The first round of the game landed on Stanley, and the atmosphere instantly grew more charged.Trish flashed a playful smile at Stanley, her lips curling seductively. "Mr. Hawk, it's your turn for Truth. Tell us, have you and Mrs. Hawk...consummated your marriage yet?"Everyone at the table, except Nathan who had just returned from abroad, knew that Wendy was Mrs. Hawk. Trish's question was clearly meant to embarrass Stanley and probe into whether he had been intimate with Wendy.The rich heirs at the table, always eager for drama, started whistling, adding to the tension.Trish cast a sly glance at Wendy before turning back to Stanley. "You and Mrs. Hawk have been married for three years now. Have you never been with her? How much do you really not like your wife?"Jessica, not wanting to miss her chance, turned her haughty gaze toward Wendy. "I told Stanley not to touch Mrs. Hawk, so of course he hasn't."Together, Trish and Jessica were clearly trying to humiliate Wendy.Be
But Stanley was Jessica's. What should she do? Uh-oh. The rich kids were getting excited again. Trish was famous for being a catch, and she was still single—many had a soft spot for her. Wendy smiled. "Trish, it's your turn to pick." She glanced at Jessica with a playful smirk. "Jessica, we all know Trish has a certain pride about her. Who do you think she'll choose?" Jessica shot Wendy a glare. "Of course, Trish is outstanding. Plenty of men are chasing after her. She must have a bit of that arrogance. That's public knowledge." Wendy smiled, saying nothing more. Jessica turned her attention to Trish, genuinely curious. She wasn't sure who Trish would choose, either. Since coming back to the country, Trish had become Dr. Ceylan's assistant. Meanwhile, Archer's family was in Edith's good books, and Trish was picking her ideal match among Hovendale's high society. Jessica looked at Trish. "So, who will it be?" Everyone eagerly watched Trish, waiting for her to make
Stanley's tall, imposing frame blocked Wendy's path, pressing her between the wall and his chest as he sneered, "Wendy, did you do that on purpose?"Wendy pushed against him, her delicate hands barely making an impact. "I don't understand what you're talking about.""Stop playing dumb." Stanley's piercing eyes darkened with irritation. "You purposely pushed me toward Trish!"He had figured it out! He had known all along that she was using him as a pawn, stirring up trouble between Jessica and Trish.He had never imagined she could so casually shove him toward another woman, forcing him into a three-minute kiss with someone else. Wendy stopped pretending. Her clear, innocent eyes met his as she said, "Mr. Hawk, Trish fancies you.""And that's her problem," Stanley shot back, uninterested. "Why does it concern me?" There were countless women interested in him—did he have to answer to every single one?Wendy fell silent, realizing he wasn't interested in Trish. Jessica still hel
The crowd gasped as the atmosphere once again reached its peak."The question everyone's been waiting for—who's the lucky lady from Hovendale who'll win Nathan's heart? It's time to reveal the answer!" Nathan stood up and, without hesitation, walked over to Wendy, clearly choosing her.Both Jessica and Trish's expressions changed at once.Stanley, holding a cocktail, didn't show much emotion, his face as cold and unapproachable as ever.Cecelia, however, couldn't hide her excitement. She exaggerated her surprise. "Wow, could it be that Nathan has fallen for Wendy?"Wendy looked up at Nathan. She had just finished dealing with Stanley and had no plans to start a new romance. She didn't want to give Nathan any false hopes.At that moment, Nathan leaned down, his handsome face coming closer to hers.Wendy stuttered, "N-Nathan, I—"Nathan winked, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Wendy, I need you to help me out a little."Wendy was taken aback."We're playing a game he
Stanley left, and Jessica quickly chased after him. "Stanley, wait up!"-The game was over, and Wendy, Nathan, and Cecelia were getting ready to leave the bar.Nathan turned to Wendy with a smile. "Wendy, thanks for helping me out earlier."Wendy shook her head. Nathan hadn't actually kissed her—he had cupped her face, but in reality, he'd only kissed his fingers. Still, to everyone else, it looked like a real kiss.Wendy smirked. "I think I've repaid you for that rub cream, right?"Before Nathan could respond, Trish's voice came from behind. "Nathan, wait!"Wendy turned around to look at Trish. Nathan looked at Trish. "Ms. Crone, is there something you need?"Trish stepped forward, glaring at Wendy. "Nathan, don't be fooled by Wendy. I'm here to expose her true nature!"Wendy's face remained cold. She had known Trish wouldn't be able to hold back.Nathan looked at Trish. "Ms. Crone, what do you have to say?""Nathan, do you know who Mrs. Hawk is? It's Wendy!"Nathan f
Nathan not only didn't reject Wendy, but he also confessed his feelings for her right in front of Stanley.Jessica and Trish stood there in shock. "Nathan!"Had Nathan lost his mind? Was he seriously going to take over his best friend's unwanted goods?Stanley's gaze fell on Wendy and Nathan's held hands. The temperature around him seemed to drop instantly, and his eyes darkened as he parted his lips to speak to Nathan. "Of course, you can. You can do whatever you want with her."With that, Stanley turned and walked away.Jessica quickly followed.Wendy watched him leave, feeling a cold emptiness settle in her chest. Stanley truly was heartless. He had given Nathan permission to pursue her, even letting Nathan do whatever he wanted with her."Wendy, I've known Stanley for many years. He and Jessica will never separate," Nathan said quietly.Wendy quickly pulled her hand from Nathan's grasp. "I know."Without warning, Nathan stepped closer, pressing her back against the wall.
Stanley had just crushed a wine glass in his hand.For the past few days, he had been completely captivated by Wendy's beauty, to the point where he no longer recognized himself. He figured he would let her do whatever she wanted with Nathan. She was nothing but a temptress.-At the Crone family villa, Jessica was sitting on the living room sofa, throwing a tantrum. "Dad, Mom, Stanley doesn't care about me anymore!"Harry looked surprised. "Jessica, how could Stanley not care about you? Has he gotten a divorce? When is he going to marry you?"Jessica stomped her feet in frustration. "Stanley hasn't even divorced Wendy yet! It's all Wendy's fault. She doesn't want to divorce him!"Harry, with a displeased expression, glanced at Lilian. "What's going on here? Isn't Wendy your daughter? Why didn't you tell her to know her place? Why does she always get in Jessica's way?"Lilian immediately said in a gentle tone, "Don't worry, darling. I'll figure out a way to get them divorced a
As soon as Wendy stepped through the door, no one bothered to greet her. She stood quietly to the side, feeling completely out of place amidst the lively atmosphere. Lilian's voice broke the silence. "Wendy, you're back."Everyone turned their attention toward her, their eyes locking onto Wendy in unison.Edith's smile immediately vanished. A look of disdain crossed her face. "Why is Wendy back?"Lilian chuckled lightly. "Mom, it's your birthday today. I asked Wendy to come."Edith's tone soured. "I don't need her here. Look at Trish and Jessica—how impressive they are! And then look at Wendy. She's just a country bumpkin with no standing. She can't even hold her own in a room like this. She's nothing but a disgrace at my birthday celebration!"It was clear Edith had no love for Wendy.Tonight, Jessica and Trish had both done their makeup to perfection, competing to outshine each other. They cast a condescending glance at Wendy before sweetly addressing Edith. "Grandma, it's
"Of course not!" Wendy immediately denied, her voice firm. "I wasn't with Mr. Hawk last night!" As she spoke, Stanley couldn't help but smirk inwardly. She was so afraid of Nathan finding out they'd been together that she lied to cover up their night.That little liar. Nathan glanced at Stanley, a puzzled frown on his face. "Stanley, why aren't you saying anything?" Stanley's handsome features remained emotionless, his eyes cold as ever. "Didn't she already say everything?" He decided to go along with her lie. Wendy, feeling the awkwardness creeping in, quickly tried to exit. "Mr. Hawk, Nathan, you two can talk. I'll step out for a bit." She left the room, leaving the two men alone. Nathan, clearly annoyed, walked up to Stanley. "Stanley, you need to be more perceptive." Stanley raised an eyebrow, giving Nathan a confused look. Nathan sighed dramatically. "When Wendy and I are together, you should find a way to leave and give us some private time. Got it?"
Stanley furrowed his handsome brow, lifting his gaze from the papers to look at Zayn. "Where did he go?" "George ran to the Crone family estate," Zayn replied. "And Mr. Gondale has already invited thirty-six media outlets from Hovendale to hold a press conference. They're planning to accuse Mrs. Hawk of abusing and abandoning her adoptive father." Stanley pressed his lips together, his irritation growing. What was Benny thinking? "What are you all doing? You incapacitated George, and he managed to escape?" Seeing his boss get angry, Zayn was drenched in cold sweat. "Mr. Hawk, it's—" "It's my orders," Wendy suddenly interrupted in a clear voice. Stanley turned to look at her. "Your orders?" Wendy nodded. "Yes, I told Zayn to let George go on purpose." Stanley's dark gaze deepened. "Why would you do that? They're planning to hold a press conference. That scumbag is trying to stick to you for life! I'll send my men to the Crones estate to bring George back, and the
"Mrs. Crone, you have to help me! Mr. Hawk locked me up! I managed to sneak out, but if he catches me, it's over!" George's voice trembled with fear, the memories of Stanley still haunting him. He pleaded for Lilian's help. Of course, Lilian would help George. He was her trump card, something she could hold over Wendy. She wasn't about to let her ace become useless. "Mom, what should we do now?" Jessica asked, her voice filled with concern. Harry's mood darkened. Lilian had just managed to do something that pleased him, and now there was a complication. "Lilian, what's your plan now?" he asked, a hint of irritation in his voice. Lilian turned to Harry, trying to calm him. "Honey, don't get upset. This isn't over yet." Jessica's eyes brightened. "Mom, did you think of something?" "Jessica, call Mr. Gondale. He does whatever you say, right? Now is the time we need him!" Benny genuinely cared for Jessica and treated her like family. Jessica nodded eagerly. "Okay,
Wendy's eyes gleamed in the dim light from under the blanket, and she suddenly burst into laughter. Stanley, his voice hoarse, asked, "What's so funny?" Wendy looked at him, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "Should I say I'm tired, or not tired?" The playful, teasing tension hung between them, sparking desire. Stanley chuckled, his lips curling into a grin as he leaned down to kiss her again. -The next day, at the Crone family estate. In the bedroom, Lilian lay contentedly in Harry's arms, holding onto his neck as she playfully scolded, "You were rough earlier. You really hurt me." Harry smirked, his thumb gently tracing her jawline. "Are you satisfied now?" "Stop it…" Jessica had called Harry, and he rushed home, ensuring that Lilian, who had been feeling lonely for so long, was now thoroughly satisfied. As he held Lilian, he asked, "Did George really take Wendy away?" "Yes," Lilian replied with a smile. "That annoying obstacle is finally gone. S
She kissed him. Stanley's eyes turned crimson as he quickly pushed her away. "Wendy!" Wendy gazed up at him, her face soft and innocent, yet there was a subtle, playful hint in her eyes. "Aren't you going to answer Jessica's call?" Stanley lowered his gaze, then forcefully captured her lips again. The phone kept vibrating—Jessica was still calling. Wendy felt a strange thrill, like she was caught in a forbidden act. Even though she and Stanley were legally married, it almost felt like they were sneaking around behind Jessica's back. Stanley kissed her hard, almost as if punishing her, biting her soft lips, then taking control, ravishing her breath like a storm. This little minx—she loved teasing him. George was right—Wendy loved to seduce men. Even at a young age, she had managed to capture the attention of the worst kinds of people. At that moment, her soft hands found their way to his body, slipping inside his shirt collar. Stanley gasped, immediately relea
She kept calling his name. Her sweet voice had already drawn the young man's attention again, and he turned to glance back.It was the kind of sound that made you want to keep looking.Stanley could only glare and head back to his side of the room.Wendy had already crawled back into bed. Stanley glared at her, irritated. "What are you doing, calling out like that? Trying to summon something?"Wendy was speechless. She was only trying to help!"I'm going to take a cold shower," Stanley muttered, heading straight for the bathroom.A few minutes later, he emerged, his body still damp as he climbed back into bed.The two of them lay in silence, the air thick with tension. From the next room, faint sounds of laughter and playful conversation reached them—the man and woman were still at it, their voices low but distinct.Stanley was about to get up and take another cold shower, but just as he moved to throw the covers off, he felt movement next to him. Wendy, who had been lying fa
The noise from the room next door continued, growing louder and more reckless. How could he sleep through that?Stanley raised his hand and sharply knocked twice against the wall with his knuckles, the sound echoing in the room. Immediately, the noise from next door quieted down.Stanley closed his eyes.But he wasn't sleepy. The restless energy of his young, vibrant body was hard to ignore in this environment. Wendy was right there beside him, soft and sweet-smelling. His mind wandered back to that night in the main bedroom at Saville Villa. He had pinned her against the wall, forcibly holding her hand...Suddenly, the noise from next door started up again.Stanley opened his eyes in irritation, sitting up. He threw off the covers and got out of bed.Just as he stood, a small hand reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt.He turned to see Wendy's head poking out from under the covers. She had just been muffled, and her pale, unmade-up face now had a faint flush. Her wi
Stanley had already come out of the bathroom. He had heard the entire voice message.Wendy stood frozen, her mind blank. She jumped up in a panic. "Wait, let me explain…"In her frantic state, her phone slipped from her hands and landed on the bed.Cecelia's voice message played right after, "Stanley's in great shape—he must have a six-pack! And I've heard that men with long fingers are amazing in bed. Wendy, go for it and sleep with Stanley tonight!"Wendy, who had been trying to explain, froze. She felt like jumping off the building. Oh, my god! What was this mess? She had started out having a serious conversation with Cecelia, but things took a wild turn, getting more inappropriate by the second. The atmosphere had become unbearably awkward. Wendy glanced at the man by the bathroom door, letting out a dry laugh. "So you heard all that. Just remember that those were Cecelia's words, not mine."She figured it was best to throw her friend under the bus.Stanley, freshly s
Stanley nodded and led Wendy toward the room.Wendy furrowed her brow slightly, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What did she say comes with extra charges?"Stanley glanced at her, her innocent eyes wide with question, as if she was eager to know. He turned away, offering no response.They entered Room 503. It was clean, but there was only one bed.Wendy couldn't help but feel uneasy. How were they going to manage with just one bed tonight?"Wendy." Stanley called her name from behind.This was the second time he had said her name.Wendy turned to face him. "What's wrong?"She suddenly remembered their unfinished conversation. "You wanted to ask me something in the car earlier. What was it?""Did you—"Before Stanley could continue, his phone pinged, the sound cutting through the moment. It was a message from Jessica, along with a photo. Stanley opened the photo to find one from Jessica's childhood. As he looked at it, he noticed something: Jessica's childhood face