Jacob sighed and said modestly, "I won second prize at the International Vien Mojart Piano Competition. I'm afraid this might affect my future."Leah valued Jacob greatly, as he was the hope of the Severins—the sole heir of the family. His glorious achievement made Leah feel overjoyed. However, she couldn't help but wonder if Jacob's future would be jeopardized because of Gemma's actions. Even though Gemma was despicable, her actions seemed insignificant compared to Jacob's future.Neve quickly chimed in. "Grandma, Jacob is the hope of the Severins. If he has a stain on his reputation, how will he face the world? It would be unbearable for him."Leah lowered her gaze, internally struggling with conflicting thoughts.Then, a crisp voice broke in. "Actually, releasing Mom would be a stain on Jacob's reputation instead. Everyone knows what Mom has done. She even dared to poison Grandma. If she were released, how would others view us?"Jade walked in confidently, facing the sun. She h
Trying to casually dismiss the harm done to her with just a few words was simply wishful thinking. Jade's heart churned violently, as if a fire were burning in her chest, but she maintained the necessary composure on the surface.Jacob was the apple of Leah's eye and he disguised himself too well. Leah had complete faith in him. To bring Jacob down, she needed time and opportunity."Of course not," Jade said lightly with a charming smile that stunned Jacob.Seeing Jacob's infatuated expression, Neve couldn't help wanting to slap Jade right then and there. She had asked Jacob to come back for Gemma's imprisonment, not for him to admire Jade's beauty."Jacob, have you told Grandma what I mentioned to you?" Neve reminded Jacob, secretly glaring at Jade.Jacob snapped back to attention, only then remembering the matter Neve had entrusted to him. He asked casually, "Grandma, did Jade get into Clotheap University?"Leah was extremely proud of Jade's admission to the prestigious Clothea
Leah glanced at Neve, who was crying, and sighed repeatedly. If it hadn't been for Gemma's involvement, Neve would have been a good child."Will you really study hard?" Leah asked, sounding skeptical.Neve straightened up and nodded firmly. "Grandma, I really know I was wrong. In the future, I will definitely get along with Jade. You will see if I behave well."Leah looked at Jade, feeling troubled, and asked tentatively, "Jade, what do you think?""If Neve is willing to change, you might as well give her a chance, Grandma." Jade could only agree.In fact, from the moment Leah had asked Jade, Leah had already forgiven Neve. After all, Neve was the flesh and blood of the Severins. It was impossible to break all ties with her. If Jade opposed her again, it would definitely displease Leah.Sure enough, a smile appeared on Leah's face. "I'm getting old, so I don't have many years left. My biggest wish is for the family to be harmonious and loving. It would make me very happy."Jacob
Leah ultimately cared deeply for her eldest grandson. The marketing department was a good assignment that could also provide valuable experience for a newcomer like Jacob. Most importantly, outsiders would give Jacob some face out of respect for Leah, so he wouldn't be in too difficult a situation.However, Jacob didn't appreciate Leah's intentions. He looked at Jade with dissatisfaction and said sarcastically, "Jade, Grandma can make her own decisions. Isn't it a bit too much for you to interfere like this?"Jacob had thought that once he returned to the country, the company would immediately fall into his hands. Then, he would have plenty of funds to help Gemma. Even if she couldn't be released, he could at least make her life in prison a bit easier.Unfortunately, what Jade had said disrupted all his plans. As he looked at Jade now, he was secretly surprised. Jade had grown not only physically, but also mentally. Could she be thinking of competing with them over the family inheri
The nun told her that there had been a big fire at the orphanage in the past that had burned all the children's records, and Madam Gooding had gone missing on that day too.Jade looked at the dilapidated welfare home, feeling a mix of emotions. She felt that she should do something for the children there.Upon returning home, she wrote a check and had Mark deliver it to the welfare home.A few days later, the verdict for Gemma came, differing slightly from Jade's expectations. It was a death sentence, but with a one-year suspension.Jade was somewhat discontented upon hearing the news. It was supposed to be a done deal, so how had it turned into a suspended death sentence?"Master, can you help me find out why Gemma's sentence was changed to a suspended death sentence?" Given the crimes Gemma had committed, the death penalty should have been inevitable. The sudden change to a suspended death sentence must have been due to some powerful interference.Without hesitation, Owen quick
"Thank you, Grandpa." Jade expressed her gratitude sincerely.Kennedy smacked his lips, looking smug. "If you want to thank me, you'll have to show some sincerity."Oh, Kennedy was craving her cooking again. Jade naturally understood and smiled. "Got it. I'll make whatever you want today, Grandpa.""Haha, clever girl. My granddaughter-in-law knows me so well!" Kennedy exclaimed happily. "Make your best fish dish.""Sure thing, Grandpa." Jade agreed readily.The ingredients were ready, so Jade took them out of the fridge and started cooking.Kennedy watched her bustling around in the kitchen, feeling even more delighted as he watched. A clever and smart girl like Jade was a great match for Caelan. It was a pity that the silly boy didn't appreciate her."Give Caelan a call and tell him to come back to eat," Kennedy instructed Albert.Albert complied and promptly called Caelan. As expected, Caelan cut the call off.Kennedy was about to call him back when he saw Jade in the kitche
Giselle gritted her teeth when she saw what Jade was holding, her smile immediately turning into a scowl. "Are you following me?""Following you?" Jade chuckled sarcastically. "Do you suffer from paranoia?""Then why did you suddenly come to deliver food to Caelan? Don't tell me that Mr. Kennedy specifically ordered it." Giselle didn't believe Jade's words. There was no such thing as a coincidence. She had come to deliver food to Caelan, and Jade had happened to do the same. It was obvious that Jade was blocking her way.Jade, who found Giselle's rage amusing, snapped her fingers at her. "You're absolutely right. Grandpa did ask me to bring the lunchbox. You wouldn't be here to deliver food to my fiancé too, would you?"Her status as a fiancée gave Jade confidence. Giselle, on the other hand, had no standing or status to come and deliver food to Caelan.Seeing that Giselle was flustered, Jade pretended to be surprised. "Ms. Withrow, could you possibly want to become a home-wrecker
Byron could have done Giselle a favor just now and accepted her lunchbox. Instead, not only had he not taken it, but he had also indirectly insulted Giselle. Naturally, Giselle's anger would be directed at Jade.Byron's intentions were truly unfathomable.The elevator doors opened, and Jade stepped out. Caelan's office was on the top floor of the entire building, and this entire floor belonged exclusively to him. Without his permission, no one could come up."Ms. Severin, Mr. Fitzgerald is waiting for you inside," Samuel said, leading Jade to Caelan's office and stopping at his door.The dark doors felt imposing. Before Jade even got close, her heart began pounding. She could stay composed in front of anyone except Caelan. She took a few deep breaths and forced herself to calm down before knocking on the door."Come in." A curt reply came from inside.Jade pushed the door open and entered slowly. Even though she was mentally prepared, she was still shocked when she saw Caelan's o
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