"What's all this gibberish? Talk properly!" Sophia said sternly.The maid took a deep breath and explained, "There was a new maid last night wearing a uniform of a better quality than ours. She said that she was sent over to keep an eye on Francine, so I brought her to the room and left her there alone… I didn’t expect the new maid and Francine to disappear like that! So the person who helped Francine escape must be her!""How dare she?!" Austin was fuming, feeling like the authority of the Baldwin family had been challenged. He said furiously, "Who is that reckless person? How dare she sneak into the Baldwin mansion and do this right under my nose?! She really does not take us seriously! Start an investigation immediately, and when you find her, break her limbs right away. She has to know that the Baldwins cannot be messed with!" Jack nodded and said to the head of the soldiers stationed around them, "What are you waiting for? Send a team to barricade the whole place and thoroughl
"What nonsense are you talking about?" Sophia glared at him. Given the old man's temper, he would mercilessly impose a harsh punishment on anyone who defied his orders. Was Justin asking for death?Justin replied nonchalantly, "I'm not lying, it was really me who let her go. Think about it—the password is so complicated that only the members of the Baldwins would know it. Ren is just an innocent girl. Even if she wanted to, she'd never be able to figure out the password!" Justin purposely looked at Renee with a faint smile."Haha!" Renee avoided their eyes and laughed awkwardly. She was very grateful to Justin for taking the blame, but he was so cheeky that she wanted to punch him!Justin looked around at his family and explained, "I just think that since we've already snatched Stefan Hunt's wife, it would be overkill to lock his mother up too. We know the power of the Hunts, so we can't just provoke them because we have an army. The Hunts are very wealthy—if we drive them into a co
Renee's unusual reaction stunned everyone in the room, especially Justin. He did not expect that she would react that way at all."Are you sure about having the two families go to war?" He raised his eyebrows and asked mischievously. "Of course!" Renee continued enthusiastically. "My grandfather always hoped that one day I could follow in his footsteps and lead an army into battle myself. If the Baldwin and Hunt families are bound to fight, whether it's in business or war, I want to be the one to lead! Anyway, I also have a deep grudge against the Hunts, and I hate Stefan so much that I long for a life-and-death duel with him!""Fantastic! You really are something, young lady." Austin stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "You are indeed the granddaughter of General Everheart—so confident and strong-willed. You are much better than my unworthy grandson! Justin, you should learn from Ren. If you always give in, how can you protect her in the future? Maybe she'll have to protect yo
Austin was fired up when he heard this and said, "That's right! We have to worship the God of War. Consider it our pledge of allegiance. Let's get to the helicopters, we shall leave at once!""Yes! Let's go right now!" Renee waved her arms and cheered.Inwardly, she finally felt relieved. As expected, Austin was a very impulsive man, even to the point of narcissism. He had actually believed her completely when she asked him to go and worship the God of War.This time, the Baldwin family and Stefan would not meet. Later, she could just find a random reason to stop the two families from fighting. It was perfect!Renee smiled lightly and thought about her plan happily. She really was a genius who could adapt to any situation!At that moment, the butler entered the room with a concerned look on his face. "General Baldwin, sorry to interrupt, but there seems to be someone… a big shot outside asking to meet you!"Austin said coldly, "Don't be such a coward. Who is this big shot you're
Stefan stood in front of everyone and replied slowly and firmly, "I'm here to settle our remarriage, of course."He stepped closer to Renee and pulled her into his arms, then smiled at her. "Darling, you're so disobedient. You ran off with another man, and that's not very nice.""Dar…ling?" Renee met his eyes in bewilderment.'Even if he is acting, he doesn't have to go overboard like this, right?'When she thought about her nightmare last night, the only thing playing in her mind was that Stefan was going to murder her.By this time, the Baldwin family was staring at Stefan like they were a pack of starving wolves and he a juicy steak, but they did not dare to act impulsively because of Stefan's strong aura. Austin even took out the revolver he carried with him and placed it on the table, saying sternly, "It seems like the offspring of the Hunt family is rather daring—he actually came all the way here to snatch something of ours. I heard that you're the only heir left, boy. If
Austin knitted his eyebrows and was immersed in his thoughts for a long time. Then, he fixed his fierce wolf-like eyes on Renee. "So, what you're saying is… you've been using Justin and us this whole time, and you were acting from the very beginning to deceive the Baldwins?" Renee inhaled deeply and nodded guiltily. "I'm very sorry. I was wrong.""Don't-!" Justin wanted to stop her but it was too late. He hit his forehead on the table and groaned. "She can't be saved. Renee, you idiot! It's not worth it!"It was too foolish for her to risk her life for this cheater!Justin knew Austin very well—the old man detested lies and was very stubborn. Once he lost his temper, he could even kill others. How would this end now?"Well, isn't that just great?" Austin had obviously lost control of his emotions. He pointed his revolver at Renee and said icily, "I like you and admire you very much. I would have even used all my resources to nurture you because you are Maurice's granddaughter, bu
Before Renee could finish, Stefan gripped her wrist firmly. "She does not need to make a choice—she's coming with me."As soon as he said that, he turned around and walked away, pulling Renee along."How dare you!" Austin lost his patience and instantly aimed his revolver at Stefan's head. "You're asking for death, you impertinent brat!"The guards around them also aimed their weapons at Stefan. As soon as the old man gave the order, the two of them would be shot to death!Renee panicked and struggled to get her hand free. "Let go of me, Stefan. There's nothing wrong with giving in sometimes! You may want to die, but I don't!"Stefan snorted coldly. "I, Stefan, am not so weak that I need a woman to save my life."Renee was speechless. 'This stubborn man… How many times have I saved you? Stop acting like you're the hero here!'Stefan turned around and looked at Austin with a smirk. "Mr. Baldwin, you can shoot me if you'd like, but the second you do, your entire army will turn int
Renee tidied herself up quickly, wanting to leave. "Oh, right. I released your mother last night, so she should be safe by now. Why don't you try to contact her to see if she's okay?""There is no need for that." Stefan, no longer exuding his usual cold and intense aura, looked very relaxed. He took off his jacket and threw it onto the chaise lounge casually, leaving only a white shirt partially covering his perfect muscular body.Renee's heart fluttered seeing this, and she gulped subconsciously.The man then took off his valuable diamond watch and put it on the table. He propped his long arm on the edge of the table, and said lightly, "My mother arrived in Beach City last night, and should be having afternoon tea with her friend now.""She arrived last night?" Renee was confused. "Then why did you go to the Baldwin residence so early in the morning?"Stefan looked up and met her gaze, the corner of his lips curving into a playful smirk. "What do you think?""I…" She bit her lip
The Baldwin family was so excited that they couldn't sleep. They waited at the exit of the airport eagerly for a long time."Dad, you can't be this fierce. The past is the past. What's important now is Justin has brought Ms. Ren home. He didn't let us down. And don't scare her off again. Just smile!" Sophia boldly reminded Austin, who looked stiff, for the sake of the bigger picture."Why should I smile? I'm born like this. I hate smiling!" Austin retorted stubbornly. His face grew stiffer and he looked more solemn. "Why can't you take my advice? Ms. Ren came to a strange city all alone. I'm sure she's scared, but you're going to be so fierce to her. If you scare her off, you'll make a scene again. It'll be too late if you regret it by then!" Sophia nagged, insistent on explaining the interests at stake."Okay, stop. Dad's always like that. He's a general. No general loves to smile. When did he ever smile? Stop forcing him. We'll do the smiling." Jack dragged Sophia to the side, f
In the past, Renee recalled hurting Justin once. If she chose to get off the plane, she couldn't regret it. For a moment, she was unsure. She wondered if she was ready to make such a huge decision."It's fine. I told you, it's not too late if you don't get off the plane," Justin whispered. Although he looked hurt, he remained gentle and kind. "You have one minute to reconsider.""No, that's unnecessary." After taking a deep breath, Renee finally made up her mind. "I'll go with you."She had made such a decision after much contemplation. Since she was bold enough to board the plane, then she could get off it."Alright!" Justin's eyes brightened. He walked over and interlocked his fingers with hers. "You don't have to be scared. I'll be with you every step of the way. Let's face everything together."They walked side-by-side as they got off the plane.They took an individual pathway to exit the airport since they rode the exclusive plane of the Baldwin family. The Baldwin family ha
"I'm sorry!" Renee blurted—she realized her selfishness."I admit that I took you as a substitute. I wanted to get out of that suffering relationship, and I didn't care about your feelings. I'm so sorry."At first, she wanted to forget Stefan and start a new relationship. And then, Justin risked his life to save her. On top of that, they were compatible in various aspects. She felt that she could spend the rest of her life with him.However, Renee realized that her actions were purely self-serving. She never considered Justin's feelings or asked about his willingness. She merely took him as a convenient tool. "No, you did nothing wrong," Justin said. "You have your choices. Likewise, I have my choices too."He stared at Renee passionately, his teary eyes filled with pain, and held her hand. "I chose you. I want to stay with you while you're trying to forget about him. I want you to be happy with me.""You…" Renee looked into Justin's eyes. His generosity, firmness, and thoug
"Mmph!" Renee was sitting beside the window, watching the floating clouds up in the sky when a sudden pain gripped her heart—as if it was clenched tight. "What's wrong?" Justin asked nervously. Sitting across from her, he could feel something wrong with her. "I'm fine." Renee shook her head and tried to soothe her stuffy chest. "My heart suddenly hurt just now. I guess it's because of the sudden weightlessness when the plane took off."Justin sighed in relief. "I've heard that some people might get dizzy or feel their ears ring because of weightlessness, but I've never heard of hearts aching.""It's fine. It's something rare, I guess. I'll feel better after a while." Renee waved his concerns away, taking a deep breath. She picked up the cup in front of her and sipped some water, and felt better. Perhaps the water had cooled her heart. However, Justin felt a little uneasy. He knew her heart wasn't his though their destination was the same."If you can't forget about him, yo
Stefan got involved with Briar. At the same time, something seemed to be wrong with Renee and she insisted on meeting Justin's parents. In short, they were lying to themselves.Xavier found it ridiculous that they would break up and date someone else, when in truth they loved each other passionately and had gone through so much together. They were just cowards who refused to face their problems head-on."Well said! I agree." For the first time, Leia and Xavier shared the same thoughts on the issues related to love. Aside from Stefan and Renee, there were many similar examples. Leia was convinced Liam was doing the same thing. She couldn't understand why they had to hurt themselves like that. It would be better to make peace.Suddenly, Xavier turned around and looked at Leia passionately, and declared with utmost seriousness, "So, we can't do that!" Having his face so close to hers so suddenly, Leia's heartbeat quickened. She pursed her lips and stood up shyly. "You're nuts
Justin walked over and tapped his wristwatch. "It's almost time. Let's go.""Okay." Renee nodded, then said to Leia, "Just go home and take good care of Liam. Tell my brother and kids that I'm fine. I'll be back at Beach City soon.""Uh…" Leia wanted to stop Renee from going to Beach City, but she couldn't find a reason to make Renee refuse. Of course, Renee had to stop the program which never responded."Fine. Take care. Call me immediately if anything happens!" Leia, enlightened, decided to respect Renee's choices. She hugged Renee and sobbed, "I hope you'll pick happiness no matter who you choose to be with!""Of course. I want you to do the same." Renee hugged Leia firmly.Then, she got into the small private plane bound for North City with Justin."She left…" Xavier muttered. He watched the plane take off for North City as he sat in the lobby, feeling complicated. He felt sorry for Stefan, but at the same time, he felt that Stefan had brought it upon himself. Being on
However, Leia didn't believe that Renee would have given up on Stefan. Based on their night chats a while ago, she could tell from Renee's tone that the latter was still confused about Stefan and couldn't part with him.It wasn't long ago, but now, Renee wanted to marry someone else. It was abnormal."Yes, I did…" Renee coldly looked ahead and added, "I did just now.""What?" Leia's eyes went wide, and she didn't stop questioning Renee. "What happened just now? Nothing happened!""Let me be frank with you." Renee decided to be honest with Leia since Leia insisted on getting to the bottom of it. "Justin told me something the night he saved us. Stefan informed him and asked him to come to our rescue.""I know that. And then?"Leia had heard the same story from Justin. She and Liam kept cursing Stefan for being a dirty coward all night long. It was infuriating. Stefan didn't try to save his beloved woman, but made his rival in love do so instead. It seemed he had given up his belo
"What? You're going to meet his parents?" Leia cried in agitation when she heard that. She glared at Justin, then dragged Renee to the side to interrogate the latter."What's wrong with you, Ren? Why are you marrying someone else just after one night?" Leia pausing, finding her words odd, then corrected herself. "Oh, no! Are you going to remarry?""Justin is a good man. His grandpa was my grandpa's old comrade. Plus, his family is nice to me. And we survived this time because of the army Grandpa Baldwin gave me. I can't be ungrateful," Renee said, her tone calm and cold.Although it was ridiculous, Austin did give Renee that army as a wedding gift. She used that gift at a critical time, which meant she had accepted the Baldwin family. Naturally, she had to take her relationship with Justin to another level. "But…" Leia frowned, feeling that Renee was being impulsive. "But you were forced to use that army under that circumstance. It wasn't because you loved Justin that drove
Liam was an unruly rich heir who loved freedom, while Amber was a pure and ignorant young woman. It seemed they were a perfect match."Why did she suddenly give you a wedding gown? Obviously, she wants to marry you. Are you sure you don't want to say anything to her before leaving?" Xavier teased Liam, trying to sound the latter out.Everyone could tell that Amber liked Liam. Besides, it seemed like Liam also fancied Amber. If they parted ways, they might never see each other again. Their romance might end with a failure. What a pity! "There's nothing to say to her." Liam purposely looked aloof. "All I want is to get the hell out of here. I don't even want to waste another second here."Then, he strode into the airport lobby. Renee quickened her pace and walked alongside him. She looked at him, feeling sorry for him. "Are you sure you're going to leave like this?""I should long be gone." Liam kept his coldness, his tone impassive. "If I don't go now, I can't leave forever.""