handed over the photo that showed clearly Stanley and Jessica dancing intimately at a bar the previous night."This morning, someone sent this photo to Mrs. Glinda. They exposed Mr. Hawk and Jessica's affair. Mrs. Glinda saw it and was furious. She immediately sent someone to grab Jessica."Glinda truly cared for Wendy and hated seeing her upset in any way. Wendy held the photo thoughtfully. "Freddy, who do you think sent this photo?""Whoever exposed Mr. Hawk and Jessica's affair is clearly on your side," Freddy replied. Wendy smiled softly, her thoughts drifting. No wonder Stanley didn't trust her—everyone seemed to think the same thing.At first glance, it seemed like she'd benefit from this situation. Either she or one of her friends could
The two of them locked eyes.Wendy looked at Stanley, trying to explain herself. "Stanley, I swear, I didn't send that photo to Grandma. I won't admit to something I didn't do."Jessica tugged at Stanley's sleeve. "Stanley, look at her! Even now, she's still trying to make excuses. She has no remorse!"Stanley's gaze was cold, devoid of any warmth. "Wendy, apologize. Now."His voice was commanding, as though he were giving her an order.Wendy's pale eyes welled up, but she stood tall, her slender back straight and her tone stubborn. "Stanley, I'll say it again: I didn't do this, so I won't apologize."Stanley's eyes were like ink, dark and deep, swallowing everything in their path. "Wendy. Your best friend Cecelia works at a magazine company, doesn't she?"A chill ran down Wendy's spine. Was he threatening to go after the people close to her?Both Jessica and Lilian were watching her with expressions of triumph, their faces so smug it almost burned.Wendy curled her white fing
Actually, Wendy had suspected from the moment she arrived at the family estate that Jessica was the one who sent the photo.Earlier, in the hospital room, she had gently prodded Jessica, coaxing the latter to admit the truth to Stanley. Wendy wanted to hear Jessica confess it in her own words.Stanley hung up the phone and looked up at Wendy.Her gaze was cool as she let a mocking smile curve her red lips. "Stanley, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. I didn't send the photo—Jessica did."Stanley furrowed his brow, his handsome features tense, but he didn't say a word.Wendy turned and started to leave. Just as she was about to pass him, Stanley reached out and grabbed her slender arm.Reacting instinctively, Wendy wrenched her arm away, not wanting any physical contact with him."After you left, Grandma got so upset that she fainted. In her sleep, she kept calling your name. Maybe you should go check on her when you have the time," she spat. With that, Wendy walked ou
Glinda's voice was gentle as she said, "Go ahead, dear."Wendy nodded and left the room.Stanley walked to the bedside, and Glinda scolded him sharply, "Why are you back? Get out of here now!"Stanley gave a small, genuine smile and apologized. "Grandma, I'm sorry. I was wrong."Glinda's tone softened slightly, but she didn't let him off easily. "I don't need your apology. The person you really owe an apology to is Wendy!"Freddy, clearly upset, chimed in, "That's right, Mr. Hawk! You just ran off with that Jessica. It was Mrs. Wendy who stayed behind to care for Mrs. Glinda when she fainted! It's like you've been adopted, and Mrs. Wendy's the real family!"Stanley stood speechless."And then you pushed Wendy, and she hit the table! People always say the squeaky wheel gets the grease—don't think just because Wendy didn't cry, it didn't hurt!" Glinda added."Mr. Hawk, you really need to use your conscience. You can't keep treating Mrs. Wendy like this!"Glinda and Freddy both k
"Why are you ignoring me?" Stanley's voice was gentle, almost coaxing.For a man of Stanley's stature, power, and influence, his willingness to lower himself to console a woman could easily give the illusion of deep affection, pulling her in with the temptation of emotional attachment.But Wendy remained clear-headed, knowing all too well that Stanley's affection had never been meant for her.He had given it all to Jessica.Wendy kept her head lowered, her long lashes fluttering slightly. She still tried to stand up. "Let go of me!"Stanley's smile grew more pronounced. "Are you upset?"Wendy chuckled, finding the idea amusing. "What do I have to be upset about?"Stanley's tone softened, laced with concern. "Did I hurt you earlier? Did I make you hit your waist?"Wendy shook her head, denying it. "No."But Stanley's large hand moved to her delicate waist, gently cupping the area as he leaned closer, his voice soft but steady. "Is it here?"It was indeed there.Wendy had noti
Wendy adjusted her white shirt and turned to face Stanley.The phone was still on the nightstand, the ringtone playing over and over. Yet, Stanley didn't even glance at it. He didn't pick up Jessica's call.That was probably the first time he had ever done that.Stanley, tall and lean, stood up and removed his black suit jacket. Underneath, he wore a white shirt, but there was a large stain on the back—blood. Wendy's mind flashed to the lash Glinda had struck him with earlier.That lash had cut deep into his skin, but his resolve was unshakable. He didn't show a hint of pain on his face.The wounds needed to be treated or they could get infected."I'll get the first aid kit and take care of that for you," Wendy said.Stanley turned his head to look at her, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile. "A moment ago, you wouldn't even look at me."Wendy bent down to grab the first aid kit. "I just didn't want Grandma to worry."Stanley sat down on the bed. "Take off your shir
Wendy had finished dressing his wound. Unfortunately, Stanley's injury had become infected, and as soon as he lay down, he started running a high fever. He felt freezing cold, so she turned on the air conditioner and piled several blankets on him, but he still shivered. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his lips turned pale.Wendy couldn't help but think that he deserved it. Why hadn't he treated his wound properly when he took Jessica to the hospital? She gave him a shot to help him get through it, but he would have to endure the fever on his own. Once the fever passed, he'd recover.Wendy pulled the blankets aside and lay down next to him. His body was ice-cold, radiating an almost unbearable chill. She couldn't just leave him like that. Biting her lip, she pressed her slender form close to his, hoping to warm him.He lay with his back to her, and Wendy avoided his injury, wrapping her arms around him from behind.Stanley could feel her warmth as she curled up against
Halsey stood up, unfazed. "Jessica, get this straight: this is my territory, not the Hawk family's. Someone get them out of here!" "On it!"Before Jessica and Sienna could even struggle, there was a loud "bang", and they were unceremoniously thrown out. The two of them landed in a heap outside the door, utterly humiliated.Isabel laughed cruelly while Halsey flashed a playful grin, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She had promised to give them a memorable experience.How dare they pick on Wendy, her good friend! Did they think no one had Wendy's back?After Wendy had been so terribly ill recently, Halsey finally got the chance to settle the score. She had just avenged Wendy in the most satisfying way possible.Outside, Jessica and Sienna scrambled to their feet, shocked by how quickly things had turned. They never expected to be tossed out of the Lincoln family's estate.Halsey was infuriating! Anyone who hung out with Wendy was nothing but trouble!"Jessica, Bebe is complete
Halsey stopped pretending. She revealed that she was, in fact, Bebe.Halsey was Bebe?Jessica was thunderstruck. Her mind went blank, unable to process the shocking revelation.Halsey was actually Bebe?She and Sienna had practically gone through the entire roster of Clavendale University—and the person they had been trying to get close to was none other than Halsey, the uggo? It felt like a cruel joke from fate. Jessica couldn't bring herself to believe it.Meanwhile, Sienna stood frozen, unable to comprehend.Halsey smiled. "Jessica, I heard from Stanley that you were desperate to be friends with me. You were so chatty earlier, but now that you've seen me, you can't seem to get a word out."Halsey sat back on the sofa while Isabel and the bodyguards stood respectfully behind her. She watched with amusement as Jessica's face twisted with embarrassment.Jessica clenched her fists, mortified.Thinking back to her words outside the estate gates, she realized how foolish she ha
"Yeah! We're all here to hang out with Bebe, while you can only play with that country bumpkin Wendy. How pathetic," Sienna sneered at Halsey.Isabel nearly rolled her eyes, speechless at the absurdity of it all.Halsey grinned brightly. "Oh, yes, I really envy you both for getting to hang out with Bebe," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.Sienna laughed. "Jessica, don't waste any more time with this ugly thing. Let's go inside and meet Bebe."Jessica wasn't interested in wasting another second on Halsey, either. "Sure. Let her wallow in her jealousy. Let's go."The two of them walked past Halsey, their arrogance radiating. Isabel couldn't help but chuckle. "It seems they still don't know who you are."Halsey raised an eyebrow, her smile turning devious. "Don't worry. I'm going to make sure they won't forget this!"-As Jessica and Sienna entered the living room, Jessica felt like she was in a dream. She had finally stepped foot in the Lincoln family's house.She w
Halsey returned to the Lincoln family's estate, where the maid, Isabel Langstaff, was already waiting at the door. "Ms. Halsey, welcome home," she greeted warmly.Halsey had been born with a birthmark on her face, which was why she had been called "Clown Girl" or "uggo". Any other girl might have felt ashamed, but Halsey was always bright and optimistic. Because of this, she was loved by everyone in the Lincoln family, especially the staff.Halsey smiled and hugged Isabel. "It's good to be home! Today, I invited two people here. I'm going make sure it's a memorable visit."She emphasized the word "memorable" with a playful tone.Isabel beamed. "Are they your friends? I'm glad to hear you've been making so many friends."Just then, a luxury car pulled up, and two people stepped out. It was Jessica and Sienna, the guests Halsey had invited.Halsey smiled, her lips curling up. Speak of the devil.This was Jessica and Sienna's first time at the Lincoln family's estate. Both of the
"Sienna, you sure know how to flatter." After saying their goodbyes to Benny and Sienna, Stanley and Jessica stepped out of the bar. "I'll have someone take you home," Stanley offered.Jessica tilted her head, her delicate face upturned as she gazed at him. "I don't want to go home tonight. I want to go to your villa."Having done some thinking, Jessica realized she had been far too reserved. She didn't want to wait until after marriage to get intimate with Stanley.Stanley was a man, after all, with normal needs. If those needs weren't met, he could easily be tempted by other women. That was how Wendy had managed to slip into his life, taking advantage of a crack in their relationship to climb into his bed.Tonight, Jessica was determined to go to Stanley's villa, offering him a flirtatious invitation.Looking at Jessica's flushed face, Stanley pursed his lips. "I can't. I have to work late at the office tonight. I'll have someone take you home. Be good."Jessica's face fe
Stanley's expression softened a little."I like this bag. As a token of my gratitude, I'd like to invite Jessica to my house tomorrow," Halsey said.Hearing that she was inviting Jessica to the Lincoln family's estate tomorrow, Stanley nodded. "Alright."After he left, Wendy returned. "Hey, sorry I was gone for so long."Halsey took Wendy's hand. "I was just about to come find you."Wendy smiled in return. "Let's go. I'm hungry. Let's head to the snack street.""Alright. I'll take care of the bill," Halsey replied.Wendy immediately stopped her and pulled out a gold-embossed black card from her bag. "Don't fight me for it. Tonight, I'm paying. This is the card Stanley gave me when we divorced. From now on, I'll use his card. Let him foot the bill."Halsey's eyes lit up. "Attagirl! This is Mr. Hawk's compensation for you. If you don't spend it, Jessica will."Wendy stared at the black card in her hand. "How much do you think this card is worth?"Halsey thought for a moment. "I
They had all hoped to see Wendy make a fool of herself, but in the end, she had humiliated them completely. It was outrageous!Stanley watched Wendy's slender figure as she walked away, his gaze deep and unreadable. No one could tell what he was thinking. He pressed his lips together, then said softly, "Alright, that's enough."Jessica quieted down, her anger toward Wendy still simmering beneath the surface. She tried to suppress it, focusing instead on her goal. "Stanley, you said tonight you'd introduce me to Bebe. Where is she?"Jessica hadn't forgotten the reason she was here. She was determined to marry Stanley as soon as possible.Having just seen Halsey, Stanley murmured, "I'll go find her."Without missing a beat, Jessica quickly handed him the limited-edition handbag. "Stanley, give this to her. She'll love it!"-Noticing that Wendy had been gone for a while, Halsey started to feel uneasy. She stood up to go look for her.Just then, Stanley called out, "Bebe."Hals
Wendy stood there, her eyes locked on Stanley.Stanley gave her a cold glance before turning his attention to Jessica, his voice gentle. "Let's head back."He had just acknowledged it—and he did it in front of Wendy.Jessica smiled sweetly, knowing that Wendy's heart was likely burning with a mix of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Wendy was probably suffering right now.A country bumpkin, still thinking to compete with her? Dream on!"Alright."Jessica wrapped her arm around Stanley's, turning to leave with him.Just as they were about to walk away, Wendy's clear voice rang out behind them. "Stanley."She was calling after him.Stanley stopped in his tracks, turning around.Jessica smiled. "Wendy, you two are divorced now. Are you still hung up on Stanley? Want to try to win him back?"Wendy stood tall in the corridor, her posture straight and unyielding. She didn't acknowledge Jessica, her eyes, clear as ever, focused on Stanley's distinguished face. She spoke, her voice
The highly anticipated pairing had already stolen all the attention, overshadowing everything else.Jessica's heart burned with jealousy, consumed by a deep resentment toward this genius freshman.At that moment, Sienna suddenly exclaimed, "Look, Wendy's here!"Stanley, holding a glass of wine, wasn't in the best of moods tonight. He was indifferent to everything around him. But when he heard Sienna, he looked up, his sharp, handsome eyes glimmering.He saw Wendy.Tonight, Wendy wore a sleeveless black dress. The tight fit accentuated her slender waist, and the puffed-out skirt made her long, white legs stand out even more. As she entered, she immediately caught the attention of many. Her long, jet-black hair flowed smoothly down her back, and a sweater hung casually from her arms. From his angle, he could only see her profile, which made her already delicate features look even smaller. Her pale, translucent skin gave her an ethereal, almost otherworldly quality.That aura of h