Two days later, Renee changed into a surgical gown and walked into the sterile surgery room of the manor with Jovan."Please lie down on the operating table." The eye surgeon instructed the nurses to help them onto the table after a brief check-up and anesthesia testing. Renee gave her full cooperation throughout the process, staying quiet the whole time. The image of her in the large surgical gown with her long hair wrapped up in a cap made her look like a little lamb off to the slaughter. She laid down on the operating table, the surgical light above her so bright that she couldn't open her eyes. Halos of light swam in her vision, and she felt as if she was stuck in a nightmare. "Do you regret it?" She heard Jovan's indifferent voice nearby. "It's not too late if you do.""No, I don't." Renee smiled pathetically. "I'll never regret since I'll be getting so much money." "Okay, then. I promise I'll reward you generously," Jovan promised firmly. After the anesthesiologist fini
Renee sighed in relief when she sensed no hostility from Lisa, and immediately asked, "Is the surgery over? Was it successful? Can Jovan see again?""I heard from Ms. Pierce that the surgery was successful. Mr. Jovan will have his stitches and bandages removed in a week, and he can see again. But unfortunately, you..." Lisa let out a soft sigh as she looked at Renee, pale and weak in her surgical gown. Feeling sorry for Renee, Lisa asked hesitantly, "What are you planning to do in the future?""Don't worry. I might have lost my sight, but I'm not dead. I can survive this. There are many blind people in the world who have done great things..." Even though Renee was in a lot of pain, she still tried to reassure Lisa because she could tell Lisa genuinely felt sorry for her."I'll take good care of you for the next few days, Ms. Everheart. Don't hesitate to tell me if you need anything. I'll help you as long as it's within my abilities." Lisa felt that Renee was a kind and positive pers
"No, that's not true!" Renee said in panic, worried that Adie would investigate her whereabouts."I'm safe, and nothing has happened to me in years. So, don't worry, take care of Abby, and listen to Margaret. Understand?" Before Renee could end the call, Adie said bluntly, "No, Mommy, you've gotten into a lot of trouble in the past few years, and you still get into trouble. I think something's happened to you, and that's why you don't want to video call us... How about this, Mommy? Turn your camera on for a second and let me see you; I'll believe you if there's really nothing wrong.""Umm, well..." Renee stammered, then blurted out, "What are you saying, Adie? I'm hiking with my friend, and the signal is bad. I'll hang up first!" After that, she quickly ended the call, feeling guilty."You're so lucky, Ms. Everheart! Your children are cute and smart, and they love you so much!" Lisa remarked, looking wistful."I'm lucky, but they're not..." Renee sighed miserably and explained, "Th
"This isn't a sacrifice, it's a repayment." Renee forced a calm smile onto her face. "Thank you for thinking about me, but this had to be done." Lisa pursed her lips and said reluctantly, "Okay, I'll keep it a secret since you asked me to. Are you sure you want to leave now though? If you do, I'll talk to Ms. Pierce for you. I think she'll be okay with it.""There's no rush." A sigh escaped Renee. "You said that Jovan is still in a coma, and we don't know how he'll feel when he wakes up. I think it's better for me to sneak out after it's proven that he can see again. That way, if anything happens in between, I can still help." "Oh, Ms. Everheart, you're so kind! Even now, you're worried about Mr. Jovan. You must love him a lot, don't you?" Lisa smiled warmly and said, "Don't worry—you're the only one Mr. Jovan likes. Once he's recovered, he can snatch Hunt Enterprise from Stefan, then he can take care of you and make it up to you.""Ugh, I didn't think of that..." Renee groaned,
"No, it was Stef who made the decision, I just saw it through. It's his life, so I can only respect his choices," Francine said with a melancholic sigh. Back then, she was overbearing and used to control every aspect of Stefan's life. She even used to meddle in his marriage, until Stefan's relationship with Renee took a turn for the worse. Maybe she should have just let them be since Stefan cared so much about Renee… Maybe she shouldn't have given Briar a chance.Naturally, she didn't want to make the same mistake again. "But do all of you respect me? Have you ever thought about the consequences if something does wrong? Have you thought about what would happen to me if he really does regain his memories?" Seraphina's eyes watered as she asked them desperately. She turned to Francine, looking aggrieved. "You know about my feelings for Stef, Madam Francine, and you know what I've suffered for him. I've been with him when he was blind, on the verge of death, and even when the executive
"But where's Dr. Wagner? There's only half an hour left until the surgery, but he's not here yet. How unprofessional!" Francine tutted disapprovingly as she glanced at her watch. Brain surgeon or not, how dare he neglect the heir of Hunt Enterprise?"Let's wait a little while longer. Dr. Wagner usually arrives right on time, and besides, he only agreed to do this surgery because of his friendship with Mr. Hunt.""Hmph! Let's see how great he is then! He'd better cure my son, or it's over for him." Francine huffed as she sat in the corridor, forcing herself to be patient.Meanwhile, Seraphina stood in an isolated area, wiping away her tears as her gaze turned cold. She fished out her phone and called an unregistered number. "Turns out they don't care about me at all, so I don't have to hesitate. Do it—I'll bear the consequences!" After a while, it was time for the surgery.Anxious from the wait, Francine demanded, "What's the matter? Isn't he going to start the surgery now? He's s
Seraphina stepped forward and hugged Francine, patting her back reassuringly. "Don't be upset, Madam Francine—this might be a good thing. Now, Stefan doesn't have to take so many risks. It's meant to be, don't you think?""I'm not sad, but I find it strange that the doctor got into an accident right before the surgery..." Francine glanced at the operating room worriedly. "Stef will be furious when he finds out, and he'll definitely look into it.""Umm..." Seraphina swallowed, her anxiety obvious. Putting both of his hands in his pockets, Elijah turned to Seraphina with a fake smile. "Didn't you want to stop the surgery earlier, Ms. Murphy? Why do you look so worried then? To be honest, I'm not sure whether you want him to have the surgery or not." "What are you trying to say, Elijah?" Seraphina glared at Elijah and snapped, "I don't care about the surgery—I just want Stefan to be safe and healthy. I'll support whatever he does as long as it helps him get better.""Really? Don't
"Good, the surgery can proceed as planned then. Where is he?" Francine asked curiously."Oh, he..." Elijah glanced at the surgery room. "He entered the room using a staff card. I think the surgery has already started.""What? It's already started?" Francine quickly put her palms together and prayed, "God, please protect him, I beg you... As long as he's safe, I'll do my best to separate him from Renee!"Elijah frowned, looking perplexed. "Madam, why do you want to break up the couple after you agreed to the surgery? Didn't you say that you wouldn't meddle in his life anymore, and you'll let him make his own decisions?" "I did say that, but a fortune teller told me that they're incompatible, and they'll be in serious trouble if they get together. So, I've got to be the villain here to keep them safe," Francine answered honestly. Of course, it was also up to them whether or not they could overcome the obstacles in their path and be with each other forever. "Madam, when did you bec
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