Blake spent several peaceful days at Southern Haven Villas, and before she realized it, the five-day holiday had swiftly passed. Despite sending numerous messages to Kevin, she received no response. She even informed him of her intention to conduct a paternity test on Dalton, but still, there was silence from his end.Accustomed to this lack of communication, Blake set her phone down after sending today's message. Unbeknownst to her, her phone was being monitored, and all her texts were intercepted by Cecilia.At Jardin Corporation, Cecilia looked at the computer screen displaying Blake's messages and smirked. "You're really devoted to him, aren't you, Blake? What's so special about Kevin that keeps you so fixated?"Cecilia was curious about the depth of Kevin's feelings for Blake. After allowing Blake a few days of freedom, she decided it was time for Blake to face some challenges.Using Kevin's phone number, Cecilia sent an address to Blake without any further explanation, then s
Dazed and bleeding, Blake noticed Cecilia in a slit dress sitting elegantly on a couch with a glass of red wine in her hand, as if she had been anticipating this moment.Cecilia put down her foot and leaned over with a grace that concealed her malicious intent. She lifted Blake's chin with her red-nailed finger, as Blake struggled to maintain consciousness, her mind reeling."Poor thing, bleeding already? Let me help disinfect that wound," Cecilia said in a sinister tone, her eyes turning cold as she poured the red wine over Blake's bleeding forehead. The stinging pain caused Blake to struggle."Still trying to struggle? Hold her down!" Cecilia commanded.Two burly men stepped forward, pinning Blake's legs down with their feet. In agony, Blake screamed, "Ms. Samford, what are you doing? I haven't wronged you. Why are you doing this?"Cecilia's eyes sparkled with sadistic pleasure. "Blake, are you really that naive, or just pretending? You chose to oppose me instead of following my
After the brutal torture, Blake lay on the ground, barely clinging to life, her eyes closed in exhaustion. She coughed up blood and eventually lost consciousness.As time passed, Cecilia grew impatient after not receiving the response she expected. Standing up, she stepped on Blake's chest and began taking pictures of the injured Blake on the ground.An overweight man commented, "This woman's tough. She didn't beg for mercy even once. But if she dies, we'll be in some legal trouble, ma'am.""Don't worry, she's not dead yet," Cecilia reassured him.At that moment, a skinny man received an urgent message. "We've got a traitor among us. Our location's been leaked to the police, and they're on their way."With the police closing in, the criminals, who were already on the wanted list, began to panic."You guys take her with you," Cecilia ordered, still hoping Kevin wouldn't abandon Blake.In a cold, damp basement, Blake lay unconscious, tasting a bitter flavor in her mouth as she dri
Blake, drifting in and out of consciousness, felt a warm hand holding hers. When she finally opened her eyes, the blurred figure of a man hovered over her, his features indistinct.As Blake was rushed into the emergency room, Olivia stood beside Liam, who appeared visibly pale and concerned. Olivia said, "Don't worry, she'll be okay. Liam, you don't look so good. Are you alright?"Liam, clutching his stomach and leaning against a wall, suddenly collapsed."Liam!" Olivia exclaimed in alarm.In a lawless region of Northern Myanmar, Kevin found himself in a familiar location."Kevin, news from Ventropolis. Blake is safe and has been taken to the hospital," one of his men reported, showing him a photo.Kevin glanced at the photo and, while wiping a cold steel dagger, ordered, "These are no longer needed here. Dispose of them.""Right away." one of Kevin's men responded.The setting sun cast a golden glow over the reed-filled pond and stilt houses, creating a picturesque yet dangero
Eventually, Blake regained consciousness. She had suffered severe internal bleeding, and her condition had been critical. If her injuries had been slightly more severe, she might not have survived. Liam had stayed by her side at the hospital, aiding her recovery. He had not disclosed the full extent of her injuries to her, wanting to shield her from further trauma.The sun shone brightly as Liam wheeled Blake outside to enjoy it. Since waking up, she had not spoken a word, her usually lively and cheerful demeanor replaced by silence, a change that weighed heavily on Liam.Kneeling in front of Blake, who looked pale and haggard, Liam gently rearranged her windblown hair. "Blake, you can talk to me about anything. It would be better if you said something. I'm really worried about you not eating or talking."Blake hadn't eaten the nutritious soup Liam prepared for her, prompting him to resort to feeding her nutrient solutions. Her noticeable weight loss was a source of distress for Lia
After Blake had gone missing as a child, Cecilia focused all her efforts on earning more money to bolster her family's financial background. This had allowed her to hire more people to search for Blake's whereabouts. Over the years, despite no news of her sister, Cecilia never stopped searching, hoping to at least find out whether her sister was alive or dead.In the hospital ward, Blake lay on the bed, muttering weakly, "Close the door, I don't want to see them.""Alright. I'll send them away. You rest here, and we'll eat something later," Liam responded.Blake was in a VIP hospital ward. Outside in the main hall, the bodyguard arranged everything neatly on the dining table.Cecilia waited just outside the door.Liam approached Cecilia and confronted her, "I never thought you of all people would be the one who hurt her like this! How could you do this to her? She may be a bit stubborn, but Blake has never even spoken badly of you!"Cecilia signaled for the bodyguards to leave, t
"Removing him? What does human life mean to you, Ms. Samford? We live in a society governed by law. Do you understand the implications of your words?" Liam challenged.Cecilia remained composed. "Do you think your father is innocent? Ask him what it means to clash with the powerful in this society. He might have more insight than me. Liam, there are countless hands manipulating things above us."Cecilia offered one final piece of advice, "Kevin and Zach are cut from the same cloth. List their crimes, and they'd be imprisoned indefinitely. You'll learn more once you assume your father's position."After a final glance at the closed door, Cecilia declared, "That's all I have to say. Take good care of Blake. I'll visit her tomorrow."At that moment, Blake weakly emerged from the ward, leaning against the wall."Blake..." Liam rushed to her aid, but she avoided him.Blake, with a questioning gaze, turned to Cecilia. "So, your plan all along was to bring down Mr. Jardin and Kevin, the
From that moment, Cecilia vowed to tirelessly accumulate wealth to ensure a better life for Blake. Now with substantial financial resources, Cecilia believed Blake no longer needed to depend on the Dion family. She could provide Blake with a superior life, offering her whatever she desired. Everything she owned would be at Blake's disposal.With the unconscious Blake in tow, Cecilia made her way to her car. Blake lay in the minivan, covered with a blanket, while Cecilia tenderly held her hand, her eyes filled with regret as she observed the wounds on her arm."Drive slowly," Cecilia instructed the driver."Yes, Ms. Samford," the driver responded.Cecilia's residence, valued at eight billion dollars, was the most luxurious villa in the capital. It boasted the highest-class butler service, ten housemaids, and lavish amenities including a garden with bellflowers, towering trees, a swing garden, a pavilion, and a fountain. However, Cecilia rarely spent time there.She had prepared a r