Charlotte looked up at Sebastian. There was a trace of anxiety in her eyes, and her pale face looked tense."What's wrong, Lottie?" Even though Sebastian's resentment was building, he still spoke patiently to her."I don't mind you going to Giselle for help... After all, she's been with us for over 20 years. She was targeting me when she made the post. It was me who dragged the Lawson family down." Charlotte choked on her words."Sebastian, you have to believe me. I didn't hire anyone to curse her, nor did I interfere in her relationship with Jonathan. I was very grateful to Jonathan for helping me with my university tuition fee, and I never had any romantic feelings for him." Charlotte would never admit it even if she did.Sebastian petted her head. "Lottie, I believe you. It's our fault for not realizing we raised an ungrateful person. As for Jonathan, you need to pay more attention going forward. Don't worry about the rest of the Lawson family. No one can steal your title as lon
Emma had even thought of names for her future children. But reality hit her like a ton of bricks.Larry had a change of heart. He was keeping a college girl as his mistress and now treated Emma with indifference and impatience.Even the most passionate man would have a change of heart.Reaching out to Giselle was her way of giving Larry one last chance. Unfortunately, he didn't take it.Charlotte was merely the trigger. Her being beaten up was, in a way, undeserved. But Emma didn't feel the slightest bit of guilt. None of them were good people anyway. She was simply delivering justice.Time had proven that she was in the right. She traded a scumbag for a good friend. It was worth it!The two walked into the restaurant. Emma scanned the room, her eyes landing on someone waving from a window-side table on the left."Emma!" The girl looked to be in her early 20s. She was pretty and smiled shyly.Emma introduced her to Giselle. Maddie Jones greeted her, "Hi, Giselle." The three
Maddie was stunned by the scolding. She sat there in a daze before she started tearing up.Still, Emma remained as tough as iron."Emma..." Maddie sobbed."Enough!" Emma huffed.Maddie's behavior was beyond absurd. It was as if going on a blind date had erased her common sense.Emma wouldn't have an issue with the relationship if both parties contributed equally. But Maddie was the only one spending money!"He has a mortgage and car loan. But what does that have to do with you, Maddie? Does he suddenly not have to pay them with you around? "Do you think he bought them for your sake? He bought them because he was planning to get married and had no choice but to buy them! He would've done the same to snag any girl!"Emma was fuming. Giselle placed her hand on Emma's back to soothe her. "Emma, you don't understand Cody. You'll definitely like him..." Maddie was still supportive of Cody.Emma laughed in disbelief. "Fine, then call him right now and tell him to come over. I
Cody added, "Maddie, this restaurant is expensive. If we don't control ourselves, we'll be eating bread for the rest of the month." Emma burst out laughing. "Who told you all girls need to diet? You're using my cousin's money! How dare you talk about her spending habits!" She bluntly made her stance, and the atmosphere grew awkward. "Emma..." Maddie murmured. Cody held Maddie's hand protectively. "Emma, I'm a straightforward guy. Feel free to correct me if I've misspoken. No need to beat around the bush.""Am I not blunt enough? You're a 30-year-old freeloader who still leeches off a 20-year-old." Emma couldn't understand it. How could Maddie's parents have introduced her to someone like this? She scrutinized him for ages but failed to spot a single redeeming quality. Giselle remained silent, her gaze fixed on Cody's face, observing his subtle shift in expression. She concluded that he was cunning and calculating.After all, a man who wanted to always split the bill
Giselle's brow furrowed at the mention of Jonathan. But her expression soon smoothed out as she said, "So what if he's here? Maybe we'll get to watch a drama unfold."The relationship between Jonathan and Charlotte was far from genuine. At least Charlotte still had other men on the side.Just the other day, Giselle, Chester, and Hector spotted Charlotte pinned against a restaurant wall and kissed by another man. The figure and hairstyle of that man were nothing like Jonathan's.Still, Charlotte wasn't exactly cheating. After all, she and Jonathan weren't dating and were still in the talking phase.She got to enjoy the benefits of being a couple without taking responsibility. Even if there were other men in her life, Jonathan could only endure it, no matter how much it angered him.Charlotte hadn't noticed Giselle was also in the restaurant. She had on heavy makeup, and her hair cascaded over her shoulders. She looked completely different from last week.The members of the Grant f
Charlotte immediately caught on. "Jonathan, Mr. Mandell is certainly trustworthy. Maybe we should give it more thought—"Before she could finish, Jonathan's cold gaze shifted to her. He narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Charlotte, are you familiar with Mr. Mandell?" …Cody returned to Maddie's side. With the promise of money from Charlotte, he generously ordered an extra dish. Maddie seemed distracted. Under the table, Cody nudged her, motioning for her to check her phone. He texted, "I ordered an extra dish for you because of your cousin. You know I don't like meat, so let's split the bill. You'll pay 70%, and I'll pay the remaining."Normally, Maddie would have agreed to such a deal. But ever since her bet with Giselle, a strange feeling stirred, leaving her restless and irritable. The meal felt tasteless. Giselle and Emma picked at their food, eating only a little. The rest was devoured by Cody.When he finally put down his spoon, he let out a loud burp."Is
"Being blinded by love is a terrifying thing." As they got into the car, Emma couldn't help but express her thoughts. She considered herself to have been love-struck in the past. But it wasn't to Maddie's extent.Giselle nodded in agreement. However, neither had the right to criticize Maddie, especially not Giselle.Giselle had done far more foolish things than Maddie ever did when she was dating Jonathan. Her love-struck mindset, combined with her pushover personality, had made her an utter fool.That said, Jonathan was different. His appearance and abilities were flawless. But Cody? He was just living off of others. Dating a 21-year-old at the age of 30? That meant he was rejected by his peers. Maddie was too innocent and easily deceived. Emma drove Giselle home. Throughout the ride, Giselle was focused on replying to messages. Emma had calmed down by then. While waiting at a red light, she teased, "Giselle, are you chatting with Chester?"It was a casual guess, but
The same could be said for all people in love.Giselle didn't respond.Emma continued, "Does your heart race when Chester touches you?"Giselle countered, "And what about when other men touch you? Does your heart race?""If it's someone I like, of course it races! But if you're talking about some random guy, they'd never even get the chance to make physical contact with me." Emma was adamant.She was the kind of person who knew exactly who she liked and who she didn't. It wouldn't bother her if she accidentally touched someone she didn't like. Instead, she would remain calm as if nothing happened.Giselle chose to stay silent. She couldn't possibly admit that she felt butterflies in her stomach whenever Chester touched her. It was too embarrassing, so she couldn't say that aloud.She decided it was best to keep it to herself.Giselle tried to change the topic, but Emma wasn't having any of it. The latter continued to dig into the matter.When the car stopped outside Giselle's
Chester said, "Harry accidentally spilled water on the guest bed. It's pouring outside… Can I stay at your place tonight, Gigi?"Harry grumbled to himself but eventually gave in, thinking about the money Chester had promised him. "It's all my fault! Giselle, you should let Chet stay the night." Giselle was silent. Something felt off, but she couldn't bring herself to say no. After a moment, she stepped aside. "Come in." Harry also tried to follow them inside, but Chester stopped him. "Head home now. You still have school tomorrow." Chester was firm.Harry was speechless. How could someone be so quick to burn bridges after crossing them? How despicable! After the door closed, Harry turned away and immediately pulled out his phone to vent in their group chat. "Chet is unbelievable! He used his money to force me to act alongside him! Do I look like that kind of person?" Sam: "Did you take the money?"Harry: "Hmph! I maxed out my card. Might as well take it if it's free!"
Chester's voice echoed in the living room. The warm light cast a glow on his handsome features, his lashes casting shadows beneath his eyes. He resembled a knight from a fantasy story. Giselle's hands tightened around the glass, her palms wet with sweat. She hummed softly and the atmosphere between them tensed.The doorbell broke the silence.When Giselle got up, a flicker of annoyance flashed across Chester's gaze. He didn't have to guess. At this hour, the only person likely to show up at Giselle's door was Harry. A few hours earlier, Harry had posted a picture on social media announcing his return. Judging by the time, he should have just arrived home. When Giselle opened the door, Harry's bright smile greeted her. He was holding bags full of gifts."Giselle, these are presents I got for you! I bought them using the money I got for my birthday!" Harry had been receiving money for his birthday for the past 18 years. It was at least a few million dollars.In the past,
One of the gala's requirements was a contribution of over a million dollars to a charitable organization. Giselle might not meet the requirement, but Chester's wealth and influence could easily make up for it. Finley scoffed at the thought. She regained her composure and urged Charlotte to pick a gown. Then, she stepped aside to call Sebastian. …After leaving the boutique, Chester took Giselle to shop for jewelry. Whenever Giselle stared at an item for even a second longer, Chester would immediately purchase it and have it delivered to her home. Giselle sighed. "I really don't need all this, Mr. Fordham…" Yet Chester continued. He wasn't fazed by the amount of money he was spending, especially with the store staff showering him with compliments. "Sir, you treat your wife so well!" "Sir, this matching ring set is perfect for you two. It symbolizes eternal love and unity!" "Sir, take a look at this piece. It's our designer's masterpiece! I'm sure it would look pe
Giselle's heart skipped a beat as Chester's hand moved. She stood still and stared at him intently.Chester's hand extended past her, gently brushing aside the stray strands of hair from her face and tucking them behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her cheek, leaving a tingling sensation on her skin.Giselle's lashes fluttered at the touch. The intimate interaction filled Finley with jealousy, her emotions mirroring Charlotte's bitterness. However, Finley couldn't intervene or reprimand him. Her noble upbringing prevented her from acting rashly or revealing her true feelings. To onlookers, Chester and Giselle appeared like any couple who were madly in love. Giselle feigned composure, but the salespeople around them couldn't contain their excitement. One of them giggled with admiration. "Mrs. Fordham, Mr. Fordham treats you so well!" "I'm not—" Giselle was about to deny her relationship with Chester but the latter interrupted her by handing over a card. "We'll take th
Giselle called for the salesperson outside.The curtains were soon pulled open. With her back to the opening, Giselle's hair cascaded over her shoulder."The zipper seems stuck. Could you please help me?" Giselle asked without turning back, one hand bracing against the railing in front of her.The person behind her stepped closer.Chester gently touched the zipper of her gown. His fingers brushed against Giselle's smooth back, sending shivers down her spine.Realizing something was amiss, she turned around, but a hand rested on her shoulder. Then came a husky voice. "Don't move, Gigi." Giselle's mind went blank. She called for the salesperson, so why did Chester come in instead?She flushed in embarrassment. Her knuckles turned white from how tightly she was gripping the railing. She tried to steady her racing heart and lowered her gaze to hide the emotions in her eyes.Chester was standing very close. The overhead light cast their shadows on the wall, the two silhouettes int
The day before the charity gala, Chester brought Giselle to buy a dress.Since Chester made a reservation at the boutique, they were escorted in as soon as they arrived."Mr. and Mrs. Fordham, this is the masterpiece of our store's top designer. It just arrived from abroad today." The salesperson introduced the gown while directing her assistant to bring it out.The dress was black, featuring an off-the-shoulder design that exuded pure elegance. With minimal decorations, it was simple yet beautiful.Giselle immediately liked it."Would you like to try it on?" Chester asked. He wasn't wearing glasses today, and his eyes shone with joy. It seemed he was pleased by the salesperson addressing Giselle as "Mrs. Fordham".Yesterday, Chester had asked Giselle to make things official between them, but he hadn't waited for her answer. Before she could speak, he had changed the subject, perhaps out of fear of rejection.He promised her a surprise instead. December had arrived, and the new
Giselle's gaze was fixed on Perry. Suddenly, she tugged at Chester's sleeve, signaling him to lean down. "Don't you think Perry is acting strange?"Chester didn't observe Perry as closely as Giselle did. He then scanned Perry and narrowed his eyes. "He does seem a bit off."Perry kept staring adoringly at Angela and didn't get angry no matter what she said. Did he love Angela that deeply? Giselle didn't believe it.She bid farewell to Jean before dragging Chester away. As they passed Angela, Giselle suddenly stopped in her tracks.Angela shivered instinctively.Giselle whispered, "Does Perry really love you that much?"With that, Giselle walked away, leaving Angela with a growing sense of fear.The cold wind outside howled as Chester opened the car door for Giselle. Looking at the scenery outside, Chester made a call.He and Giselle were thinking the same thing. Perry's behavior was far from normal. It was as if he was under some kind of spell."Investigate someone named Angel
Jean was from the Fordham family. She was the epitome of wealth and prestige. Money? She was never short of that.Angela's words were an insult. Which young lady of a wealthy family ever lacked money?Over the years, Jean had earned far more on her own than Perry ever had, even without relying on her family's wealth.Both Perry and Angela stared at her in disbelief. For a moment, Jean's aching heart calmed. The burning pain in her palm heightened her focus, and her thoughts had never been clearer.Even Perry's betrayal didn't feel so unbearable anymore. Jean had her pride.Before Perry could speak, Jean said coldly, "Perry, I'll have the divorce papers drafted. Just remember, you're the one who betrayed our marriage."Jean looked exhausted, but her gaze was calm and resolute. No matter how much she loved Perry or how hard it was to let go, she would never accept a cheater. Perry simply disgusted her.Angela clutched her face and huffed. She wanted to argue but was suddenly tackl
Jean took a deep breath and walked up to Chester before shaking her head."Let me deal with this myself," she said calmly. She couldn't hide how tired she looked. Jean had less than four hours of sleep in the past three days. When she did sleep, she would always jolt awake due to paranoia. At that moment, she was feeling tense and enduring the pain inside her.When Jean stood in front of Perry, he was holding Angela in his arms. Jean's smile turned colder when she saw that, and she called his name. "Perry."Before he could say anything, Angela poked her head out and timidly greeted Jean. However, Jean coldly glanced at her. "Did I call you?"Jean wasn't holding back anymore, and Angela's face turned pale immediately. However, Angela didn't shed any tears at all. Instead, she felt aggrieved and pouted.Perry frowned at that. "Jeannie, I was the one who betrayed you. If you're upset, vent your frustrations on me and leave Angie out of it." After saying that, he gently said to Ange