Jadie held onto Zach's arm as they walked. He apologized, "I'm sorry. There was a jam, so I was delayed a little." Jadie followed behind Zach timidly. She did not speak and dared not look around. She merely followed Zach carefully to the table.Evelyn was the last to arrive and sat at the main table with Hayson. Hayson stood up to welcome her, "Mrs. Arnold Sr., what an honor it is. Are you doing well these days?"Evelyn responded to him out of respect for him being an in-law, "I'm doing fine. At least I'm not dead yet. Everyone must be anxious. Let the feast begin."When everyone started to eat, Evelyn took a carne frita and gave it to Madelyn. She then said, "You've gotten skinnier these days. All these dishes are your favorite. Eat more of it."Madelyn thanked her, "Thank you, Evelyn."Evelyn smiled and said, "When I arrived here, I consulted the abbot of the Linos Monastery for an auspicious date for your engagement with Ethan. Based on what Ethan said, the third day after you
Everyone was stuck in their own thoughts throughout the meal. Evelyn left the feast early after eating a bit. Ethan had drunk a lot of alcohol with Hayson.Since Madelyn accepted the gift, she felt suffocated. She did not know why she was not as happy as she had expected. She still could not figure out the reason behind it. Maybe... she had been too hasty with this decision.Jadie put down her cutlery and said, "I'm full, Zach."Zach took her bowl and poured some soup into it before saying, "Drink some soup to avoid getting hungry again at night."Jadie nodded, "Okay."Madelyn sat not far away from them. A hand holding a bowl of soup stretched before her, "The soup is good. Try it."Madelyn raised her head and looked at Zach. Her heart started racing as she thanked him, "Thank you... brother.""Mhm," Zach smiled, but Madelyn could see the rage in his eyes. This made her anxious.Perhaps Ethan was in a good mood; he proceeded to hug Madelyn. He then declared his ownership over h
"Azure Corporation merger?" Hayson looked at Zach questioningly.Zach smiled while a storm brewed in his eyes. He said emotionlessly, "All in all, I am an employee of the Azure Corporation. I thought, why not let Mr. Arnold converse directly with my father? I have no jurisdiction over making such a decision.""Madelyn... what is the meaning of all this?" Hayson furrowed his brows while asking.Madelyn panicked and said, "Father, I didn't know about this too. He must be drunk." She quietly held Ethan's hand and shook her head, "Ethan, my brother will take care of the company. Let's not talk about this, okay? I'll send you back to your room to rest.""Alright, if you say so," Ethan downed his glass of red wine. He did not care how ugly Hayson's expression was and continued to speak, "Mr. Jardin can discuss this with my father-in-law. After you're done discussing, you can come to the Arnold Corporation and look for me. I will gladly let the Azure Corporation become the Arnold Corporat
Zach had always been a backstabber. Based on her understanding of him, Madelyn knew he was furious. She knew she would be shredded into pieces if she ever ended up in his clutches.Zach never wanted her to get close to Ethan. This was because he was cautious of the Arnold family's power. However, his goal was to obtain the Jent family, and Madelyn was okay with that. She just wanted a peaceful life and did not want to be roped into his. This time, all of this would have nothing to do with her.Madelyn gave him a forced smile and said, "Okay."George still arranged for a chauffeur for everyone and sent them all to the Southern Haven Villas. Madelyn accompanied them to the gates of the main residence. She would not have known Ethan had secretly prepared so many gifts for them had she not seen it with her own eyes. This included expensive jewelry, tea leaves, and supplements, all packed into one car. Ultimately, they came with two cars and left with three.This was enough to show how
Jadie's eyes welled up with tears. She then hugged him from behind while sobbing. She cried, "Zach, do you know how much I envy Madelyn? To see how the person she loves also loves her back unconditionally? She is able to be engaged with the person she likes.""I also want to be with you forever, too, Zach, just like her. I want to be your wife forevermore. But... why can't you like me back?" Jadie asked.Although Zach's back was hot, his heart seemed like it had frozen over. He replied, "Jadie, I'm not as good as you think. There are many things that you still don't understand."Jadie clutched his waist tightly and did not let go. She screamed, "No! You will always be the best in my eyes. I don't need to understand or care what kind of person you are. I want to stay by your side, become your wife, and give birth to your children. You promised you would give me a family. You can't go back on your words, Zach."His suit was soaking as Jadie's tears seeped into it. Zach turned around
Regardless of Jadie's actions of putting everything on the line today, Zach's decisions were resolute and unwavering. He lifted her and drove to SereneCare Hospital.In the emergency room, Kai calmly stitched up Jadie's wound. "I never expected such a delicate girl would risk her life for you. Haven't you ever thought about giving in to her? Madelyn is going to marry Mr. Arnold. It's a done deal. Unless you can take down the Arnold Corporation quickly, you won't be able to take Madelyn away from him."Oh! There's something crucial you must remember. According to the DNA test, you and Madelyn are siblings. If you two really get together, it could lead to significant consequences! Tsk! I never thought someone could actually like a person as rotten as you."Kai laughed, "How rare is that!""Are you finished?" Zach turned away from the floor-to-ceiling window. He furrowed his brows, and his tone revealed a hint of annoyance.Kai finished suturing and wrapped Jadie's wound up with a ba
The night was quiet. The wind rustled through the branches outside the window, causing the heavy curtains to billow. The weather in April was not too cold. The medicinal scent filled the air as the wind blew into the ward.Jadie woke up but did not want to face Zach. So, she turned her head to gaze at the billowing curtains. "You don't want me anymore, so why are you still at the hospital? Just go back. I don't need you to take care of me."Zach picked up a medicine from the bedside table. The thick, black liquid inside emitted an unpleasant odor. Upon hearing what Jadie said, he answered, "Okay." Then, he put the medicine back down.He stood up and checked his wristwatch. "It's 12:12 a.m. now. I'll give you ten minutes to calm down. Think it over, and I'll come back in.""Zach!" Jadie called out to him urgently.Zach stopped and asked, "Are you calm now?"Jadie bit her lip and nodded, "Yes."Zach sat down by the bedside and tucked her in. "Drink it before it gets cold. I'll tak
Zach fed Jadie a natural medicine and spent nearly half an hour reassuring her before leaving the ward. It was too late now. So, he decided to stay overnight at the hospital and return home the next day. Zach stepped out to the quiet, dimly lit balcony, shielding his hand from the wind as he lit a cigarette. He took a drag and exhaled a puff of smoke.Halfway through his cigarette, Kai approached him with a report in hand. "If we keep delaying, the hypnosis we did on Jadie eight years ago will soon lose its effect. This time, her emotional outburst is just a reflection of what's inside of her. If her inner strength isn't strong enough, and you don't keep an eye on her, she might repeat the same action with even a slight slip."The nicotine in the cigarette eased some of Zach's tension. While smoking could be addictive, it had little hold over him. He knew what addiction felt like. The craving was akin to a swarm of worms crawling over his body and gnawing at his bones when he went wi
Liam was standing in the rain, and though it hadn't been long, he was thoroughly drenched.Blake quickly pulled him close, her voice laced with concern. "Are you crazy? It's pouring rain! What if you catch a cold?"Liam's look was subdued, his face showing signs of fatigue. "I'm okay. This is for you; I didn't want you to have to come out in this weather."As Blake took in his forlorn appearance, her heart softened suddenly. 'Am I losing my mind?' she thought."Now you'll have to pay more attention to me, Blake... I was just so scared of losing you. I've put everything I have into getting you to agree to marry me; the idea of you walking away is unbearable."Overwhelmed with emotion, Blake locked eyes with him. "Did she teach you to say that too?" she asked, her hand moving on its own to brush away the raindrops from his hair.A maid nearby, observing the scene, rushed over with a blanket and an umbrella. However, Grace, fully grasping the gravity of the moment, halted her. Ackno
Cecilia said, "It's fine. Let's give them a week. Rearrange the flight and all the plans for the trip. This is Blake's first time getting married and going abroad for honeymoon. I want to make sure she has a good time."Susan nodded. "Okay, Ms. Samford."Not long after Cecilia left, three editors who used to work for Olivia's company entered her office. All of them spoke in panic, "Ms. Blue, what should we do? Ms. Samford already knows everything. If the legal department finds out about it, will we go to jail?"Olivia remained calm as she said, "Don't panic. Just focus on your work.""But we got into this company through you. What if they say we got into this company through the back door and then fired us?"Olivia sat at her desk, supporting her forehead with her hands. She was obviously panicking. "Don't worry, I'll handle this."You guys can leave now."Olivia did not expect this matter to be exposed so soon. She wondered how Cecilia found out about it. 'Could it be that she'
StartReading Literary was the last place Cecilia wanted to be. But she made an exception this time.Olivia had just finalized a cooperative copyright deal with another website company. Several editors from her own company were there at StartReading Literary. As she entered the office, she saw all the editors from StartReading Literary sitting upright, not daring to make a sound.She also saw her office door was wide open. She frowned as she walked into her office and was surprised to see an unexpected gust.Olivia put down the documents in her hand. "Ms. Samford, what brings you here?"With her legs crossed and Susan standing behind her, Cecilia stared at Olivia, who was in front of her.Cecilia sneered and stood up. She ran her fingers along the desk. "StartReading is actually the last place I want to be. I came here because I found out that you enjoy meddling in other people's affairs. Otherwise, you wouldn't even qualify to see me."Olivia instantly looked wary. She remained s
Liam stood up. He watched as Blake, who looked weary, walked away. "Blake, what do you want me to do so you'll like me?"Blake did not stop walking. Instead, she took even bigger steps and left.She went to the Harper residence, which surprised everyone.Grace asked, "Blake? Why did you come back here? Where's Liam? Why didn't he come back with you?"Blake stuttered, unable to find the words. She just made up an excuse, saying, "It's nothing. I just wanted to come back."After Hannah and Yael left the wedding last night, they went back to the research institute.As for Simon, he went to the farm to manage the business.After Blake went to her room, Grace became worried. She followed her and saw her sitting with a blank expression in the room, not knowing what to do.When Blake saw Grace, she quickly adjusted her mood. "Grace, why are you here?""I came to check on you. Blake, what's wrong? Did you have a fight with Liam? You just had your wedding yesterday, and you're already
The pregnancy test report came out fifteen minutes after Blake did the test. She was indeed pregnant. She was even seven weeks pregnant.Blake had indeed been involved with Kevin while in Northern Myanmar over a month ago.She held the medical report while standing bewildered in the cold hospital corridor. Lights shone through the floor-to-ceiling window onto her body, but all Blake felt was the cold, which made her hands and feet numb.She was lost in her thoughts. 'I'm really pregnant. What should I do with this baby? I want it to be born more than anyone else. But now, everything has changed. This child shouldn't come into this world.'She wandered in the corridor. Suddenly, she saw someone coming out of another gynecological room.She thought, 'Some things are just destined by fate. When I long to see him, even catching a glimpse of him in a dream feels like a luxury, an unattainable wish. But now, when I don't want to see him, it seems he appears everywhere I go.'Kevin supp
Blake wondered, 'I'm now pregnant with Kevin's child. What should I do?'She woke up groggily when she felt someone carry her. She opened her heavy eyelids and asked, "What time is it now?"Liam responded, "It's four-thirty in the morning. It's still early; go back to sleep for a while more."Blake said in a hoarse voice, "I've made an appointment for an abortion at eight o'clock. Regardless of whether I'm really pregnant or not, I don't want to keep this child."She had thought about it all night and believed this was the best decision.Kevin was going to get engaged. Blake believed he would get married and Audrey would give birth to his children. There was simply no need for her to complicate things further.She thought, 'If I choose to be selfish and decide to keep this baby, and if people find out about it, my child will be treated as an illegitimate child. I don't even dare to imagine how badly the child will be treated.'If giving birth to the baby will bring it a lifetime
Blake continued, "What about you, Liam? Do you mind?"If you do, you can choose to divorce me. After all, I've wronged you. No one wants to marry a woman who's carrying someone else's child."Liam stepped forward on the shattered cup and hugged her tightly. "I don't mind. Blake, I love you, including everything about you. I don't mind your past. I just want to start over with you. I didn't tell you about the pregnancy because I was selfish; I wanted to keep you by my side."Blake, your child is my child. I want to raise the baby with you."Don't leave me, okay?"Blake did not know why, but she was not surprised by her pregnancy. However, she felt that there were still some things that she could not let go of, though she was unsure what those were.She was not as calm as she had imagined.She thought about her past events. Then, she indifferently said, "Liam, I don't want this child. Since I'm prepared to be with you, I won't keep this child. It wouldn't be fair to you."Liam di
On this romantic night, the moon was obscured by the clouds.Breathing heavily, Blake felt some pain in her abdomen. She asked to stop. "Liam, my stomach hurts. I think I'm going to have my period soon."Liam sobered up instantly. "I'll go get you some medicine."She peeked out from under the blanket as the bedside lamp turned on. She could clearly see Liam's naked upper body. Her face flushed as she averted her gaze. "It's fine. Just help me call the front desk and ask them to bring up a pack of sanitary pads. I'll go to the bathroom to deal with it."Liam replied, "Let's go to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up."Blake picked up her clothes from the floor and went to the bathroom. "It's okay. It's probably just my period."However, judging by the blood flowing out, it did not seem like menstrual blood to Blake. It looked like something else.Blake's voice came from the bathroom again. "I think we should go to the hospital."She sat on the toilet and watched the tall, slende
Blake had no bridesmaids, so she returned to the hotel room alone. As she stepped out of the elevator and was ready to use the room key card in her hand to swipe and enter the room, she suddenly saw a figure appear from the corner of her eye.She stopped her action and looked at the person who had left the wedding earlier.At that moment, Blake felt her breath catch, but it was only fleeting. She then quickly regained her composure and averted her gaze. She asked, "Didn't you leave? Why are you still here?"Kevin replied, "Congratulations."Upon hearing his congratulations, Blake felt a mix of amusement and discomfort. "There's nothing to congratulate. If anything, I should congratulate you. You're soon to be the mayor's son-in-law. In the future, we won't belong in the same social class anymore."I'm tired and came back to rest. You should leave now before Liam comes up and sees you here."Don't look for me again. I don't want him to misunderstand."Kevin responded, "Audrey and