Cecilia's mother then turned to Christopher. "Take your bride to the hospital, Chris, and hurry up, will you? If she stays a moment longer, I fear someone might beat her to death!""Of course," Christopher replied. "But I'd like to take the opportunity to publicly announce that the wedding between Cecilia Smith and I has been canceled. Our relationship as a couple ends today as well. I deeply apologize for dragging everyone into this mess and wasting your time today, but rest assured, you will be fully compensated by my family and I."This threw the crowd into an uproar.Xavier was flustered and anxiously tried to help save Christopher's situation. "What the hell are you talking about, Chris? Are you seriously canceling the wedding and breaking up with Cecy right now? Don't you think that's a bit too cruel? Tell me it's not true. Tell me you're just joking to lighten up the atmosphere."But Christopher said nothing in reply. He picked Cecilia up in his arms and carried her away.T
Renee's lips curled up, but her expression was cold. In a moment, her heart froze into ice.She assumed that Stefan would never have to ask such a stupid question, but since he had actually blurted it out, it was clear that a vast chasm had opened up between them, forever separating them from each other, no matter if he believed it or not…"I have nothing to explain," replied Renee. "If you trust me, I don't have to say a word, and you'd still trust me. But if you don't believe me, it won't matter even if I explain everything to you till my mouth gets dry. I could dig out my heart and show it to you, and you still won't believe me."Renee forcefully yanked her hand from him. There was only calm diffidence on her flawless face. Then, as if not caring at all what Stefan thought of her, she added, "Do whatever you want. I'm leaving!"Then she turned on her heels and left without having the slightest feeling left for the man, not giving a jot of what he thought of her. So what if he th
"You're lying!"Stefan's eyes were as keen and shrewd as an eagle's. He sneered at Ruby and added, "Didn't you just tell me you've admired me for a long time? Then how is it possible that you've never heard of my ex-wife's name?""I…" Ruby was stunned, speechless. Being a veteran of the entertainment world, she was used to pulling words out of her ass, and everyone would accept whatever she said without batting an eyelid. She never expected Stefan to be so perceptive that he could immediately catch the inconsistency in her speech. For a second, she was completely at a loss for what to do.Then in a hasty bid to save face, she blurted, "What… What I meant was that I've never personally met Ms. Everheart, but of course, I've heard of her. After all, your CP 'Hunt My Everheart' is really popular online. Lots of people in the entertainment industry are fans of that site.""Because you admire me…" Stefan ruthlessly interjected, coldly staring at Ruby. "You must be jealous of her because
This whole incident had been plaguing Stefan's mind, and he knew he would not be at peace until he found out the truth.He took a deep breath and decided that the best course of action would be to ask the person directly involved in the matter—Cecilia Smith. Cecilia had been sent to the hospital to receive emergency treatment, and her life was now out of danger, but because she was drowning in the water for too long, there were concerns that she might've damaged her brain, heart, and lungs, and she had to remain hospitalized for a few more days for observation.All the guests had now left, with only Cecilia's parents, Christopher and Xavier remaining at the hospital with her. They were all standing outside the door to her private ward amid a tense and heavy atmosphere.Cecilia's mother was wringing her hands and staring cautiously at Christopher. She then fumblingly said, "Chris… There were too many people earlier, so I couldn't really speak to you frankly, but now that everyone'
Xavier balled up his fists, but in the end, he had no choice but to reluctantly let it go. If he really beat Christopher up, the three best friends would return to being distant and strained around each other after having recently overcome many obstacles to reunite."Fine, fine! The three of you have been dragging it out for so many years now that it's all a big freaking mess! I'm so tired of it and want nothing to do with it anymore. Just do whatever you like!"Xavier quickly turned and stomped away. He still had a lot on his plate. In fact, even his dad declared that this week was his last stint of freedom! If he lost that criminal case, he'd be locked up behind bars and face a harsh sentence for a long time. What mattered most to him was finding a good lawyer to help him win the case right now. But no matter where he looked, he still found that the only person suited for the job was Zack, yet Zack was Renee's employee, and he had unfortunately been in a battle royale with her
Stefan’s arrival left everybody stunned. Cecilia's mother was the first to react. Seeing that her son-in-law Christopher really was going to slip through their fingers, she quickly latched onto Stefan instead."So you've come, Stefan! Cecy here has been talking about you just now. There's been a misunderstanding between you two. I think it's high time you clear it all up!""The truth is," she continued, "Cecy was inexperienced and very naive emotionally through those years. That's why she…""Mom!" Cecilia interrupted her, feeling humiliated. "Didn't I tell you to stop talking about that?"Both of these men once loved her deeply, but right now, neither of them wanted her. This came as, without a doubt, a huge blow to a woman like her. If her mother kept on fawning over these men, trying to please them so they'd take her back, she would soon be left without a shred of dignity!Christopher, on the other hand, seemed unperturbed. He even casually patted Stefan's shoulder and half-jo
"Hahahaha!"Cecilia continued to laugh. She had to take a long time to catch her breath again, before she finally told Stefan in a mocking tone, "It's you, Stefan! I think you're really funny!""I had assumed," she added, "that the love between you and Renee was as strong and unbendable as steel! But surprisingly, you couldn't even stand this minor test! Compared to your feelings for me back then, your feelings for her are simply different… Are you sure that you love her more than you love me?"Stefan's cold and chiseled face displayed even more displeasure."I never said I loved her," he denied."I see!" Cecilia raised her brows and chirped, suddenly feeling a lot better. With a faint smile, she continued, "If you really did love her, you'd never even think about asking this question. But since you did ask, it proves that you don't really love her that much at all, or perhaps… you just don't understand her yet.""The truth is," she added, "it doesn't matter whether she pushed me
And so, Renee and Margaret came to the private maternity hospital where Renee often got her prenatal checkups. As they were waiting for Renee's turn, Margaret kept holding Renee's arm and carefully checked her pulse."Your pulse is normal, Ms. Ren. Your babies should be fine. You shouldn't allow a dream to scare you sick. Let's just knock on wood, and everything will be fine."Renee nodded but was still full of concern."I know my precious little ones are fine since I've been strong and fit all the while. But I just can't stop myself from worrying. I can't shake off the feeling that something might happen.""Shush! Don't speak of such inauspicious things, Ms. Ren! You might not believe anyone, but you must believe the traditional medical knowledge that I learned from my family. You know that I can treat any illness under the sun by prescribing a few herbs! I'm telling you, there's nothing to worry about.""You're right. With a medical genius like you by my side, I've simply got
"Really?" Leia instantly breathed a sigh of relief. "I can wait if it's only for two to three days. If it's one day longer, I'll go insane!""Fine, I know you're bored. Read the comic with me. The comics here are pretty interesting. Check this out…" Renee got closer to Leia, sharing the comic book to distract her.They lay in bed together and read the comic to kill time. In half an hour, Leia started feeling sleepy and soon dozed off. Renee was sleepy too, and looked around vigilantly before deciding to take a brief rest. However, she hadn't laid down for long when she heard footsteps getting closer to the room.She wondered who it was. Although she was lying and her eyes were closed, she could sense someone hiding in the dark and observing them closely with a gaze of fierceness and hatred. After a while, the footsteps grew fainter. It seemed the person had gone away. Renee abruptly opened her eyes and looked out of the room. There was nothing strange except for a few guards.
In the silent night, Renee suddenly kept sneezing hard while sleeping."What's wrong with you, Ren? Did you catch a cold?" Leia noticed something wrong with Renee and immediately wrapped a blanket around Renee. At the same time, she glared around the room. "This is so annoying! Why couldn't they let us go? Do they take us as criminals? And this lousy heater isn't working well! It didn't warm you at all! I'll get them!" she hissed. "Come back!" Renee hurriedly pulled Leia back and shook her head. "I'm not cold. I just suddenly sneezed for no reason.""Well, I think someone's gossiping about you," Leia joked. "I think it's Liam. He's telling these people how powerful your background is. Or… It's that scumbag, Stefan. He missed you and regretted it. I bet he's getting emotional now!""Oh, please. You're so imaginative." Renee was amused; she admired Leia for the latter's positivity. Leia was truly warm and optimistic. Leia paced to and fro in the room while looking outside in f
Amber's eyes lit up, showing admiration for Renee. "Ms. Everheart has kids? And they're fraternal twins? She established a company, too? She's awesome! I never expected a woman could be so amazing! She's a great role model for women!"To Amber, the most amazing woman was Luneth, who managed her family well and was lovey-dovey with her husband.Once she heard about Renee from Liam, however, her worldview expanded. She realized that women could still lead incredible lives even after leaving men and romances behind. She could do the same—she could focus on her career instead of her marriage or a man. "Of course! If not, I wouldn't have called her my boss!" Liam couldn't stop talking about Renee, feeling proud. He began reminiscing about Renee's amazing past. "To be honest, she's a great scholar and is talented in the sciences. Plus, she was the top hacker in the world…""Wow, she's amazing!" Amber kept gushing; she had never heard about such things. The two of them spent almost a
"I find their relationship wonderful. Their love is so deep! I envy it—imagine having such a passionate and intense romance!" Amber gushed like a lovestruck fool, her eyes bright.Movies were popular in the fort. Hunt My Everheart gained high popularity there that year. After that movie, Shirley won multiple film awards and Best Actress. Stefan, who acted in it as well, gained a lot of female fans.Fans soon dug up the story behind the movie. Since Amber could use the internet, she could talk about the movie with great familiarity. She had always assumed that Stefan and Renee belonged together. They were the perfect match for each other! She had never considered the possibility that there were other unknown things between them."The movie's nothing but a sham. It's all an act! It's not the same as reality, and you can't believe it at all." Liam had never watched that movie because he held it with disdain. Grumpily, he continued, "Plus, Stefan invested in that movie. Of course
At that time, Amber suddenly realized that there was nothing happier than marrying someone who she loved and who loved her back. The key to an everlasting marriage, which was long and complicated, was not to force herself or her lover."It's great you think that way, but the world might not be as wonderful as you've imagined…" Liam said, melancholic.Amber seemed to have grown up and was no longer the silly young woman who was infatuated with him. She had her thoughts about love and was no longer stubborn about marrying him. She yearned to explore the world and find a new guy. Liam felt that the girl who had always longed for him would finally leave. "The men out there are more wicked than the ones in this fort. There are many cunning and disloyal men. You can't fall in love with just any guy. Someone pure like you will be lied to and bullied. Do you understand?" Liam advised her eagerly, as though he were her senior. He patted her head gently, making her want to rely on him an
Mateo was gone, leaving Liam and Amber alone in the restaurant. Suddenly, awkwardness and silence overcame them. An amorous feeling hovered in the air.Liam finally stopped acting. He chuckled awkwardly and sat up straight, then said to Amber, "Thank you for what you did just now. I wasn't that serious. I was just acting.""I saw that." Amber grinned, teasing him. "I've got to say, you acted well. I thought Matt almost strangled and killed you.""I'm not that weak. Plus, he's not that brave either." A sudden competitiveness gripped Liam; he purposely flexed his arms and acted strong. "Did you think Mateo could fight me? With his physique, I can defeat him with one hand!" "Mm, I think so too. You must be stronger than Matt." Amber nodded, giving Liam her full support. She started to feel that Renee was right to claim that he was just a child."By the way, did you talk to Luneth? What did she say?" Liam asked; he knew that Luneth's attitude was the key to quickly resolving that iss
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