Jade was packing her things while speaking to Tiffany over the phone."Don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Jade reassured her.After hanging up, Jade was about to head out when Orion's call came through. She didn't want to answer, but since it concerned him, she had no choice."Hello?" Jade's voice carried a hint of anger. If it weren't for Orion, she wouldn't be caught up in this mess. What irritated her more was that an hour had passed since the incident, and Orion had done nothing. Did he intend to just let it be?"Jade, it's me, Orion," he said, sensing the displeasure in her tone. He softened his approach. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this.""If you realize it's unfair, then why haven't you handled the PR? I don't believe your team can't manage such a minor issue. If that's the case, forget I said anything.""Listen to me," Orion replied over the phone. "I'm working on it. Don't worry, there will be a resolution soon. I promise you, within an hour, your name will be cle
When Jade arrived, Chenelle was already seated opposite Kennedy, meticulously peeling fruits with the demeanor of an obedient child."Grandpa, have some fruit," Chenelle said, offering a peeled orange to Kennedy with a flattering smile.Kennedy couldn't stand seeing her like this. He always felt her smile was fake, a deliberate act to achieve some ulterior motive. But since she was already there and had done nothing wrong, he couldn't exactly throw her out.Chenelle glanced at Kennedy, noticing his sour expression. She assumed he was troubled by Jade's situation and secretly smiled to herself, though outwardly she displayed a concerned look."Grandpa, I believe there's been a misunderstanding. Jade wouldn't do something like that. The paparazzi must have exaggerated. She was probably just having a meal with a regular friend."Kennedy's hand paused in mid-air as he was about to take the fruit. He glared at Chenelle and couldn't help but reprimand her, "Who told you that was Jade? T
Seeing her calm and unassuming demeanor, Jade felt a wave of nausea.With a serene smile, Jade replied, "Chenelle, you're overthinking it. There's nothing wrong with me, but thank you for your concern.""Really nothing at all?" Chenelle blinked mischievously, feigning innocence. "But I saw the news today. Many netizens claimed the woman dining with Orion was you. I was so shocked. How could Caelan's fiancée be out with another man? Hearing you say this now, I'm relieved.""They must have mistaken me for someone else. Chenelle, don't learn from those bad people who gossip, or you'll leave a bad impression on Grandpa."Playing the innocent act to stir things up? Two could play that game.Using her own tactics against her, Jade watched Chenelle's face turn pale.Feigning grievance, Chenelle pitifully said, "Jade, you've wronged me. I had no other intention but to care for you.""I didn't mean anything either, just speaking casually. Don't take it to heart," Jade remarked indifferen
Jade's calm and rational response astounded Chenelle. Anyone else would have lost their composure by now. They would have either exploded in anger or become a panicked mess.Chenelle had expected Jade to slap her in fury, but instead, she received a mild yet cutting sarcastic remark.Despite its calm appearance, the retort was highly damaging. It was clear to the astute Kennedy that this was all a scene orchestrated by Chenelle."Grandpa, I didn't do it! I really didn't! Please believe me," Chenelle turned to Kennedy for help, crying pitifully. "I rely on my hands for my livelihood. I cherish them more than my life. How could I intentionally burn myself to frame Jade, especially under your watch? I wouldn't dare, Grandpa."Kennedy had seen everything clearly. If Jade hadn't dodged quickly, the scalding coffee would have spilled all over her."Enough!" Kennedy roared, looking at Chenelle with disappointment. "I may be old, but my eyes are still sharp. I saw everything just now. Che
Kennedy listened attentively, nodding as he did so. He instructed a maid to bring some ice for Jade's hand.Jade didn’t refuse and obediently placed the ice on the back of her hand. Although it was only a small splash, the pain was intense."The Caldwell family has always been good to the Fitzgeralds. Years ago, I promised her father I would raise her, but now Chenelle..." Kennedy sighed deeply. "When she was little, Chenelle wasn't like this at all. She was a good, sensible child. Her transformation into who she is today is partly my fault."Jade's eyes widened in surprise. "Grandpa, what do you mean by that?"What could Kennedy have done to change a once obedient and sensible girl so drastically?Kennedy nodded, his expression full of regret."Chenelle was only eight when her father passed away and she came to live with us. Caelan often brought her snacks to cheer her up, and over time, they became close. They played together often, and Chenelle gradually recovered from the gri
From this, it’s evident that it was Chenelle who was lying and framing someone else. Her jealousy nearly resulted in a fatality. Jade felt a chill run through her body as she heard this. How could a teenager harbor such malice? "And then what happened?" Jade pressed on.Kennedy shook his head, letting out a bitter laugh. "Even under my intense questioning, Chenelle refused to tell the truth. She insisted that she had pushed her into the water by accident."In a fit of rage, I struck her hard and sent her to live far away from Caelan. I halved her food portions, clothing, and allowance, hoping it would make her change her ways."But I was too naive. Chenelle was incredibly stubborn. Not only did she not change, but she also started to resent me deeply. She hides her feelings well in front of me, but behind my back, she often curses me."Jade’s frown deepened. Chenelle's actions were indeed chilling. No wonder Kennedy disliked her so much."Grandpa, haven't you noticed? Chenelle
Chenelle hid in a secluded corner and watched as Jade drove past her, her malicious gaze almost searing through Jade."Jade, your happiness won't last long. Soon, you'll taste the bitterness of abandonment. The happier you are now, the more painful it will be in the future."Only after Jade's car had almost disappeared did Chenelle slowly emerge from her hiding spot. She looked at the tightly shut door of the Fitzgerald residence before her and sneered in disgust as she strode away.Inside the Fitzgerald residence, Kennedy watched the surveillance footage with a grave expression. He had seen the venomous look on Chenelle's face with perfect clarity."Ah..." A long sigh escaped his lips, making him seem weary. He had tried countless ways to dispel the hatred in Chenelle's heart, but nothing he did could change her hostility toward the Fitzgerald family.Was there really no way? Would he have to take action against the child he had raised?"Sir, please don't be too troubled. Miss C
Samuel's words did not ease Caelan's furrowed brows. Instead, they deepened further as he sighed, "But I see Jade smiling more happily with other guys than she does with me."Caelan began to torment himself, wondering if he was not good enough, not perfect enough. Otherwise, why would so many outstanding men constantly surround Jade?Standing to the side, Samuel was on the verge of tears. How was he supposed to respond to that? If he agreed, he would surely lose his job. If he disagreed, it would seem too insincere.After pondering for a while, Samuel decided to change the subject. "Don't worry, sir. Orion will no longer be able to act. I’ll handle this personally."For a man to pose a threat to Caelan, he must be formidable. As an assistant, he needed to alleviate his employer's worries. If he couldn't solve such problems, what was the point of being an assistant?Caelan, lost in thought, suddenly lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp as he looked at Samuel. "Who said I wanted to black
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