"Maybe fate feels that you've suffered enough," Eloise said vaguely."Can you tell me more about the donor? Is it a man or a woman? Is the donor a Hunt too?" Although Jovan was elated, he was still cautious. Nothing in life was free, after all."Well... that..." Eloise trailed off, not expecting Jovan to be concerned with who the donor was. She thought about it for a while, then casually lied, "It's a poor female student. When she saw our advertisement, she submitted her check-up report, and we found her suitable." If Jovan learned that the donor was Renee, the very person he risked his life to protect, there was no way he'd agree to the surgery. "Oh, a poor female student..." Jovan didn't doubt it—there were many people who were forced to give up their bodies or organs just to survive. "Pay her well if she really agrees to do it. In fact, I'm willing to be responsible for her and her family for the rest of their lives," Jovan declared righteously. Although he wasn't generous by na
Jovan immediately picked up on Eloise's hesitation and asked, "What's wrong? Is it inconvenient?" "No, it's just that… Is it really necessary that you meet her?" Eloise initially wanted to come up with an excuse to reject his request, but he would surely get suspicious if she kept saying no. "Of course," Jovan said earnestly. "She's going to bear the suffering I've been going through for the rest of her life if she gives her eyes to me. She'll practically be giving me a new life, so of course I have to meet my benefactor." "Okay, I'll arrange a meeting for the both of you then..." Eloise felt it was best that she let Jovan meet Renee for a while before the surgery to erase any suspicions. "I'll ask her to come to the manor at ten o'clock tomorrow morning so the both of you can talk.""You've done well, Elly." It was the first time Jovan praised Eloise openly. He turned his face towards the sky and took in a deep breath, feeling like freedom was already in his grasp. "I'll be abl
Pity engulfed Eloise when she saw how despondent Renee was. "Listen, I don't want to do this either but the problem is there aren't any suitable eyes for Mr. Hunt except yours. It's our only option." "Don't worry about it. I told you that it's what I owe to Jovan, and I'm willing to return the favor.""Fine, you both will meet tomorrow morning then," Eloise said and breathed out a weary sigh. Renee had a restless night, her mind plagued with worries, and on the other side of Beach City, the same thing was happening to Stefan.Xavier had told Stefan that he couldn't get through to Renee's phone, so Stefan had tried calling Renee too. When he couldn't reach her either, uneasiness filled him. However, he soon saw her Facebook status—a photo of her holding sunflowers and smiling tenderly with the caption 'You're the only one I love'.Stefan knew that was what sunflowers meant, but he couldn't help but feel like it was Renee confessing her love for him on the Internet. Why had she p
"Yes, she's here." Eloise pulled Renee to the balcony. She wasn't worried that Renee would try to escape or expose her true identity to Jovan; she would have done that long ago if she really wanted to."Where is she?" Jovan asked Eloise eagerly."She's sitting in front of you. Just take your time and talk to her..." Eloise patiently explained.There were two lounge chairs and a small tea table on the balcony. Both Jovan and Renee sat across from each other, tea and fruits on the table between them."Please leave us alone, Elly," Jovan ordered Eloise, who was standing nearby."Just ignore me, Mr. Hunt. I won't disturb you." Eloise wasn't worried about Renee, but she was scared Jovan might realize something, given how smart he was. Letting them meet was already very risky."It's not about whether you'll disturb me or not, I'm just not used to having a third person around if I'm going to chat with someone.""But...""Are you going to disobey me?" Jovan's tone was calm but menacing
Renee's tone was melancholy."Why do you want to sell your most important organ then? You can earn money through other ways, you know. You don't have to do something like this that will ruin your life." Jovan frowned, looking confused.Renee smiled then said solemnly, "It's because I think poverty is more horrible than having one's soul trapped. The worst that could happen if I lose my sight is that I'd feel bored, but poverty can actually kill people!""How much do you need? I can give you the money, then you don't have to sell your eyes to me," Jovan said suddenly."Huh?" Renee's smile froze on her face, and she was caught off guard by his offer."Are you surprised?" Jovan clasped his hands together and said honestly, "I know how it feels since I'm experiencing it. I know how devastating it is to lose your sight, so I don't want anyone to suffer such agony unless they have no other option." Renee cleared her throat and said awkwardly, "I heard that you're pretty aloof, so why
Panicked, Renee pulled her hand back and accidentally knocked over Jovan's cup of coffee."I'm sorry!" Renee hurriedly used a handkerchief to wipe up the spilled coffee, but in her panic, she forgot to modify her voice.Jovan immediately became suspicious and grabbed Renee's wrist. "Who are you?" "Didn't I tell you, Mr. Hunt? I'm Brisa Stone! Don't get handsy with me—I'm just selling my eyes, not my body!" Renee said teasingly as she tried to pull away, knowing she had to stay calm. If she panicked, she would give herself away. "Brisa Stone?" Jovan's gaze was void but his expression was alert. "Is that a name you just made up? Are you really… not my old friend?""Which old friend of yours do you think I am, Mr. Hunt?" Renee calmly asked him."You feel like her..." Jovan frowned contemplatively, then shook his head. "But it's impossible. She should be spending happy days with the one she cares about now. She wouldn't remember a useless man like me." "Don't say that." Renee fel
"I would have come to you ages ago if I was, Mr. Hunt. I don't think your friend would hide her identity," Renee lied, her heart pounding in her chest."No, she might. That's why I dare to hope that... maybe you're her.""You're overthinking—I'm not her. Plus, I'm willing to give up my eyes for money. What would your old friend want if she gave up her eyes for you?" "She..." Jovan trailed off, not knowing how to respond. Renee had children, a successful business, as well as countless possibilities with Stefan. There was no way she would give up her wonderful life to save a villain like Jovan. His expression turned cold again, and he muttered, "Go then; we'll meet again the day after tomorrow. After the surgery, you can tell me how much you want. I'll be responsible for you and your family.""Thank you, Mr. Hunt. I won't have to worry anymore thanks to you." Renee casually patted Jovan's chest and left the balcony.Meanwhile, Eloise was wringing her hands and pacing worriedly down
Renee felt her heart skip a beat, and then her phone suddenly started to ring. It was Stefan calling, and after hesitating briefly, she answered the phone. "Finally! I thought you were dead!" Stefan bellowed through the phone, seething with anger.Renee winced and put her phone away from her ear. "Why did you call me? Are we that close?""No, we're not close..." Stefan chuckled, then said smugly, "We're just friends who slept with each other once. You're right, I shouldn't be acting like a busybody." "Clearly, you have nothing else better to do." Blushing, Renee snapped, "Tell me why you called, or I'm going to hang up.""Wait!" Stefan blurted out, then quickly asked, "Where are you now? Who are you with? Are you safe?" "How is that any of your business? All you need to know is that I'm safe. If I wasn't, I wouldn't have the time to speak to you on the phone, would I?" Renee tried to speak calmly to eliminate Stefan's doubts. "Really?" Stefan was naturally cautious, so he di
Amber took a deep breath, her eyes teary. She had long pondered over those words, but was too timid to say them aloud.She wanted to thank Liam for repeatedly insisting that she try to understand herself and reminding her not to take her marriage so callously. After some contemplation, Amber decided to not marry anyone."I won't marry you or Liam. I just want to marry someone I love and who loves me back. Only people who love each other can get married," she said firmly, looking dead serious. Both Mateo and Liam were stunned. Liam stopped acting weak; he held Amber's shoulders and stared at her carefully. "Is that what you truly think?""Yes!" Amber was shocked by the sudden change in Liam and subconsciously leaned backward."That's great! I didn't say those things for nothing. You're finally enlightened!" Liam nodded with gratification. "All I want is for you to understand yourself. There are many messy things and troubles in a marriage. If it isn't supported by love, you'll
Amber helped Liam to sit down before serving him water and rubbing his neck. She was full of anxiety.Mateo angrily gulped down a glass of wine, but the wine was so strong that he began coughing vigorously. It suffocated him. After helping Liam to settle down, Amber turned and glanced at Mateo, who was full of tears."Matt, why…are you crying? You strangled him, but you act like you're wronged!" "I…" Mateo pointed at his throat and the glass; he needed some water. Amber frowned and said solemnly, "You can't do that. You've repeatedly attacked Liam. You were over the line! Don't you know he thinks of you as his brother and values his friendship with you?"Mateo was flabbergasted to hear it. He knew nothing about that—it seemed Liam was even better at acting than him. While complaining about Mateo, Amber smoothed Liam's chest to make the latter feel better. "Liam always lets you have your way, but you target him. If I came late today, you might strangle and kill him."Mateo
Mateo swallowed. "Yes, I'm aware of that. The Stuart family has been investing in a lot of entertainment properties in Southeast Aeos in the recent few years. They're controlling more than half of the TV stations. Their power and influence are incomparable.""Looks like you keep up with the current events. Are you involved in the entertainment field too?" Liam asked.He had easily gained the result he wanted with just a few words. He faked a smile and looked at Mateo, who was panicking.Mateo glanced at him and said grumpily, "All that Master ever asks us to do is indecent. If we don't have any people in the media, we're doomed."The Triangle was never governed by the law, but public opinion was a dangerous weapon. If they went over the line and got reported by the media, international law would get involved. Naturally, it would affect their business.The Stuarts did decent business like the Osbornes and might appear easy to control. However, they couldn't be offended casually—a
Because of Liam's declaration, he and Mateo failed to reach a consensus.Mateo's gaze grew colder and more sinister, and he glared fiercely at Liam. "Fine. There's nothing to talk about between us.""No, you're wrong." Liam calmly swayed the wine glass. "You can get down on your knees and say sorry. Maybe I'll let you off by then!""How dare you!" Mateo could no longer take it—he pushed all the cutleries on the table to the floor and pointed angrily at Liam. "You refused my kindness. I won't go easy on you!""Just come at me. I'll wait," Liam shot back provocatively. He knew Mateo well—the man was wicked and cautious, but also cowardly. Under these circumstances, he wouldn't act recklessly. Hence, Liam wasn't afraid to infuriate him. Renee was right. Mateo had done so many things to control Liam. As long as Liam remained calm, Mateo couldn't do anything to Renee and Leia. "You think I won't do that?" Mateo clenched his fists and snarled fiercely, "I'll break one of their fing
Liam casually twirled the wine glass in his hand and asked Mateo coldly, "So, you won't stop until you marry Gem?""Not just that." Mateo tore off a drumstick and bit into it, then cracked a cunning sneer. "Marrying Amber is always in my plans. I'll marry her even if you're not involved. Tonight, I want to talk to you about the few territories in your hands.""The territories in my hands?" Liam frowned. Initially, he was confused—then, he understood it and chuckled. "What territories? I just work for Mr. Jenkins. The territories we took in belong to him. You'd better ask them from him instead of me. That's more straightforward."When Liam and Amber decided to fake their marriage, Benjamin focused on training Liam. In the process, he gave Liam a lot of power and authority.Liam didn't fail Benjamin. He did a great job even with his limited power. In half a year, he took three territories, namely the East River, West River, and South River. The three territories came with an importan
"Just forget about it?" Luneth fell into a daze when she heard Amber's words. She glanced at Amber darkly before letting out a twisted laugh. Then, she shook her head."No, I can't let it go just like that! Grady was hurt. How can I call myself a mother if I let it go like that? I must make the two people who hurt Grady pay dearly!"Luneth's expression shocked Amber. She subconsciously swallowed and asked, "Well, how will you handle it?" "I told Mateo to lock them up. When Grady's condition stabilizes, I'll make them pay!" Luneth's eyes shone with fury and vengeance, and she gnashed her teeth. "They hurt Grady, so I'll give them a taste of their medicine! I won't break their limbs or cut off their tongues. I'll just cut their foreheads and tear off their scalps! What do you think?""You want to…tear off their scalps?" Terror gripped Amber when she heard Luneth's plan. An awkward laughter escaped her. "Isn't that too ruthless? If they didn't do it on purpose, I don't think you sh
Amber grabbed some tissues beside her and carefully covered the scratch between her brows. She kept calm in hopes that she could make Luneth let down her guard. She knew very well that Liam, Renee, and Leia would be doomed if she didn't stop Luneth from telling Benjamin and Macsen about this incident. Although her face hurt badly from the teacup, it was nothing compared to their safety. "I'm sorry, Gem… I didn't do it on purpose. I was too angry and scared!" Luneth realized how aggressive she had been, and apologized to Amber in sobs. At the same time, she complained piteously, "You know how hard it was for me to get a child. Grady is very dear to Macsen and me. We don't even speak loudly to him or beat him up. But today, someone pressed him to the ground and beat him up. There's such a large hole in his head! The doctors told me that we needed to take good care of his wound. If it gets infected or he gets tetanus, the bacteria or virus might invade his brain and turn him mentall
Luneth was staying in the southeast of the fort. Her house was a uniquely styled traditional cottage. Upon arriving, Amber could hear a woman crying from afar. Many servants, doctors, and women were standing in front of Luneth's room. Amber walked toward Luneth's servant Jayna Bowie, and asked carefully, "Hello, is Aunt Luneth around?" "Ms. Jenkins, come another day. Mrs. Klein is crying sadly now. She's furious. I'm afraid you might be harmed if you go in," Jayna advised kindly.Those standing in a row at the door were trying to comfort Luneth. However, they were quickly rebuked and became too timid to approach her."It's fine." Amber was aware of her aunt's temper. Smiling, she kept moving forward. "I heard Grady got hurt. As his cousin, I need to see him. Plus, Aunt Luneth always treats me nicely. She won't be angry at me.""Ms. Jenkins, you don't know how serious this is. There's a big hole in the boy's head. The doctor said it might affect his intelligence. Mrs. Klein beca
After that, Amber looked at Liam, who kept silent the whole time. She tried to make Liam say something nice. "See, Liam? I told you, Matt's a great guy. He was just joking with us in the orchard to scare us. I'm sure he'll take our sides and protect us. Don't worry.""Is that so?" Liam glanced at Mateo and faked a smile. "Well, I should thank him properly."The air between them grew awkward, but Liam didn't care. He wanted to make Mateo uneasy and force the latter to expose his true self.Amber was simple, but Liam was no fool. Mateo's acting was smooth, but he couldn't trick Liam.Moreover, Mateo was the one who came up with that scheme. He wouldn't let anyone expose it—he wanted to be the one to do it."Okay, aren't we going to get a drink? Let's go. I'll make the chef cook us something nice." Mateo enthusiastically held Liam's shoulders and dragged him forward. At that moment, he turned icy. "If you're a man, stop involving Gem if you want to fight against me. Stop showing of