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
Zayn nodded. "Yes."In recent years, the Crone family had been soaring to new heights with Stanley's support. Edith, ever the social climber, had developed an appreciation for antiques and fine art. She had searched long and hard for "The Flower-Adorned Lady", and now, thanks to Stanley, it was finally in her hands."Wow!"Everyone crowded around, their voices filled with awe. "Mr. Hawk truly knows how to make a grand gesture. This painting is a true masterpiece, a rare find."Edith laughed joyously, clearly delighted. "Mr. Hawk, you're too thoughtful."Jessica, her face glowing with admiration, gazed at Stanley. In her eyes, he was everything a woman could want—a wealthy man who was willing to go the extra mile to impress. Stanley was the kind of man who made hearts race and stirred feelings of envy.She smiled, her lips curling slightly. "Stanley, thank you so much."A few business executives approached, eager to join the conversation. "Mr. Hawk, Ms. Jessica, the two of you tr
Wendy didn't respond.One of the maids sneered, "Wendy, don't think you're suddenly one of the Crone family's heiresses. Let me tell you, there are only two heiresses in the Crone family: Trish and Jessica."Another maid chimed in, mocking her, "Exactly! Ms. Trish is Dr. Ceylan's assistant, and Ms. Jessica is soon to be Mrs. Hawk. What are you? Just a nobody! Now hurry up and take the chicken soup to Mrs. Lilian!"The two maids looked down on Wendy, but she didn't say a word. She simply took the bowl of chicken soup and walked toward the room.As she entered the main hall, Stanley, who was speaking with a few businessmen, spotted her. His brow furrowed slightly. Wasn't Wendy supposed to be one of the Crone family's daughters? Why was she working like a maid? Was this how she was treated by her own family?Stanley's thoughts turned cold. She hit and kicked him before, but now, in front of everyone, she couldn't say a word. She was only brave when it came to bullying him.-Wend
But Wendy missed. The person quickly spun around, grabbing her slender wrist with a firm grip. A cold, annoyed voice followed. "Wendy, what are you doing?"The silver needle dropped to the floor with a soft clink. Wendy froze for a second, realizing it was Stanley.Stanley had arrived."Wh-what are you doing here?" she stammered.Stanley released her wrist and scanned the room, his dark, penetrating eyes sweeping over the space before landing on Hank. "Who's he?"Stanley had seen Hank sneaking around downstairs, tailing Wendy, and decided to follow him up.Wendy opened her mouth to respond, but just then, footsteps echoed from outside. Her surprise for Lilian had arrived.Quickly, she pulled Stanley behind the curtains with her. "What are you…"Stanley was about to speak, but Wendy quickly pressed her hand over his mouth as the door flung open and someone walked in. "Don't say a word," she whispered urgently.-In the banquet hall, Jessica, Harry, Lilian, and Edith were
The woman beneath Hank struggled fiercely, screaming, "Let go of me! Somebody, help!" Lilian was overjoyed. This was exactly the scene she had imagined. She immediately shouted, "Wendy, so you really are having an affair with a man here! I'm so disappointed in you!" The people behind her gasped, whispering, "Is this really Wendy, the one from the countryside? How shameless!" Archer and Natalie, eager for a spectacle, couldn't help but sneer at Wendy. They looked at her as if she were nothing more than an insect. "Mom, Wendy's nothing but a stain on the Crone family. We need to get rid of her!" Archer spat, his voice dripping with disdain.Edith shared the same sentiment.Just then, the woman under Hank struggled, revealing her face. She cried, "Mom, Dad, it's me! Please, help me! Somebody, help!" Archer and Natalie froze. When they saw her face, their hearts sank. It wasn't Wendy—it was their daughter, Trish!"Oh my god! Trish!" Natalie gasped, rushing forward to grab Ha
Jessica stepped forward, trying to explain. "It's not like that—""Get away!" Natalie shoved Jessica aside.Jessica stumbled and crashed into the wall, a red mark forming on her forehead.Lilian rushed to grab Natalie by the arm. "How dare you hit Jessica!"Without hesitation, Natalie grabbed a fistful of Lilian's hair and scratched at Lilian's face with her sharp nails. "Lilian, who do you think you are?! You're just a woman who married your brother-in-law!"The room went silent for a moment. As the Crone family's wealth and power grew, Lilian's sordid past had been buried. But now, Natalie had exposed it in front of everyone.The whispers began almost immediately. "Lilian married her brother-in-law?""You didn't know? Her first husband was the older brother. When he died, she married his younger brother.""She slept with the man and his brother... That's scandalous!"Lilian, furious, lunged at Natalie, grabbing her by the hair. "Shut your mouth before I tear it off!"The tw
"Wendy." Stanley's voice was calm but edged with something deeper. "Mr. Hawk, you've been drugged!"Stanley pressed his lips into a cold, tight line. He had already sensed the change in his body.The two of them had been hiding behind the curtains, her soft body pressed against his and her delicate hand covering his mouth. He felt like fire was running through his veins; his thoughts scattered, and his body betrayed him.He'd fallen into the trap.Stanley reached out and gripped Wendy's slender arm, pulling her along with him as they left the scene.Outside, chaos reigned. The crowd was thick, everyone watching the fight between the second and third branches of the family, completely oblivious to their departure.Stanley guided Wendy away from the Crone family villa and into his own Rolls-Royce business luxury car.Zayn, ever respectful, asked, "Mr. Hawk, where to?""Saville Villa," Stanley replied, his voice flat.-Wendy was led into the Saville Villa—it was her first time
"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