The light was blocked, so the room was dim. Caelan stood frostily at the door, his gaze on Jade unusually icy, as if he was looking at his arch-enemy."Mr. Fitzgerald, what are you doing?" Trying to make Caelan speak first was like asking for the moon, so Jade had to take the initiative.Caelan's tall figure loomed over her like a mountain pressing down on her, suffocating her. The pervasive chill coming from him felt like it could freeze everything in its vicinity."I won't marry you," he stated curtly. It wasn't a negotiation tactic, but more of a command. Just like the man himself, authoritative and unyielding, not leaving any room for compromise.Suddenly, Jade realized what was going on. No wonder Caelan never looked happy to see her. This was the issue.Earlier, she had pondered how Leah's leg had gotten injured, but she had forgotten one crucial detail.In her previous lifetime, Neve had been the favorite, so Leah had intentionally tried to set Caelan up with her. At the t
Jade stepped forward, retrieving bandages and some antiseptic from the medical kit as she addressed Caelan. "Mr. Kennedy's injury is our priority. Let me bandage it up first."Caelan's gaze shifted to Jade. Meeting her clear eyes, he declined. "We have a professional medical team. Thanks, but no thanks, Ms. Jade."As it turned out, he didn't trust her medical skills. It wasn't just Caelan. Even Leah appeared surprised. She knew Jade very well and understood that medicine was not her expertise."Jade, don't be foolish," Leah said, signaling for her not to insist.Jade didn't want to make a scene, but the injury on Kennedy's ankle was severe. If she didn't intervene, his treatment might be delayed."If we wait for the Fitzgeralds’ professional medical team, Mr. Kennedy's wound might deteriorate. If it gets infected, will you take responsibility?" Jade asked Caelan calmly.This was the first time she had confronted him head-on since her rebirth, and it was far from the warm and tend
Leah looked at Jade with a hint of surprise.Everyone knew that the Fitzgerald Group's businesses spanned the globe, ranging from investments in real estate, finance, IT, and more. Being able to enter the Fitzgerald Group meant stepping onto the path of success. Besides, the renowned Centus Hospital was under the Fitzgerald Group's umbrella.Kennedy's offer was a rare opportunity for Jade.Jade was momentarily dazed, but Leah, who saw her somewhat bewildered expression, nudged her with her elbow, saying, "Silly girl, why did you freeze? Hurry up and thank Kennedy."Coming back to her senses, Jade said gratefully, "Thank you, Mr. Kennedy.""Don't disappoint me." Kennedy chuckled. He then glanced at Caelan and instructed him, "You're in charge of this."Caelan was visibly reluctant, but given Kennedy's command, there was no room to argue. He could only nod."Mom, are you okay?" Melvin had rushed over upon hearing the news. However, he felt somewhat awkward given the current situat
"Can't she stay here overnight?" Leah sounded even more displeased."Okay, okay, if you want her to stay, who am I to object? I'll take my leave then," Melvin said.Leah waved her hand, indicating for him to leave. Melvin had no choice but to leave with Neve.After he left, Jade followed Leah back to the room."What's the matter? Do you have something to say?" Earlier outside, Leah had sensed that Jade had wanted to speak but had held herself back. That was why she had called her into the room to have a private conversation.Jade nodded and handed the broken section of the railing to Leah. "Grandma, take a look. I found this next to the pond."The broken railing looked like a clean cut, which clearly indicated that someone had deliberately tampered with it. Their intention must have been to make Leah fall into the pond and make it look like an accident.Leah's heart lurched, but she remained calm on the surface, as if she had anticipated it. "It seems like the other party is get
"Okay, Grandma," Jade said obediently.Brianna helped Leah get up and led her back to the room.Jade thought about her past life, when Leah had handed over all household authority to Gemma after her injury. Jade wondered if the situation would change now that she had intervened. However, since Gemma already couldn't contain herself, Jade decided to act like a quiet hunter and wait for the prey to fall into her trap. She believed that the news of her being invited over by the Fitzgeralds would quickly reach someone's ears.As expected, the news of her internship at the Fitzgerald Group reached Neve’s ears. Neve went to Gemma with tears in her eyes. "Mom, you need to think of something. I can't let her climb over my head."To many people, Jade joining the Fitzgerald Group meant that she would be entering the Fitzgerald family.How could Neve not be anxious when an adopted daughter of the Severins might be entering the Fitzgerald family?Gemma felt both angry and surprised. The pe
Gemma's heart settled down instantly, and she looked at Melvin with glowing eyes. "What do you mean?"Melvin got up, put on a shirt, and replied, "I believe you've noticed her resistance in the past few days. What does that indicate? It means you’ve pushed her too hard. The energy that erupts when someone reaches their limit is unimaginable. Otherwise, you wouldn't have lost your position as general manager."Gemma was indignant. "So, even you believe her over me?"Knowing that Melvin was easily swayed by coaxing and not harsh words, Gemma shed a few crocodile tears. As expected, Melvin softened and said, "Still, she's not my biological daughter. If we don't use some special means, how will we get her to obediently follow our orders?"Based on what Melvin said, Gemma understood that he was merely using Jade, which made her feel relieved. However, she wouldn't let that wretch have it so easy. If she dared to resist, she would show her the consequences of rebellion.Jade spent the n
The servant, however, wasn't as composed as Jade. He hid behind her with a gasp and stammered, "Ms. Severin, please don't move. Panther is very fierce and it will bite anyone it pleases. As long as we don't bother it, it won't attack us."Jade was scared of ferocious dogs too, but since she had experienced death once, there was not much left for her to fear."Why would there be a dog on the grounds?" Jade asked in a hushed tone."This dog is..."Before the servant could finish, a nonchalant voice reached Jade's ears. "Who are you?"Turning toward the voice, Jade saw a man in a blue striped suit eyeing her up and down. The man frowned, but his smile and gaze were both mocking."Sir..." The servant looked at him pleadingly for help. "Panther is out again. Could you please take it away? It's really frightening."While the man looked at Jade, she was also sizing him up. She recalled that he was Caelan's elder cousin, the oldest member of their generation—Byron Fitzgerald.Kennedy h
Jade followed Caelan into the castle but noticed that he didn't head to the living room. Instead, he went to the yard.Sitting by the pond, Kennedy was dressed casually, wearing a fisherman's hat and looking deeply engrossed in fishing. When he saw Jade and Caelan approaching, he gestured to them from across the pond, signaling for them to come slowly so they would not startle the fish.The sunlight was intense, giving Kennedy a slightly flushed complexion, but he seemed to be in good spirits.Jade could tell based on the way he looked that his injury wasn't serious. After all, he was sitting and not putting any strain on the wound, so she wasn't too worried."Oh, got a bite, got a bite!" Jade was lost in thought when Kennedy suddenly exclaimed, rapidly spinning the fishing rod.Beneath the calm surface of the pond, a large blue carp churned, breaking through the water. The fish was sizable, caught but reluctant to give in, so it kept struggling to escape.Kennedy shouted when he
Chenelle's words made Jade clench her fists in anger. For someone so heartless, she really wanted to wake her up with a good beating.Taking a step forward, Jade grabbed Chenelle by the collar.Chenelle screamed, thinking Jade was about to hit her, and retreated in fear. "What are you doing? Do you want to hit me again?!"'So, she can also feel fear.'Jade sneered coldly, rolling up her sleeves to show the scars on her arm. "While you complain about the world's injustices, open your eyes wide and see that not everyone is as fortunate as you."I was also adopted, but compared to you, our lives are worlds apart. While you resent not getting enough attention, others are struggling to find their next meal. When you let jealousy drive you to harm others, some people are just praying to survive."Chenelle, you truly don't appreciate the blessings you have."Jade's fair arm was covered in scars of various sizes—burns, cuts, and a long stitched wound that looked like a centipede. Althou
Chenelle forcefully shook off Jade's hand, her eyes filled with venom as she spat, "You bitch! Stop pretending to be so righteous. I despise people like you the most. Do you think the Fitzgeralds adopted me out of kindness? No, it's because they felt guilty."Her face twisted with intense hatred, her gaze sweeping across everyone in the hall with a sharp, accusatory edge.When her eyes landed on Kennedy, her resentment peaked. "Ever since I stepped into the Fitzgerald household, you've treated me with hostility, never once showing me a kind face."My efforts to make you happy were like a dog desperately seeking attention. When you were in a good mood, you were somewhat kind to me, but when you weren't, you completely ignored me. "Do you think bringing me into the Fitzgeralds would make me grateful? No, it won't. I hate you. I hate every single one of you! You took away my only family and snuffed out the last bit of warmth I had."If it weren't for my father trying to protect Cael
After changing her clothes, Jade applied light makeup while standing in front of the mirror. As she gazed at her rosy reflection, fragments of the previous night's events flickered in her mind. Her cheeks flushed, and she covered her face with her hands, fanning herself nervously. 'What to do, what to do? How should I face Caelan later?'After much hesitation, Jade decided to face him. After all, they had already crossed all boundaries. Avoiding him now would be unnecessarily dramatic. Moreover, they would be living together in the future. It wasn't practical to keep avoiding him.With this thought, Jade felt significantly more at ease. As she approached the door, she heard Caelan's voice from the living room. "Hold her there. I'm coming right over." Puzzled, Jade opened the door and looked at Caelan.He ended his call and said, "We've found the person who drugged you. I'm heading over now.""Who is it?" Jade asked angrily.Caelan gave her a deep, serious look before replying,
'And then…' Thinking about it further, Jade couldn’t bear to continue. 'Could it be that I spent the night with Orion?!'"Morning..." The familiar deep voice sent a shiver through Jade, followed by a surge of joy enveloping her entire being. That voice, she would recognize it even in death.It was Caelan. This was Caelan's voice!Jade remained motionless, her body stiff. The swing from immense sorrow to immense joy was too overwhelming—she needed a moment to process it all."Why aren't you saying anything?" Caelan noticed Jade's odd behavior and propped himself up to look at her face, only to find her silently shedding tears.His heart clenched, and his first instinct was to apologize. "I'm sorry, last night I had no choice. Your situation was too dangerous—"Before he could finish, Jade threw herself into his arms.Caelan was at a loss, his body rigid, afraid to move a muscle.Tears dripped onto his chest, scorching his skin and softening his heart."Are you still in pain?" h
Jade felt as if her head was about to explode, her body burning, with her organs seemingly on the verge of combustion."Jade, Jade, wake up." Caelan gently patted Jade's cheek. The moment he touched her skin, he was startled by how scalding hot she felt.Jade's eyes fluttered open in a daze, her vision blurred, unable to discern the face looming close to hers. She grasped the cool hand on her face, pressing it tightly against her skin."So cool… So cool…" Jade murmured unconsciously, her body instinctively leaning closer. She wrapped her arms around the man's neck, rubbing against him desperately. "Help me… I feel so uncomfortable, so hot."Seeing her in such a state, Caelan felt an indescribable pain in his heart. His fists clenched tightly, veins bulging on the back of his hands as he commanded Samuel, "Find out who did this."Samuel nodded. "The doctor is on his way, but we need to lower Miss Severin's temperature immediately."Caelan's eyes darkened momentarily. He bent down,
Orion's face had turned a shade of red that was far from normal, yet he struggled to stay conscious, shaking his head with a bitter smile."I never thought I'd see the day when I'd be outsmarted."Jade's heart tightened in response. She had reserved a VIP suite in the hotel, with only two rooms on the entire floor. To ensure privacy, she had explicitly instructed that no one was to come upstairs. Now, Orion had been drugged, and she…A sudden spell of dizziness caused Jade's legs to give way. She clung to the door frame to avoid collapsing. To her horror, she realized she had been drugged too. 'Damn it! How could I have let my guard down?!'"I'll call for help. Don't move."Overwhelmed by the heat coursing through her body, Jade was on the brink of losing her sanity. In a bid to stay conscious, she dug her nails into her palm. The pain brought a moment of clarity, but it was fleeting. The heat surged back, stronger and more relentless than before. Fear crept up from Jade's feet
Jade arrived at the hotel and easily found the floor, unlocking Room 2020. As soon as she stepped inside, she was taken aback—red roses filled the entire room, and candles burned softly in the corners, creating a romantic and cozy atmosphere.This was the result of Melanie and Tiffany’s hard work all afternoon.As Jade walked on the soft carpet, Jade's heart danced with excitement. Today, she would give herself to Caelan—she was finally going to be his woman. She had been waiting for this day for so long.Her phone buzzed with a text message. Jade opened it and saw it was from Tiffany.Tiffany: [There's a gift for you on the bed. You're welcome.]'A gift? What kind of prank is this girl up to now?'Following Tiffany’s instructions, Jade found the gift on the bed. She opened it and gasped. A few black straps connected to bits of sheer fabric!'Lingerie?' Jade’s face turned crimson, and she quickly shoved the outfit back into the box. If she wore this to see Caelan, she’d rather
Caelan: [Alright, go ahead and get busy.]Jade felt a slight chill in her heart as she read the message from Caelan. Shouldn't he have asked where she was going? Why did he just reply with that?There was something off about Caelan's mood, but she couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.Seeing Jade lost in thought, Melanie waved her hand in front of her friend's eyes. "Hey, snap out of it. Did Caelan say when he's coming?"Jade, feeling a bit down, replied, "I haven't figured out how to tell him yet.""What's there to figure out? My goodness." Melanie grabbed Jade's phone and quickly typed a message to Caelan.Jade: [I'll be waiting for you at 5:00 p.m. in Room 2020 of Serendipitus. We need to talk.]With a flourish, she sent the message and tossed the phone back to Jade.Jade's eyes widened in shock. "Melanie, can we really do this?""Why not? Trust me, right now Caelan is probably as anxious as a cat on a hot tin roof, wondering if you're going to break up with him."Tiffany c
The car sped toward Jade's villa, coming to a stop.Caelan immediately took out his phone and called Jade. Just like before, there was no answer. While staring at the tightly shut door, Caelan's heart clenched. 'Could it be true, as Chenelle said, that Jade has fallen for Orion?'..."Hey, can't you two stop this?" Jade sighed in exasperation.She had been perfectly content at home when Tiffany and Melanie had barged in and dragged her out.To make matters worse, they had taken her phone. Their excuse was to make Caelan worry and see if he would dare to disappear again. Most importantly, they wanted to surprise him."Just relax and stay here. Tiffany and I will handle everything else," Melanie said, pressing Jade into a chair and thrusting a makeup brush into her hand. "You just focus on looking beautiful and don't worry about a thing, okay?"Jade couldn't help but laugh. "Can you two stop being so overbearing? I'm the main character here. Can't you show me some respect?"The