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
He reminded her that the area was dangerous and urged her to leave quickly. The people chasing him were closing in, and she wouldn't make it out alive if she stayed. But the girl didn't leave. Instead of running, she struggled to drag him with her, pulling him into a hidden cave. "Big Brother, this place is safe. They won't find us here," she said.He looked at the girl—so young, only a child. It was already into the winter months, but she was wearing just a thin, faded dress that had been washed so many times it was nearly white. It seemed like she had been in this forest alone for a long time, her only companion the tattered doll she clutched in her arms. He was badly injured, his body icy-cold. The girl reached out and hugged him. "Are you cold? If I hold you like this, you won't feel cold anymore." He looked into her eyes, so clear and bright. "Why are you here alone? Where's your home? Where are your parents?" he asked.The girl was silent for a moment. "I have no ho
How much pain must she have been in back then?Stanley gently placed his hand on her soft waist, admitting to himself that his feelings for her had grown more tender.He lowered his head, leaning closer to her face. His voice, still thick with sleep, came out hoarse as he whispered, "Wendy, did I hurt you? I'm sorry."He said those words softly, almost to himself.In her dreamlike state, Wendy didn't respond. Her breathing was light, her body so soft that every strand of her hair seemed to carry a delicate sweetness.Stanley's throat burned with heat as he tried not to look at her youthful, inviting form. Despite his best efforts, he found himself leaning in, almost succumbing to the desire to kiss her soft hair.Just as his lips were about to brush against her, Wendy made a small sound and slowly opened her eyes.She was awake.Stanley quickly regained his senses, stunned by what he'd almost done. What had come over him?He actually wanted to kiss Wendy's hair!How could he,
Wendy noticed Stanley with Jessica. Jessica, who had already been discharged from the hospital, stood beside him, looking radiant as she looped her arm through his. The two of them, like a perfect match, looked completely at ease with each other.Cecelia snorted in disdain. "Stanley really does love Jessica, huh? Even after all that drama with Mrs. Glinda, he acts like nothing happened and just gets right back together with her."Wendy hadn't expected to run into Stanley and Jessica at the bar, but seeing how quickly they'd made up didn't surprise her. There was no trace of shock on her face. She simply curved her lips into a faint smile and said to Cecelia, "So, you just now realized Stanley loves Jessica?"In the past, this might have disappointed her, but now, she was numb to it.Just then, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor caught her attention. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica! What a coincidence," came Trish's voice.Wendy looked up, surprised to see that Trish had also arriv
Wendy asked if Stanley had ever had feelings for her.The question left him momentarily stunned.Of course, he had.He had once caught himself thinking about Wendy in a romantic sense. He felt reluctant to let go of her—he felt drawn to her, wanting to claim her.He had feelings for Wendy, but in the grand scheme of things, that feeling meant nothing compared to how he felt for Jessica.Now, with the divorce looming, he intended to cut all ties, to sever them completely without hesitation.He spoke the words that seemed to crush the air between them: "Wendy, I love Jessica."He said he loved Jessica.The light in Wendy's eyes slowly dimmed, the question she had asked now feeling like a painful mistake. She had set herself up for humiliation—complete and utter humiliation.Still, she wasn't a sore loser."Then let's get a divorce."Stanley paused. "Go get your marriage certificate."Wendy forced a thin smile and reached into her bag. "I already brought it with me."When
Wendy returned to the girls' dorm and was greeted by a video call from Halsey.Halsey's bright, happy face appeared on the screen, her eyes mischievously dancing. "How did it go last night? Did you and Mr. Hawk, you know..."She wiggled her eyebrows, her expression full of playful insinuation.Wendy chuckled, trying to keep the mood light. "Why aren't you back yet?""I didn't want to interrupt you two. The last thing I wanna do is be a third wheel."With that, Halsey continued, "Mr. Hawk handled Luna really well this time. I honestly think he has feelings for you. You guys consummated your marriage and are officially husband and wife now. I hope things go well for you both, and that you can have a happy life together."Wendy wasn't sure how to respond. She popped a candy into her mouth, letting the sweetness spread across her tongue. After a moment, she smiled and said, "I appreciate that, Halsey. Come back soon, alright?""I'll be back tonight.""Okay."Wendy ended the call
Jessica didn't want Wendy here.Wendy turned to look at Stanley.Still holding Jessica's hand, he slowly lifted his gaze to meet hers.Their eyes locked.Before Stanley could speak, Wendy shifted her gaze and briefly glanced at Jessica before offering a small, polite smile. "I'm glad you're okay. I'll leave now."She turned and walked away.But she didn't leave immediately. She stood outside the door, listening to the conversation inside.Jessica's voice was filled with sorrow as she accused Stanley, "Stanley, tell me. Did you sleep with Wendy?"Stanley looked at the door for a moment before his eyes settled back on Jessica's pale face. "Jessica, I'm sorry."He admitted it.Jessica bit her lip. "Stanley, why? You told me you and Wendy were over!"Stanley's expression darkened. Yes, he had told Jessica that he and Wendy were finished, but he couldn't stop himself from seeking out Wendy. "Stanley, you've forgotten my warning. I told you not to touch Wendy, not to sleep with
Stanley glanced at Wendy before nodding. "Alright."-The two of them arrived at the hospital and entered the VIP ward, where they found Jessica.Jessica lay in bed, her face pale. She was still unconscious, her breathing assisted by a ventilator. Though her right wrist was wrapped in thick bandages, blood could be seen seeping through.Lilian rushed toward Stanley as soon as she saw him. "Mr. Hawk, you're here!"But her movement froze when she noticed Wendy standing behind him. Her expression shifted instantly. "Why did you bring her here?"Wendy gazed at her mother—the one who birthed her—with cold, steady eyes.Lilian's voice grew sharper with anger. "How dare you show your face here, Wendy! Last night, Jessica had heart problems and needed Mr. Hawk by her side. You knew that, but you wouldn't let go of him! Look at what happened—Jessica cut her wrist! Are you happy now that you got what you wanted? You're the one who pushed Jessica to kill herself! Get out of here!"In a
Wendy reached out, her fingers trembling as she tried to touch Stanley's handsome face.But before she could, his hand shot out and grabbed hers. Stanley blinked sleepily, his eyes still heavy with the remnants of sleep. He gently placed her hand on his lips, kissing it softly before turning to look at her. "Good morning."His voice was low and husky, the kind of voice that rumbled in his chest when he first woke up. He gazed at her with his dark eyes, a warmth in his expression.Wendy's small face flushed a soft pink. "It's getting late. We should get up."Stanley pulled her soft body back into his arms. "Just a little longer," he murmured, still wanting to sleep.But Wendy pushed herself upright. "No, we can't. This is a girls' dorm, and everyone will wake up soon. You have to leave."Stanley's narrow eyes twinkled mischievously, his handsome features showing amusement. "We spent the night together, and you want me to leave the moment you opened your eyes? I feel used."Wend
But today was different. No matter how long she waited, Stanley didn't come.Jessica, starting to panic, kept calling Stanley over and over—but all she heard on the other end was the cold, mechanical voice of the automated system. "Sorry, the number you are trying to reach is temporarily unavailable. Please try again later."Stanley wasn't answering her calls.Bang!In a burst of frustration, Jessica slammed her phone against the wall, her delicate face twisted in anger."Jessica, don't get upset. Your heart can't stand it," Lilian said, trying to calm her down.Jessica shoved Lilian away. "How can I not be upset? Luna is useless! I thought her little pregnancy trick would work—that we could set up a situation where her baby would die at Wendy's hands, and then Wendy would be ruined for good. But she's such an idiot! Now Stanley knows that the woman from that night was Wendy. He's probably with her right now!" Jessica was terrified that Stanley would discover the truth abou
Wendy's delicate body slid down toward the floor, but thankfully, Stanley's strong arm was there to catch her, holding her soft waist.She felt like she was going to melt under his fiery kiss.Stanley reached down to undo her buttons, his voice deep and husky as he asked, "Do you have a condom?"Wendy shook her head. No, she didn't."I'll have Zayn bring one over," he said, about to grab his phone.Wendy quickly stopped him. He thought it was a normal request to have his secretary deliver a condom, but she felt that after this, she would never be able to face Zayn again."Don't…" Stanley's lips trailed down to her soft neck, kissing lower. "Don't what?"His short hair brushed against her and poked her tender jaw, making her feel both painful and ticklish. She threaded her small hands through his hair, trying to push him away. "Stanley, don't."Her mind was a mess. She hadn't planned to be intimate with him again. Everything today felt so chaotic.Stanley kissed her again. "I
Wendy's delicate back was pushed against the cold, white tiles of the bathroom wall. Warm water poured over her head, soaking her instantly. She raised her hands to push against the man in front of her. "What are you doing?"The water hit Stanley's handsome face, trickling down his sharp, striking features. It ran from his pronounced Adam's apple, down his muscular collarbone, and further still…It was like a painting of a man bathing, a visual feast of pure beauty.Wendy's heart raced as a fire ignited in her chest. She felt like a frightened deer, not knowing where to look, overwhelmed and panicked.Stanley pressed her against the wall, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Why are you so shy? Haven't you seen every part of me before?"Wendy hadn't expected him to pull her in like this. That night, he had been drugged, lost in a daze, but now he was fully awake.She had never been this close to him while he was sober, much less bathed with him before."Stanley, let me
Wendy never expected Stanley to come back. After hearing how demanding Jessica had been on the phone, practically ordering him to come over, she thought he would go for sure. Jessica was his sweetheart, the one he always ran to. Even when he was drugged, just one call from Jessica could pull him away. This was the first time he hadn't gone.Wendy wondered just how furious Jessica would be tonight.Stanley looked at her. "What were you thinking just now?"He had stood behind her, watching her with her head lowered so quietly. He couldn't tell what was on her mind. Suddenly, he remembered the girl he had met in the cave years ago. She had been just as quiet, just as isolated. It made him want to cherish and protect her.Stanley didn't know why, but something about Wendy reminded him of that girl from the past.Wendy didn't want to answer. "I wasn't thinking about anything."Stanley didn't press her. He glanced down at his wet shirt and trousers. When he had turned earlier, th