Owen reported everything he had seen to Jade when he went back.Jade couldn't help but huff, letting out an annoyed laugh. She hadn't expected that Lloyd would resort to using his good looks to keep the Zeal Group. Unfortunately, Nina was likely to suffer as a result."It seems that he's trying to regain Paul's support. With him around, the Zeals have a stronger backer." Jade analyzed the situation carefully."Do you mean that Lloyd is planning to marry Nina?" Owen asked.Jade shook her head. "It's too early to say. Lloyd is a man who dislikes compromising. He's lowering his standards now, but that doesn't mean he will do so forever. As long as he keeps Nina happy, Paul will naturally support him.""Using a woman to climb the ranks is pretty low," Owen said with disdain, clearly looking down on Lloyd."Just watch. We might see some results in a few days." Given the precarious state of the Zeal Group, Lloyd's only future would be ruined if he wasn't able to stabilize the company.
Nina sat on the bed in her bridal gown with a blissful smile. She couldn't believe it—Lloyd had actually agreed to marry her. It was a dream she'd had since childhood, and now that it had come true, she was overwhelmed with happiness.Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. Lloyd stumbled in, reeking of alcohol. His gaze fell on Nina, who was sitting on the bed, but in his intoxicated state, he did not see Nina, but Jade, the woman he loathed.The two figures overlapped in his vision, merging into one face—Jade's face."Honey, why did you drink too much? Come over here and rest," Nina said, getting up to support Lloyd, her gaze tender. She was deeply in love with him and willing to do anything for him, even to the point of sacrificing herself.Lloyd leaned against Nina, frowning as he looked at her chubby face. He pinched her cheeks, complaining. "Why have you gained so much weight? You're different from before."Lloyd was unhappy to see that Jade's face had gotten so chub
Nina was blissful at the moment. Even though Lloyd treated her roughly, she was willing. After some time, Lloyd stopped and collapsed on the side, completely knocked out.Nina looked at his handsome profile with joy in her heart."Jade..." Lloyd, who had already fallen into a deep sleep, uttered Jade’s name just as Nina was about to fall asleep.Nina, who was stunned, thought she had misheard. She leaned closer and asked, "Honey, who are you talking to?""Jade, Jade, Jade..." Jade's name continued to spill from Lloyd's lips, leaving Nina stunned in place. How ironic that her husband was calling out another woman's name on their wedding night.Nina sat on the bed in a daze, watching Lloyd sleep peacefully, unsure of what to do. Lloyd loved her and had married her. Why, then, was he calling out Jade's name in his sleep?Nina couldn't accept this reality. Her heart slowly shattered into countless pieces.The next day, Lloyd woke up, groggily staring at the ceiling, his mind blank
Nina's heart was bleeding. That was the result of her busy morning, yet Lloyd treated it with extreme disdain. Holding her burnt hand behind her back, she advised him, "Why get upset with the servants? Let's have breakfast before you go to the office."Lloyd had already grabbed his coat and briefcase and was putting on his shoes at the doorway. He glanced up as he replied, "No time for breakfast. I have things to attend to at the office."After saying that, he pushed the door open and left, not even sparing a glance at Nina.Nina stood there dumbfounded. As she watched his retreating figure, she was filled with grievances and tears streamed down her face."We're sorry, Madam." Even though Nina had just arrived, she had quickly bonded with the servants. Everyone liked the plump mistress, as they thought she was approachable and down-to-earth. Seeing her upset, they all felt guilty and rushed to comfort her.Nina wiped her tears and shook her head with a smile. "I'm fine. Don't tell
Jade's looks, demeanor, and fashion sense were all inspiration for Nina. As long as she became another Jade, Lloyd would surely like her.Tiffany had been expanding her student base these days. Upon hearing that Nina wanted to work out, she suggested, "Why not come to our dance studio? You can tone your body and enhance your elegance."As soon as Tiffany spoke, Jade glanced at Nina with slight concern, unsure if Tiffany's words would hurt her feelings. After all, women cared about being called fat.Nina just smiled nonchalantly. "Really? That'd be great. I've been wanting to learn how to dance."Then, she looked at Jade, carefully asking, "Jade, do you come here often?"These days, Jade often came to help Tiffany, so she replied, "Yes, whenever I'm free.""Oh, then sign me up." Nina took out her bank card and told Tiffany, "Get me an annual membership. I'll leave it up to you to decide which dance style suits me best."Tiffany's eyes lit up. This was the most generous offer she
When Hunter was mentioned, Tiffany blushed immediately and her expression became somewhat awkward. "He's fine now. He spends every day with Emmy and has found a psychologist for her. Emmy's recovery is going well."When she heard that everything was fine with the Alridges, Jade's sense of guilt lessened slightly."Visit them more often if you can. It's not a good time for me to appear in front of the Alridges right now.""Got it, don't worry."Her mind was full of thoughts, so Jade completely missed Tiffany's lovesick demeanor. If she had seen it, she would surely have been surprised.Half a month later, the New Year arrived.For the first New Year celebration of the company, Jade decided to treat her employees. She booked a hall at a hotel to hold the annual gala.On the day of the event, Jade wore a sky blue evening gown that hugged her curves, accentuating her figure even more. The skirt had a wavy design and it was adorned with rhinestones and pearls, making her look like a
Lloyd watched Jade leave, his gaze fierce as he wondered, 'Jade, what kind of devil are you?Even Nina has fallen under your spell.'His life was constantly filled with Jade's presence right now. The clothes she liked, her makeup, her hairstyle, even her scent. It was all the same. Lloyd felt like he was losing his mind."From now on, don't try to imitate her again, understand? You are you, and she is she. You will never become Jade." After saying these harsh words to Nina, Lloyd adjusted his sleeves and strode away.Nina silently began crying, her heart aching almost to the point of breaking. Why did Lloyd seem like a different person whenever he saw Jade? His gaze on Jade had been clearly filled with longing. Why?After giving it a lot of thought, Nina finally understood one thing—only by completely becoming Jade would she ever gain Lloyd's affection.Once this obsession took root in her heart, it sprouted and couldn't be stopped."I must become Jade, I must become Jade…" Nina
"Your waist isn't healed yet. I'll carry you back." Caelan disregarded Jade's embarrassment and did his own thing."No, no, put me down. I can walk by myself." Jade flushed with anxiety. The hotel was bustling with people, and being carried out like this would surely attract attention.Caelan ignored Jade's cries and took large strides, carrying Jade to his private room. Once the door was closed, he gently placed her on the floor before he pinned her against the door.With a thud, Jade hit the door, but it didn't hurt as much as she had imagined. Behind her, a warm hand cushioned her. She looked at Caelan nervously, her heart pounding.Since it was just the two of them in the quiet room, the atmosphere felt suggestive, and it would be strange if she didn't overthink it."You..." Jade's anticipation and nervousness were evident as she stared straight into Caelan's eyes, and even her breathing turned lighter.She didn't know how charming she looked at that moment, but Caelan felt l
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