Zach used the Young family's funds to buy businesses at a bargain. When the stock market struggled, even the richest in Ventropolis, including the Arnold family, felt the pinch. Smaller companies faced bankruptcy, and the Young family almost did too.Two years ago, Zach visited Frida at the Young residence. Even before the Arnold family supported Azure Corporation, he had made a name for himself in Ventropolis, though he often stayed out of the spotlight. Many companies wanted him, but Zach remained loyal to his mentor, Hayson. No offer could tempt him away from his clear goal: to take over Azure Corporation. His ambition made people wary."You're asking for $1.5 billion just like that, Zach? Beyond being Hayson's adopted kid, I really admire you. Many at YTCorp started like you did, but what you've achieved is something else. The only reason we're talking today is because of Yvonne." Frida gestured to the door, "Now, get out of the Young residence." She shot Yvonne a stern look, say
Zach lit a cigarette. Ever since Madelyn left him, he had picked up smoking. Now, he could not quit. "The details don't matter.""Did you kill Randall?" Frida asked.Yvonne glanced over. She knew Zach had secrets, and he always intrigued her.Zach replied, "Ms. Young, without evidence, murder accusations are just talk. But today, we're discussing money."Owning that oil field gave Zach a significant edge. The Young family had diverse businesses; the oil industry was their latest focus. Their partnership with the Burton family was postponed because of Randall's imprisonment. When Zach revealed the deal today, it took Frida by surprise.Frida grew concerned about Zach potentially rising to prominence in Ventropolis. She could not believe it. While the Burton family was in chaos, trying to track down the businesses Randall owned, Zach had managed to secure the oil field worth over $10 billion—a prize the Burtons had their eyes on. Frida felt conflicted. On one hand, she desired the o
Zach and Yvonne's engagement party was low-key. While it did make it to the newspapers, the news was quickly overshadowed by stories of several companies going bankrupt.After securing the funds, Zach bought major real estate properties, financial securities, and struggling businesses. Once the economy improved, he revamped these companies under the banner of Jardin Corporation. In just three years, Jardin went public, its stock value soaring beyond that of the once-thriving Arnold Corporation. With the success, Zach's initial $1.5 billion grew more than tenfold, making him a prominent figure in Ventropolis.Once Yvonne arrived in France, Madelyn had this nagging feeling something was amiss, 'This is just ridiculous! Why is he seeking me out if he's already tied to Yvonne in this life? How different am I now from Cecilia in our past life? Am I just here to stir up trouble? Yvonne's just like how I remember her being in that previous life—lost and hurt.'She quickly went to her room.
The maid said, "The lady worked hard on that meal. Throwing it out would be such a waste, right?"Zach shot her a stern glance. "Just do what I say," he said curtly.Trying to hide her nervousness, the maid nodded and headed downstairs to clean up. Meanwhile, the other maids got busy preparing another meal.After sipping the fruit juice Zach gave her, Madelyn slowly awakened and gazed at the ceiling."How do you feel?" Zach asked.Madelyn paused. "I'm moving out tomorrow."His expression became stern. "You know I won't let that happen. Why can't you just deal with this? I promise you'll be left alone. It'll just be me.""You're pushing me to the edge," Madelyn fired back. "I might do something we'll both regret. I could kill you, Zach."Zach gently caressed her forehead. "Once you're better, you can chase any dream you want. You want to paint? I'll set up a studio just for you." Zach's voice had an unusual softness tonight, as if he was a different person."You still don't get
Madelyn could not find any recent updates on the Arnold family online, with the latest information being four years old, making her suspicious. She felt uneasy, questioning her own paranoia. At this point, she could possibly even walk past Ethan on the street without being able to recognize him.She was concerned that Zach might seek revenge on the Arnold family, given his history of holding onto grudges. After Ethan took over Azure Corporation, causing Zach's professional setback, she believed Zach might want payback, even if Ethan was not at fault.With Cecilia back and Zach's smart planning, they seemed poised to become dominant in Ventropolis. Zach had big dreams.Zach watched Madelyn in her room through his tablet. He asked a maid to serve the dinner they prepared. Madelyn did not eat much. The maid acted cautiously, as if scared to upset her. As she was settling in for bed, she overheard voices outside her door."Who's the woman in that room?" one voice whispered. "I've never
"Not even the lady of the house is allowed to enter the study freely," the maid said.Madelyn thought, 'As long as the paintings are safe. Some are mementos from Mom.'Quickly heading downstairs, she found the master bedroom on the second floor empty. However, in Zach's room, she discovered her treasured paintings, all protected under white cloth. Emotions surged as she touched them. She picked them up, wanting to move them back to her room, but as she tried to leave, one of the maids blocked her way."Miss, I told you; you can't touch these."Madelyn replied coolly, "Like I said, these are mine. I'm just taking back what's mine."Another maid, clearly annoyed, snapped at the other maid, "Why're we even talking to her? She seems out of it, probably lost her mind or something. Let's just get the paintings."But before the maids could act, two bodyguards in black suits quickly came up the stairs. They stopped the maids and then said to Madelyn, "The boss said you can decide what to
Frida sipped on the tea brought by the assistant, "I heard that Madelyn's back, and you kicked Yvonne out of the Southern Haven Villas. Is that true?"I asked you to take care of Yvonne for me and is this how you treat her? Don't forget who helped you to get where you are today."Zach walked straight to his desk and threw the documents in his hand on the table. "Mrs. Young, of course I remember your kindness and am very grateful for your help. However, I believe that you didn't come all the way here just to tell me these things."Zach took his seat and adjusted his tie with his slender fingers, looking relaxed.Frida sneered. "Mrs. Young, huh? You're married to my daughter. Have you no respect for your elders? You should be addressing me as your mother-in-law!"She put her cup of tea down as she spoke. Then, she stood up and walked over to Zach before handing him a red and gold invitation card. "This is the guest list I've prepared for the banquet next month."Zach smiled arrogan
Madelyn's phone rang as soon as she said those words. After seeing the caller ID, she hesitated for a moment before answering. Then, she spoke in an annoyed tone, "You said you were going to give me three days, and the time hasn't come yet.""If you want to go to her grave, I'll come with you in the afternoon after I'm done with my meeting." Zach replied."I don't need you to go with me. I can go alone.""It's either you don't go or let me come with you. Your choice," he responded, his voice immediately turning cold.She did not really have a choice, did she?So, Madelyn reluctantly agreed, "Then I'll wait for you downstairs later."She did not want to cause any unnecessary trouble.The sky was sunny and bright in the morning but suddenly turned cloudy by afternoon, as if there might be a heavy rain later. So, Madelyn brought an umbrella with her, just in case.The bodyguard drove as Madelyn sat in the rear passenger seat. The journey lasted for more than an hour before they fi
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