"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?"
"I sold everything I had to send her to school and poured all my money into getting her to the big city, but now she won't even acknowledge me. She said I embarrassed her and told me to go back to the countryside..." George sobbed so pitifully that he almost convinced himself. His performance deserved an Oscar.The reporters clicked their cameras non-stop, eager to capture the drama. The story of a father abandoned by his foster daughter was the kind of hot topic that guaranteed a juicy headline. They all hoped to break the story first.The reporters couldn't help but feel sympathy for George. They all began to criticize Wendy. "How could Wendy be so heartless?" "I never believed anyone was born evil in this world—until Wendy came along!" one of them exclaimed.Benny handed George a tissue, his voice filled with anger. "The whole reason we're holding this press conference today is to expose Wendy for what she really is. Too many people still don't know the truth about her. She c
Everyone at the press conference was filled with outrage, with everyone pointing fingers at Wendy.Stanley's cold, sharp gaze locked onto her. He thought she deserved what was coming to her. Didn't she know this was a dangerous situation? How could she have come here alone?"Damn it!" Nathan muttered under his breath, stepping forward to protect Wendy. But someone moved faster. Stanley was already in front, his presence commanding attention.Nathan paused, feeling slightly bewildered. What was going on? Why was Stanley rushing in without thinking?The room, which was buzzing with chaos seconds ago, suddenly fell silent. Stanley watched as Wendy, the target of the mob, lifted her eyes—clear as a calm lake, yet full of power. She calmly surveyed the crowd, and with a single glance from her, everyone fell silent, as if the very air around her had shifted.Stanley froze in his tracks. He had never seen Wendy like this before.The reporters were also taken aback. They didn't und
George's eyes widened in disbelief. Now he understood. He hadn't realized it until this very moment. When he got out of prison, Wendy was the first to know. She had been waiting for him the whole time. Everyone thought she would never speak of the dark past from her childhood. After all, a woman's reputation meant everything. And she never did speak up. She didn't tell Glinda or Stanley. When George demanded money, Wendy gave it to him without hesitation. He had easily knocked her out and kidnapped her. It seemed like he truly had her in his grip.But it was never like that.She had been pretending the whole time. She had been wearing a small surveillance device, making it clear that everything—whether it was his demand for 100 million or his attempt to rape her in the cave—was all part of her plan. She fed his greed with her fake obedience and guided him with her feigned endurance, leading him straight into the abyss of his own crimes.She had set the trap, and after ten
The media conference had been a complete disaster for them.Lilian immediately said, "Wendy, I'm sorry. I misunderstood you earlier. Let me explain. I had no idea…" Wendy turned to look at her. "Are you sure about that?"At that moment, a police officer stepped forward and addressed Lilian. "Lilian Landon, you hid and assisted George during his escape. We reasonably suspect that you are an accomplice. Please come with us for questioning."Two officers grabbed Lilian by the arms.Her head buzzed. She remembered that, when George escaped, she had indeed sheltered him. Lilian stared at Wendy in disbelief. "You're behind this?" Wendy had arranged for Zayn to release George, knowing all along that he would try to approach the Crone family.Wendy looked at Lilian innocently, a slow, almost knowing smile creeping across her face. "I don't understand what you're talking about. Mom, you don't need to explain to me. You should go explain yourself to the authorities."Lilian was left
Realizing Benny was still on her side eased Jessica's nerves just a bit.-After the press conference ended, Stanley returned to his luxurious Rolls-Royce. His voice was low and smooth as he addressed Zayn, who sat in the front seat. "Tell the media team I don't want any details about Wendy leaking out."Zayn responded in a quiet tone, "Don't worry, Mr. Hawk. Some of the female reporters deleted all the photos and videos of Mrs. Hawk right on the spot. They won't be reporting on her."Stanley's lips curved into a faint smile. "She really knows how to manipulate people."Zayn replied with sincerity, "Mrs. Hawk is truly brave."Stanley raised an eyebrow. Yes, she really was brave.He pulled out his phone and dialed a number."Hello, Uncle Cyril."Stanley's uncle was the dean of Clavendale University, one of the top institutions in the country, and a man completely obsessed with medicine. He was known and respected everywhere.Cyril's voice came through the phone. "Stanley, what
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
Scarface gave Stanley the address and abruptly hung up the phone.Lilian immediately spoke up, "Mr. Hawk, you have to save Jessica1 Her heart isn't strong; she can't handle the stress!"Samuel glanced at Stanley, concern etched on his face. "Wendy's in their hands too. You have to bring her back."Stanley didn't respond, his expression hardening as he turned and walked out without another word.-Inside the warehouse, Scarface looked at Wendy and Jessica with a smug smile. "Tsk, tsk," he murmured. "You can question the character of the rich, but you can't question their taste. Mr. Hawk's ex-wife and girlfriend—you're both beauties. It's enough to make anyone jealous."One of the men in black chuckled, "Boss, we still have time. Why don't you have a little fun with them?"Scarface rolled up his sleeves and moved toward Wendy, grabbing her delicate chin. "Why don't I start with the ex-wife? I'll see what a woman Mr. Hawk's been with is like."With that, Scarface reached for Wend
Stanley pressed the button to answer the call, and a gruff male voice came through. "Hello, Mr. Hawk."Stanley's expression remained unchanged as he gripped the phone. "Who are you?""You don't need to know who I am. All you need to know is that the one you're looking for is in my hands," the voice replied.Lilian, panic in her voice, spoke up, "He's the one who took Jessica! Mr. Hawk, you have to save her!"Stanley's tone was cold as he asked, "Is Jessica with you?""That's right," the voice said. "Now, let me have her say a few words to you."Moments later, Jessica's frantic voice came through the phone. "Stanley, help me! Please, I'm so scared!"Stanley's lips twisted into a sharp, emotionless line. "What do you want?""I want money," the voice responded harshly. "Prepare 100 million, and I want it now."Stanley let out a humorless laugh. "You kidnapped someone, and you're trying to extort 100 million from me? That's enough to put you in prison for the rest of your life."
With that, Jessica turned and walked away.Before she left, she cast a quick glance at Lilian, and the two exchanged a silent, knowing look.Stanley and Samuel stood together, and Samuel glanced at his watch. "Mr. Hawk, Dr. Ceylan will be making her appearance soon."Stanley turned to Samuel. "How do you know Dr. Ceylan?"Samuel didn't answer directly. Instead, he said, "You know her too."Stanley's brow furrowed. Wendy had said the same thing to him before—that he knew Dr. Ceylan. Now, Samuel was saying the same thing. What was going on here?What did Samuel and Wendy mean by this?Could it be that Dr. Ceylan was someone Stanley knew after all? Had Dr. Ceylan always been right under his nose?Just then, the host spoke up. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight. The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Let's welcome Dr. Ceylan!"Everyone's attention shifted upstairs, their breaths held in anticipation for Dr. Ceylan's arrival.Stanley looked up.
Seeing that Wendy had arrived, Jessica froze for a moment. "Why is she here?"Stanley's gaze shifted to Wendy, watching her intently.As Wendy approached them, Samuel wrapped his arm around her waist. "There you are."Edith, Jessica, Trish, and Lilian quickly gathered around, all eyes on Wendy, who looked as radiant as ever. Edith spoke up first. "Wendy, what are you doing here? Are you here to see Dr. Ceylan too? The doctor is truly a wonder whom everyone seems to adore. Even someone like you, a mere housewife, knows the doctor's name!"Wendy raised an eyebrow. "That's right. I'm here to see Dr. Ceylan."Trish scoffed. "Wendy, even if you do meet Dr. Ceylan, the doctor won't waste any time talking to someone like you."Wendy turned her gaze toward Trish. "And you think Dr. Ceylan will talk to you?""Of course!" Trish replied proudly. "I'm studying medicine, after all.""Wendy, today is a huge day—the real Dr. Ceylan is here in Hovendale," Lilian interjected. "This isn't the t
Wendy wasn't the least bit angry. "Is that so? Well, we'll see about that!"With that, she turned and walked away.Just then, Stanley's tall figure blocked her path. Wendy glared at him. "And you—we'll see about you, too!"Without another word, Wendy walked off.Stanley stood there, momentarily speechless. "Mr. Hawk, Wendy's completely lost her mind! Did you hear how she was talking to you? Has she gone mad?" Edith roared.Stanley watched Wendy's retreating figure, his lips curving into a slight smile. He suddenly felt that Wendy was...different. But what had changed, he couldn't quite put his finger on.Ever since the divorce, Wendy had been evolving, becoming deeper, more unpredictable.-Soon, evening fell, and the banquet began.Everyone put aside their tensions with Wendy for the night, dressing in their finest for the event.The grand hall was filled with prominent figures, wealthy elites, and powerful individuals, all gathered for a glimpse of Dr. Ceylan.Jessica a
Wendy was saying Stanley had met Dr. Ceylan.Stanley hadn't known this. A deep, probing look crossed his face as he studied Wendy. He couldn't shake the feeling that Wendy was hiding something from him.Right now, Wendy's eyes sparkled, glowing with an almost irresistible brightness. Stanley couldn't help but feel a strange stir in his chest as he gazed at her.Just then, Edith and Lilian emerged from the room, and Edith called out, "Wendy."Wendy turned to look at Edith. "Did you need something?"Edith's gaze was serious. "Did you take your father's ashes back and get everything settled?"At the mention of her father, Wendy let out a cold laugh. "Are you really pretending to care about my dad's ashes?""How can you talk like that? Jerry was my first son. I'm his mother!" Edith retorted, a hint of anger creeping into her voice.Wendy scoffed, her voice laced with bitterness. "My dad's gone. Who are you trying to fool with that? He wasn't even your biological son. You adopted him
At that moment, Edith, Lilian, and Trish all arrived, walking into the hospital room with expressions of surprise and excitement.Edith's eyes sparkled. "The real Dr. Ceylan has really arrived in Hovendale?"Stanley nodded. "Yes, Dr. Ceylan will be attending the dinner tonight."Goodness!The Crone family was buzzing with excitement.Trish, looking starstruck, exclaimed, "The real Dr. Ceylan has finally arrived! The doctor is my idol, my goal—the person I want to be. I can't believe I'm finally going to meet Dr. Ceylan!"Edith added, "Dr. Ceylan is so mysterious, always appearing and disappearing. We've been fooled by the fake Dr. Ceylan before, but now, we'll finally see the doctor's true face."Lilian, too, was curious. "Do you think Dr. Ceylan is a man or a woman?"Jessica shook her head. "I don't know either. We'll have the answer tonight."Edith turned to Stanley with a hopeful look. "Mr. Hawk, can we come with you to the dinner tonight? We all want to meet Dr. Ceylan."S
Wendy felt that it was time for her to finally show herself. The Crone family had been responsible for her father's death, and it was time to settle those scores once and for all. And then, there was Stanley. He had always wanted to know who Dr. Ceylan really was. Well, now she was ready to tell him.-At the CEO's office in Hawk Group, Stanley sat behind his desk, reviewing documents. His hand moved swiftly with a pen as he signed his name in the bottom corner of each page with a sharp, decisive stroke.Just then, the door opened, and Zayn entered quietly. "Mr. Hawk, we've received news about Dr. Ceylan."Stanley paused, the pen hovering in midair. His dark eyes shifted up to meet Zayn's. "Go on.""We've just received word from Dr. Ceylan that the doctor will be attending the dinner tonight. The real Dr. Ceylan has arrived in Hovendale and has arranged to meet with you there."Stanley's expression deepened, his gaze growing darker. He had been searching for Dr. Ceylan for wha
"It's getting late. You should go home and get some rest," Wendy said, her voice calm but firm.Stanley glanced at her, with no intention of moving. "You're right. It's late. Goodnight."Wendy froze.Was he staying here tonight?"Mr. Hawk, hasn't Zayn brought the key yet?" Wendy asked, trying to keep her voice steady."He won't bring it until tomorrow. So tonight, I'll be staying here," Stanley replied smoothly."No," Wendy protested, her voice trembling slightly.Stanley turned to her, his gaze sharp. "I'm informing you, not asking for your permission."Wendy opened her mouth to say something else, but before she could, the world around her seemed to darken. Stanley kissed her again, silencing her with a force that left her breathless.-In the hospital room, Jessica had been dialing Stanley's number relentlessly, but there was no answer.She tried Wendy's number next, but still, no one picked up.What were they doing?Thinking back to the images she had seen during the vi