The others suppressed their laughter, maintaining a polite demeanor for Larry's sake. Consequently, they all smiled and nodded in a perfunctory manner."Exactly, my precious daughter is the most beautiful." Larry patted Quincy's face and reassured her, "Don't worry, honey, Daddy will take care of this. We'll get that Jade kicked out of school."Quincy chuckled. "Thanks, Dad."Then, as if recalling something important, she turned to Khloe and asked, "Madam Benge, isn't Tina Benge your daughter? She was also beat up by Jade today.""What?" Khloe was furious. "My daughter has been spoiled since birth. How could she endure such injustice? Jade won't escape punishment today."Tension filled the conference room. Quincy's provocation had fueled the board members' animosity towards Jade, each one eager to remove her at the earliest opportunity.Jade stood outside the window, observing the situation inside.Vincent and Jeremiah silently worried for her. If she went in now, she might not
The members of the board of trustees in the conference room understood the implication of Larry's words. They chuckled quietly to themselves, while Vincent and Jeremiah frowned upon hearing them. After all, Jade represented Clotheap University, and Larry seemed to indirectly insult the university as well.Vincent glanced at Jade discreetly and found her calm and composed, showing no signs of anger or confrontation in reaction to Larry. Instead, she calmly addressed Larry in a polite yet distant tone. "Mr. Woolley, please think carefully before speaking. My personal reputation is insignificant, but you shouldn't tarnish the school's reputation as well. Remember, Quincy is also a student of Clotheap University. If my reputation is damaged, she won't benefit either.""You..." Larry caught the meaning behind Jade's words. He hadn't expected her to be so sharp-tongued. Taking a deep breath, he retorted angrily, "You are you, and Quincy is Quincy. Your affairs won't affect my daughter. Hmp
It was as if that day's meeting had nothing to do with him and he was just there to make up the numbers.Khloe felt unfairly scolded for no reason, but not daring to offend Larry, she vented her anger on Jade."Stop distorting the facts. The reason we, the board of trustees, are here today is to demand an explanation from the school. Clotheap University is a renowned institution both in Centus and nationwide. If we allow morally corrupt students like you to stay at the school, will our children not be influenced? I strongly oppose it," Khloe said fervently, signaling to the other members of the board to express their opinions as well."Yes, I firmly oppose Jade remaining at Clotheap University.""I'd be worried if my child was studying with a student like Jade. She should leave Clotheap University.""If Jade doesn't leave, we won't give up."Inspired by Khloe's call to action, the others also voiced their opinions. The entire conference room was drowned out by their loud voices.
As soon as that voice was heard, the door was kicked open. Cooper stepped in with measured steps, casting a cold glance around the conference room and sneering. "A bunch of adults are bullying a young girl. Have you no shame?""Hey, how dare you speak like that?" A member of the board of trustees slammed their hand on the table, scolding Cooper.Cooper kicked over a row of chairs, propped a long leg up on one of the chairs, and smirked at the shouting member with his chin raised slightly. "I speak politely to reasonable people, and I use my fists on everyone else. Which treatment do you want?"Standing at 1.85 meters, Cooper towered over everyone in the room and intimidated them. With his sturdy physique and broad shoulders, he was more than one head taller than the greasy, middle-aged men. Thanks to his cocky demeanor, no one dared to contradict him.Initially, Vincent intended to reprimand Cooper for his unreasonable entrance, but he couldn't help but feel strangely pleased after
Jade took a deep breath to compose herself and addressed the board. "The truth you are all after is right here."As the surveillance footage played, everyone understood what had happened. When they saw someone steal Jade's phone, drug her in the hotel room, and transfer her to another room, they all gasped in horror."To think there are people with such ruthlessness. It's unimaginable.""Thank goodness Jade was lucky, or the consequences would have been unthinkable."It was a pity that the perpetrator had been wearing a mask and their identity remained unknown. While others might be unaware, Jade knew very well who it was. The person who had done this to her was none other than Neve. Even though Neve had concealed herself with a hat and a mask, Jade would never forget Neve's figure and appearance.These grievances were between Jade and Neve alone, and it was not appropriate to bring them up. As long as Jade was able to prove her innocence and dispel the rumors online, that would
Caelan was wearing a sharp suit. His gaze was icy, his expression rigid, and the chill radiating from him sent shivers down everyone's spine.As the heir of the Fitzgerald Group, he stood at the pinnacle of the Centus elite. He held everyone's fate in his hands. The board of trustees was shocked by his arrival and terrified by his words.Apologize?Did Caelan really expect them, all prominent figures in their respective circles—bank presidents, government officials, etc.—to apologize to Jade, a mere fledgling, who had barely made her mark?This was humiliating.The atmosphere in the room froze, and no one dared to speak up, even though they all felt disdain deep down. If they had to apologize to Jade, they might as well drop dead."Mr. Fitzgerald, isn't this a bit unreasonable? I'm a bureau head, yet you expect me to apologize to a young girl like Jade? What about my reputation?" Khloe was the first to speak up, shooting a glance at Larry as she spoke.Larry understood her mea
Vincent watched the board of trustees with a smile, a cunning gleam in his eyes. Previously, these people had treated him like a doormat because of their power and influence. Seeing them groveling now made him feel like he was finally getting his dues.While everyone else's minds were racing, Jade stood frozen in place, staring at Caelan. It felt like a thunderbolt had struck her heart, and she experienced a growing sense of exhilaration. Being held in such high regard felt unexpectedly good."Mr. Fitzgerald, is everything settled now?" Khloe's fawning grin was completely different from her earlier haughty demeanor.Larry also dropped his authoritative stance, bowing as if he were a lowly servant, afraid of offending the bigwig before him.Samuel glanced at Caelan and realized Caelan's mind was not on these clowns. He waved his hand and informed the board, "You can leave now.""What about the blackmail?" Khloe asked cautiously."Since all of you have apologized, there's no need t
Jade felt pliant in Caelan's arms, her unique scent greeting him and momentarily stunning him.Jade felt Caelan tense up and smiled, her arms tightening around him. "Thank you for standing up for me. Thank you...""For liking me" was what she would have said if she had finished her sentence.Caelan slowly lifted his arms, letting them hover above Jade's shoulders, his fingers curling and then straightening before he gently held on to her shoulders. Her embrace felt warm, and he liked it."How childish," he said, even though he actually liked it a lot.Jade didn't mind, knowing that Caelan was wary of physical closeness due to childhood trauma. The fact that he didn't push her away on the spot was already a win."Mr. Fitzgerald." Samuel suddenly pushed the door open, saw the scene, and quickly backtracked.Caelan, however, nonchalantly let go of Jade and called out, "What's the matter?"Samuel's heart was pounding. He realized he had walked in at the worst possible moment. He sh
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