The number of attendees from the Arnold family was not extensive. Ethan's father, Owen, was notably absent, and the reason behind his absence remained a mystery to those outside the Arnold family. However, nobody dared to ask or gossip about the most prominent family in Ventropolis. In high society circles, everyone knew about the dramatic divorce between Frida Young and Owen Arnold.Owen had two brothers and a sister, all of whom were at the event today. They usually managed different parts of the Arnold Corporation and rarely appeared in public. Madelyn didn't often cross paths with them in her daily life.Madelyn greeted each of them one by one and received quite a few gifts. She passed these gifts on to the accompanying servers. The total value of these gifts could easily cover the down payment on a luxury apartment in Ventropolis.Materially, Ethan spared no expense when it came to Madelyn. She even knew the combination to the safe in his room, which contained nothing but gold
"I..." Madelyn hesitated, feeling torn. Anything involving the Young family was a sensitive topic Ethan couldn't handle easily."Madelyn, don't you want my mother and Ethan to make up? Considering our relationship, you should start calling her Mom too. Aren't we all family? So... right now, the only person who can talk to Ethan about this is you. You have to help us. Both my mother and I won't forget your kindness," Yvonne urged.Madelyn stayed quiet for a while before slowly responding, "Yvonne, this isn't as simple as it sounds. I'll talk to Ethan later, but I can't promise he'll agree.""Madelyn Jent! Do you have to be like this? Do you even know how much my mother wishes to fix things with Ethan? Don't you want to help us at all?" Yvonne tried to contain her frustration.Madelyn furrowed her beautiful brows. "Yvonne, you have no idea what happened between them in the past. If she wants to bless us, we'll appreciate her goodwill.""What's going on? Whose phone call is it?" Etha
Evelyn excused herself from the engagement party early and went back to the Arnold residence. George handed her an envelope containing a document, saying, "Someone just said Ethan forgot to give this to you. The contents inside require your personal attention."Evelyn looked puzzled. "Is he learning to keep secrets from me now? You can all leave; I'll take a look at it by myself."After the servants had left, only Marta, who had been with Evelyn for many years, remained by her side.Evelyn sat down on the couch and opened the document. She took out a medical checkup report with Madelyn's name on it. When she reached the last section, her eyes widened, and her breath quickened. "This..." Even the hand holding the report trembled."What's wrong, Mrs. Arnold Sr.?" Marta noticed that something was seriously amiss with Evelyn, possibly a sign of a heart attack. She quickly retrieved a bottle of pills and gave one to Evelyn.Evelyn's breathing gradually steadied. Marta picked up the sca
Frida produced the gift box in her hands and said, "Ethan, I apologize for my tardiness. I've prepared an engagement present for you, something I've carefully chosen. I hope both you and Madelyn will like it.""Ethan, Madelyn... Mom put a lot of thought into this gift," Yvonne added.Frida opened the box, revealing a four-piece dinnerware set inside. Many in the room recognized it as the work of the renowned artist Adam Burch from Venturia. His porcelain pieces were truly priceless.A murmur of appreciation swept through the crowd.However, in the next instant, a loud crash echoed through the room.Ethan raised his hand and forcefully knocked the gift to the ground. His face turned dark and icy. "Who invited you? Get out!"He showed no mercy.Zach remained seated, calmly taking a sip of his drink. A faint smirk played on his lips.The joyful atmosphere that had prevailed just moments ago was now shrouded in darkness. Most people watched in silence, not daring to make a sound.
Ethan used the excuse of needing to sober up and took Madelyn to the rest area.As soon as they entered, Madelyn felt guilty, "I'm sorry. The phone call earlier was indeed from Yvonne. I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. I didn't think they'd come."Ethan looked a little intoxicated. His eyes were filled with tiredness. He had been busy all day, starting from four in the morning. Moreover, he did not rest properly last night.Madelyn poured a glass of warm water and sat beside him. Ethan looked like he did not blame her. He stretched his hand to stroke her hair, "I know... Don't take their words to heart. If they ever approach you again and you can't handle it, just tell me, okay?"Madelyn responded, "Okay. I won't keep it from you again. I know you don't like people talking about that in front of you; that was why I didn't tell you."Ethan asked, "Can I hug you?"Madelyn leaned forward to let him hug her for a while.She was leaving for Paris tomorrow. So, aft
Just then, Leyton suddenly pushed the door open and walked in, "It's bad, Mr. Arnold. Mrs. Arnold. Sr. is sick."Ethan instantly opened his eyes and sat up. A hint of light flashed past his eyes as he asked, "What happened?"Leyton responded, "It's said that you need to return home right now, and Ms. Jent doesn't need to follow you."Madelyn was confused as she asked, "Why?"Ethan looked at her.Leyton explained, "I'm not sure. But it's Mrs. Arnold Sr.'s wish. However, the servant's tone didn't seem unusual. Maybe she knows that that you have to leave the country and doesn't want you to worry."Madelyn thought, 'This guess seems to align with how she does things.'Ethan frowned. He felt that things were not so simple. He asked, "How's her current condition?"Leyton responded, "The family doctor has already rushed over."Ethan stood up. He grabbed his blazer and said to Madelyn, "Rest at the hotel. I'll go back now."Madelyn said, "I'll go with you."Ethan replied, "Listen to
The bathroom was warm and humid. It was filled with mist. Under the light, inside the steaming bathtub, the girl's skin was as white as snow. She hung her delicate arms over the edge of the bathtub. Her eyes were empty, showing no signs of resistance.She was swaying her nude body inside the rippling water, evoking one's limitless imagination. Zach carefully wiped every part of her body. His movements were slow. He was enjoying what he was doing.His gaze was intense as he stared at the person in front of him. The way he looked at Madelyn was as if he was not looking at a person but a perfect work of art. His eyes were filled with a strong desire and possessiveness at this moment.An hour later, they came out of the bathroom.The scene of a stunning beauty being held in the arms of a tall, powerful man was reflected on the floor-to-ceiling windows. Madelyn's long hair was hanging down. Zach looked handsome, yet dangerous. His soft, cold, thin lips curved subtly as he slowly put her
Madelyn said, "Brother..."Zach's curvy upper body muscles were sexy. The droplets of his sweat glided down his arms. The next moment, he bent down forcefully the next moment and pressed his body against hers. She did not even have the chance to catch her breath.Madelyn felt a sharp pain and was briefly lucid for a few seconds. Her soft lips were covered. Her voice was suppressed within her throat.When the sharp pain faded, Madelyn changed her moaning sound to cries for mercy.They went from the bed to the floor, then to the bathroom, and finally to the floor-to-ceiling window.The entire room was filled with an atmosphere of sensuousness.During the time that had passed, Madelyn drifted in and out of consciousness countless times.At three in the morning, the room gradually quieted down. Madelyn was completely unconscious, sleeping in Zach's embrace.The phone at the bedside displayed an incoming call from Ethan. Zach just faintly glanced at it. He then threw away the cigare
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