Madelyn said, "I accept it. After all, it's indeed my fault that took up everyone's time."Jane responded, "It's good that you know. I hope you won't make everyone cover for you again for this project."Madelyn replied, "Okay."This was their first bonus. Everyone was thinking about how they should celebrate tonight.However, they received a sudden notice that Encounter Gaming was not satisfied with the scenery sketches and required adjustments.Unfortunately, the part they were unsatisfied with was the one Madelyn was responsible for, which happened to be the part Jane had completed for her.The detail of the scenery did not match Encounter Gaming's requirements. No one expected the artwork to be sent back for revision.Someone complained, "Now, instead of our celebration, we have to stay back for overtime.""Who can we blame? Someone delayed the progress.""Ah, so annoying! I thought we could finish work early today."Madelyn left a heavy mark on the white drawing paper wit
"She can't do it, and you think you can?"A cold voice came from behind the crowd, and everyone turned to see a man walking toward them. He was the guy from the art show with his assistant.This man was good-looking and tall, giving off a classy vibe. You could tell he was a big-shot CEO with one look.Someone in the group felt like they had seen him before but couldn't remember where.The person who spoke earlier quickly lowered their head, too scared to talk again.The people around Madelyn made way for him.Madelyn had no clue that Zach would show up. He stood next to her, his gaze sending shivers through everyone.He said, "Aren't you usually all confident around me? Why the quiet act now?"Madelyn gripped her dress, looking down, and muttered, "I didn't ask for your help."Zach responded, "You heartless girl. We'll talk about this later."Jane kept her professional tone, saying, "Sir, this is our studio's private matter. If you want to get involved, please go back and ha
Madelyn frowned, "Zach, can you please not come here and cause trouble? I'm already fed up with this. Jardin Corporation is yours, and it has nothing to do with me. I don't need your help." She then looked apologetically at everyone and said, "I'm sorry for the plagiarism issue. I'll find a way to prove that I didn't plagiarize."Madelyn started to pack her things and wanted to leave. Zach then held her hand, "It's good to be confident. But... Overconfidence can easily backfire."If you all want an explanation, as the CEO of Encounter Gaming, I'll give you an explanation today. Bring me the contract."Everyone remained still. A hint of coldness flashed past Zach's eyes as he asked, "Why don't you even have the contract?"Clement responded, "We have it."Very quickly, Clement took the contract from Jane's drawer and handed it to Zach.Zach leaned back. After reading it, he closed it and said, "It's clearly stated here that you have three weeks until submission. So, there are four
Zach said, "Leaking the drawings is considered leaking the company's confidential information. And you all have signed the confidentiality agreement as stated in the contract. If any of you are found to be involved in leaking the company's confidential information, Jardin Corporation will hold you all accountable!"During the investigation, Encounter Gaming will stop all collaboration with your studio."Zach checked the time on his watch before dropping the contract in his hand. He stood up and said, "My sister might be a little foolish. But not everyone can bully her as they like."Madelyn froze for a moment. Her eyes were filled with discontent, frustration, and confusion. In Zach's eyes, she appeared innocent and foolish.The social circles that Madelyn and Zach were exposed to were different. After what Zach had been through, to him, Madelyn was just a girl who had been living comfortably and did not understand the ways of the world.Jane clenched her fist. She maintained a ca
Clement was holding back his anger. He continued saying with his hands on his hips, "To be fair, we could've waited for her progress as long as there was no breach of contract. She was sick. It wasn't something that she could control. But you took over her task and submitted the artwork early without asking for a proper handover from her. What did we gain from finishing the work ahead of schedule?"Did we get a compliment? Or was there extra pay?"Because of one thing that you said, in the past few days, every one of us worked overtime to catch up with the progress. Sandy was overworked and ended up in the hospital. You should know that Encounter Gaming gave us enough time that would've allowed us to finish the work without needing to work overtime."Jane sneered, "So, you think everything is my fault? I merely wanted everyone to finish the work quickly so that we could have some time to rest!"Clement, I don't know what to say when you've gone to this extent in being a bootlicker!
Clement asked, "Were you the person who leaked about the plagiarism..."A clear slapping sound was then heard from the corridor...After Madelyn left, she was forcefully pushed into the car by Zach.Kevin sat in the driver's seat and slowly started the car.Madelyn glared at Zach as she said, "Why did you say those things? Do you know that what you said will cause me trouble? I never even thought about relying on you to accomplish anything!"You made my relationship with her very tense. Zach! When'll you try to see things from my perspective?"Zach loosened his tie. He looked at her intensely, "Are you done?"They stared at each other.Zach looked dangerous as he squinted his eyes. Madelyn immediately backed down. Zach continued saying, "I thought you'd have grown up in the past four years. But you're still as foolish as ever."You were bullied, and yet, you just stayed quiet? Why didn't you stand up for yourself like you did to me?"She was clearly trying to cut you out. Can
Madelyn thought, 'Wouldn't he find asking me to be his kept woman laughable?'She said, "I'd rather die than be with you!"I despise the flirtatious women that have ambiguous relationships with you. I find you filthy. Do you really not understand why I tried to escape? I want to get away from you! Now, whenever I see you, I feel disgusted."You made me lose my child! You took away my chance to become a mother! You drugged me. Do you know how painful it is to have the uterus removed?"You ruined my life! Isn't that enough?! Now, you still want to torture me. I can't conceive anymore, Zach! What more do you want from me?!"She thought, 'He nearly put me in danger again and again. I'll never forget that he sent someone to kill me! That time... I nearly died, Zach! If I could start over, I'd rather have nothing to do with him at all!'"I'll make it up to you. But I'll never allow you to leave. Do you understand?!" Zach pinched her sharp, delicate chin as he continued, "Even if you do
Zach said, "I'll have the hotel staff bring you breakfast later."He was aware that Madelyn was already awake. He left the room after covering her with the blanket.At the door, Zach stopped walking and instructed his bodyguard, "Keep an eye on her."The bodyguard responded, "Okay."Zach left, but the bodyguard continued monitoring her.At eight in the morning, a hotel staff knocked on the door with a breakfast cart beside her. She said, "Miss, Mr. Jardin ordered breakfast for you. It's here. I'll bring it in for you."Then, a loud sound could be heard. It seemed like something had hit the door.After that, Madelyn's voice was heard from inside the room, "Don't come in. Get lost!"The hotel staff was in a dilemma. She responded, "But Mr. Jardin asked me to watch you while you finish your breakfast."Madelyn's eyes were slightly red. She sat on the bed, covering her ears. She did not want to listen to the voice outside. Then, she ran into the cloakroom and closed the door to bl
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