Suzanne smiled stiffly. "He's not," she said. She was defending Nathan."Then who is that woman?"Suzanne hesitated. Vera was sick. She wouldn't do well with bad news.Using Nathan's words, she said, "She's just a child who doesn't know what she's talking about."Nathan was taken aback. He hadn't expected her to come to his defense even though she had been framed and hurt badly.She hadn't done what Sally had done—slandered and hurt the other woman.Under Suzanne's reassurance, Vera did not continue to push the issue.After dinner, the three of them retreated to the pergola in the garden for leisure.It was a misty night. The quiet garden was filled with the sounds of crickets chirping and frogs croaking.The relaxing fragrance of the tea added to the peace.Vera was in a good mood, as she was being accompanied by her grandson and her granddaughter-in-law.Just then, one of the servants came over and said, "Madam, there's a lady by the name of Ms. Hoffis asking to see you an
Vera was trembling with anger. She clenched her fists and turned to Nathan. "She's lying, isn't she, Nate?"Nathan looked dejected. "She is Sally, Grandma."Devastated, Vera's eyes reddened. She gripped Suzanne's hand with a trembling hand and asked tightly, "Chubs, they're lying, aren't they? You are my granddaughter-in-law."Suzanne knew that Vera was upset by this revelation, but it was a long time coming.She hadn't known before that she had mistook her for someone else, so she had accepted her kindness without question.Now that she knew this was all just a misunderstanding, she couldn't let Vera continue to love her. She had no right to continue to be Nathan's wife.Suzanne's heart ached at the impending loss of the last person who loved her, but she plowed on anyway. "Grandma, I thought you called me Chubs because I had a round face. I didn't know you mistook me for someone else."Vera's eyes were filled with tears. She gripped Suzanne's hands tightly and sobbed, "I didn'
Vera pushed away the phone that Sally handed to her. "I don't want to look at it!"She looked at Nathan emotionally, tears already rolling down her face. "Tell me, Nate! Tell me I wasn't mistaken!" Nathan walked over to Vera before sinking down on one knee. He held her slightly trembling hand. In a gentle voice, he comforted her, "Grandma, don't be so sad. If you think Suzanne is Chubs, then she's Chubs. You can do whatever you want."Sally shot up to her feet at that moment. She exclaimed angrily, "Nate, I'm the real Chubs! You can't just twist the truth to appease Grandma! How long do you plan on letting her live in her delusion?""Shut up!" Nathan shouted, his expression icy. The sight of Nathan looking so furious and intimidating shocked Sally to the core. She could only pout while feeling upset, and tears started to pool up in her eyes. Vera gazed at Suzanne sadly. Affection and regret flashed across her eyes as she said, "That's right. I think she's Chubs. I know she's
Sally was starting to panic. She was afraid that her actions had given Vera an aneurysm. It would be difficult for her to deal with the consequences if that were to happen.But another thought soon popped into her mind. If Vera were to die, then there was no reason for Nathan and Suzanne to stay married. They'd definitely get a divorce at that time.With that thought in mind, Sally instantly relaxed. Vera's death would prove to be beneficial to her.…It was a long and lonely night. The yellow lights in the VIP ward were dim. The atmosphere was deathly silent, too.Suzanne sat next to Vera's bed while holding her frail, skinny hand. Her teary eyes were glued to Vera's peaceful sleeping expression.Her heart throbbed in pain from time to time. She could only wish fervently for Vera to be fine and that she would regain consciousness soon.Suzanne still remembered the time when she first woke up in the hospital. Her mind was completely blank, but her body was riddled with injuries.
Sally finally realized that Nathan was angry at her. She allowed tears to flow down her face freely so that she could look pitiful.Then, she apologized sincerely, "I'm sorry, Nate. Why are you being so mean to me all of a sudden?"Nathan questioned angrily, "Did you really think I wouldn't know about you framing Suzanne just because there weren't any surveillance cameras in Sudvilla?"All color was instantly drained from Sally's complexion. She could only gaze at Nathan, not knowing what to do. A moment later, she managed to recover from her shock."Suzanne was the one framing me!""You really don't want to admit it, huh? Do you think I'm that stupid, Sally?" Nathan looked extremely disappointed.It was then Sally realized that she could no longer keep the truth under wraps from Nathan. She burst into tears and slapped on a guilty expression."I'm sorry, Nate! I know I've made a terrible mistake!"Nathan did his best to reel in his temper. He took a deep breath, though his ton
Vera patted Suzanne on the back of her hand comfortingly. "Don't worry. I'm healthier than you think."Suzanne breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness you're fine! You scared me last night!"Vera's smile widened even more. "I'm not that fragile, you know. I need to recover as soon as possible so that I can deal with that pesky third-wheeler for you once and for all."Nathan's expression crumbled when he heard Vera's words. He corrected her seriously, "Grandma, there aren't any third-wheelers in our marriage."Vera huffed in response. She sounded as if she was the one getting cheated on, judging from how frustrated her tone was."Then what about that skank from last night? I refuse to believe that platonic friendships can exist between a man and a woman!"Nathan couldn't refute Vera at all. He looked like he was about, but he forced himself not to say anything.Suzanne was tickled pink at the sight of Nathan looking so speechless and exasperated. Then again, it was incredibly
The Morrisons crowded around Vera as they asked her how she was doing and showed their concern for her.Suzanne felt out of place, so she decided to leave the ward. Soon, she arrived at the corridor outside the garden on the first floor. She sat on a stone bench and settled her gaze on the shrubbery in the distance sullenly.Suddenly, a man's deep and rich voice shattered the silence. "What are you thinking about?"Suzanne snapped out of her thoughts right away. She tilted her head to look at the source of the voice. Nathan had already stopped next to her at that time and sat on the same bench as well. His presence was strong and domineering, as always.Suzanne's heart tightened at the sight of him. Her body stiffened before she slowly adjusted her sitting posture."Nothing," she replied coolly.Nathan's lips curled into a small smile, though his eyes darkened slightly. He asked in a chilly tone, "Did you overhear our project?"Surprised, Suzanne turned to look at him in con
Nathan gazed at Suzanne meaningfully, a hint of suspicion still tinging his tone."Suzanne, everything that's happened so far will make sense if you've been faking your amnesia the whole time."Suzanne sighed in resignation. She hung her head low before speaking up in a self-deprecating tone, "You're saying that I got cosmetic surgery and formed a close bond with Grandma just so I could marry you and stay by your side. "Apparently, I don't give a damn about money and social standing because all I want is to steal confidential files about Norvania. If I've truly faked my amnesia, then I guess I'm one hell of a spy, then."Nathan responded, "Precisely."Suzanne could only smile helplessly. "Now that my identity is about to get exposed, I'm more than eager to get a divorce with you. That's why all the puzzles fit the frame. It all makes sense."Nathan fell silent.Suzanne raised her head to look at the sky, feeling an invisible hand gripping her heart. She felt so suffocated that
Jasper became concerned as Imogen placed her hand over her heart. He asked, "Are you experiencing any chest pains? Have you consulted a doctor? I can take you for a check-up."Imogen reassured him, gently holding his arm. "Jasper, I'm fine. I'm just trying to figure out how to balance my future family and career."Jasper smiled knowingly, gently patting her head before pulling her into an embrace. He recognized her uniqueness—her drive to pursue her career and showcase her skills and talents. The thought of being a stay-at-home mother or merely a trophy wife held no appeal for her whatsoever.Holding her close, Jasper murmured, "Imogen, have you forgotten about your husband's financial prowess?"Imogen couldn't suppress a chuckle.Jasper reassured her of his commitment, "As long as you're on board, I can arrange a driver to drive you to work, an assistant to handle all your tasks, and you won't have to worry about anything. When you return home, there will be maids and me to ens
After returning from her journey across the globe, Imogen headed straight to the hospital. During her travels, she started noticing subtle changes in her body—nausea, fatigue, and a stronger need for rest. Her hunch was confirmed when tests revealed she was pregnant.She felt a blend of anticipation and apprehension. The idea of being pregnant raised thoughts of focusing on family life and raising children. Yet, she valued her career and was steadily demonstrating her skills. She wasn't ready to give it up just yet.When Imogen arrived home and stepped through the front door, she found Gregory and Carol were there. They had just returned from their trip as well, bringing back gifts. "Hi, Mom, Dad," Imogen greeted them.Still excited about their travels, Gregory and Carol eagerly recounted their adventures to Jasper.When Jasper heard Imogen's voice, he quickly stood and walked over to her, taking her hand. "Imogen, I woke up early and didn't see you around. Where did you go?"
Jasper thought the idea was brilliant and agreed, "Let's plan our route and leave next week."Imogen gently pushed him back, her hands on his chest. "Sure, but let me get up first. We'll map out our journey, set a schedule, and go on a trip for our wedding."Jasper took her wrists and lifted them above the pillow. "Let's discuss this tomorrow. I have some pressing matters to attend to at the moment."Imogen was about to respond when Jasper leaned in and kissed her deeply. Their lips intertwined with passion.…A week later, Imogen received another call from Yulia's lawyer, who conveyed Yulia's apologies and expressed her desire for Imogen's forgiveness. Yulia also requested Imogen to intervene with Nathan on her behalf.Imogen decided to ignore the request. She believed in the fairness of the law. It reminded her of Zoey, who had fraudulently claimed her degree and ended up in prison at Jasper's behest.As for Yulia, she had orchestrated attacks on Gregory, caused Carol to lose
Imogen's heart raced as she slowly hugged Jasper, her voice bashful yet resolute. "Jasper, you'll always have a place in my heart."Jasper tensed slightly, his senses on high alert. He met her eyes. A glint of anticipation sparked in his gaze as he eagerly murmured, "Say it one more time. Say it—""I love you, Jasper," Imogen said gently.Jasper's eyes immediately filled with tears as he held Imogen tightly, his body shaking. Overwhelmed by emotion, he could only whisper her name into her ear. "Imogen… Imogen…""Do you love me?" Imogen asked, her voice tinged with shyness.Jasper frowned. "I do love you. Haven't you always known?""I still want to hear it," Imogen said."I love you. I love you with all my heart," Jasper declared, gazing at her with intense passion and unwavering resolve.Feeling a bit stiff from his tight hug, Imogen gently pushed him away. "I love you, too, but I must get up and go to work.""Not today," Jasper responded, scooping and carrying her back to bed
"If it's a gift, why not accept it?" Mila whispered.Gregory quickly took the check, looking unsure of his next move.Once his money was accepted, Oakley assumed the issue was settled. He took Yulia's hand and began to leave the ward, saying, "Well, I'll leave with Yulia for now."Still feeling resentful, Yulia glanced back and shot Imogen a glare as they departed.The ward fell silent. Feeling uneasy, Gregory and Carol exchanged anxious glances."Nate, we can't go easy on them," Mila whispered.Nathan smiled knowingly. He took Mila's hand, gently caressed it, and said quietly, "Don't worry. I'll ensure our in-laws get the justice they deserve."Mila nodded, feeling reassured. Gregory and Carol, who were listening nearby, felt deeply moved and grateful.Since Gregory was injured and confined to bed, the meeting between Jasper's and Imogen's parents ended earlier than expected. After saying goodbye to their parents, Jasper and Imogen headed home. On their way home, Jasper felt
Yulia was renowned for her boldness and strong-willed nature. Aware of Oakley's wealth, influence, and dual reputation in legal and illicit circles, she feared no one and held a contemptuous attitude toward others, including senior military figures."You need to apologize to Ms. Imogen immediately," Oakley whispered urgently.Pointing at Imogen, Yulia muttered irritably, "Her? Oh, please! If anyone owes an apology, it's her to me."Oakley wiped his forehead nervously, trembling with anxiety. Everyone's expressions around them darkened visibly. Jasper suppressed his anger; his hands clenched into fists.Before he could speak, Yulia grumbled, "Jay, you blocked me before understanding everything, and then you terminated our contract. That's just too much."Mila couldn't shake her worry for Jasper. If he couldn't manage his relationship with Yulia appropriately, it could severely impact his marriage. Concerned that he might not handle it well, Mila intervened. "Ms. Gibson, please resp
Carol no longer believed the portrayal of wealthy women on television.Jasper took Imogen's hand, and they sat down on the couch together, feeling anxious. It was their parents' first meeting, and the hospital setting added to the tension. If things went wrong and their relationship soured, their future would look bleak.Imogen was particularly anxious. Her palms were growing clammy. Jasper pulled out a tissue and gently wiped her palms before reassuringly saying, "There's no need to be nervous. My parents are easygoing."Offering an awkward smile, Imogen teased him, whispering, "You seem more nervous than I am, don't you think?"Jasper chuckled but offered no reply. Dealing with Gregory and Carol was sure to be a bit daunting.Typically reserved around strangers, Nathan found it difficult to start a conversation at that moment. Meanwhile, Gregory and Carol felt apprehensive and cautious, worried that any misstep could upset the Morrisons and cause problems for Imogen.Sensing th
Mila approached them with a bouquet, smiling. "Yes, we're in the right place. We've come to visit you, our in-laws."The term "in-laws" caught Gregory off guard as he lay in the bed. Despite his injuries, he quickly propped himself up, struggling to sit upright. Carol, equally surprised, cautiously accepted the gift from Nathan's outstretched hands.Jasper and Imogen took the next elevator, so they hadn't reached the ward yet.Nathan quickly set his things down and hurried over, gently placing a reassuring hand on Gregory's shoulder. "You're injured. Don't get up. Just lie down and rest.""General Morrison, I…" Gregory's voice faltered in distress.Carol's hands trembled uncontrollably as she glanced nervously at Mila, worried that Mila and Nathan had overheard her argument with Gregory.Nathan spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, don't call me General Morrison. It sounds too formal. You both are older than me. Just call me Nathan, and I'll call you two by name in return."Mila came
In the hospital ward, Gregory had been asleep for over an hour when the nurse woke him to change his medication.After the change, Carol peeled an orange for him to eat. They shared the segments, chatting idly."Imogen really picked a good husband. Even these oranges he bought are unusually sweet," Carol said, marveling at the oranges. Gregory glanced at the orange and said, "They must be expensive.""Yes, they're sold by the piece in big supermarkets. Also, they're more expensive than beef and lamb," Carol said before eating another sweet segment.Gregory pondered for a moment. Then he curiously asked, "Someone ruined our house's floor. Do you think Jasper would help us repair it?"Carol shot him a look and replied, "Listen, don't burden Imogen with this. Don't even bring it up.""Why would it burden Imogen? With Jasper's wealth, this is nothing.""Enough," Carol snapped. "That's his business. No matter how poor we are, we shouldn't ask for what isn't ours." "You're too stu