"Fenna—" Cameron called out but Fenna walked away without looking back. Cameron was left to eat alone. He couldn't help but let out a long sigh.…Mila returned to Hoffis Manor with a small box in her hand. At the sight of Mila, Loretta hurriedly put down her utensils and retreated to her room. Mila had already spotted Loretta eating at the dining table. She quickly ran over and blocked Loretta's path.Loretta acted aloof to hide her embarrassment. She turned away and held her head high as if to indicate she wouldn't apologize. She seemed like a child who knew her mistake but refused to acknowledge it."Grandma, why are you always avoiding me?" Mila asked with a smile.Loretta turned away without a word. Mila walked up to Loretta, who turned her back again. Mila faced her again and handed her the box. "I bought you the pastries you love.""I don't deserve it," Loretta said arrogantly."I'm your granddaughter. Why would you say that you don't deserve me buying you pastries?"
"Grandma, please don't think so. I was jealous when you were so good to the fake granddaughter. I really wanted to tell you back then that I was your granddaughter," Mila said affectionately.Loretta bit her lip and wept quietly, her body trembling."I didn't know whether my parents were alive or dead. I wanted to find out about them through the fake Sally. That's why I put up with it and didn't tell you the truth. It's all my fault. I'm sorry."Mila rubbed her cheek against Loretta's shoulder and it melted Loretta's heart. Mila had always loved cuddling and being affectionate with Loretta when she was a little girl but had stopped when she turned six."Grandma, can you forgive me? Grandma, forgive me just this once. Will you?" Mila gently swung her hand.Loretta felt even more guilty. She hung her head and sobbed, then wiped her tears with both hands and choked out, "I-I'm the one who should be apologizing.""Grandma, you're not wrong. You don't have to apologize." Mila smiled
"Nate and I were never together, Grandma. So, how can you say you broke us up?" Mila asked."I was the reason for your divorce," Loretta said."The marriage wasn't even registered in my name, so it was invalid."Loretta still blamed herself. "But you and Nate were married for over half a year, you—"Mila interrupted. "We were married in name only and it didn't work out for us for a long time. So, we can't be considered a couple."Loretta looked at Mila with a shocked expression. Mila pretended to be calm. She picked up a pastry, took a bite, and offered another one to Loretta."Nate and I can't be together.""Why not? You love each other and you know each other inside and out. You're perfect for each other!"Mila hugged Loretta's arm and leaned against her shoulder. She closed her eyes and whispered, "Grandma, I'll explain everything later.""You two haven't even become a couple after being married for half a year, is Nate incompetent in bed?" Loretta asked earnestly."It isn
"Not even I can know that?" Donald frowned."I'll convince her to join Norvania," Nathan said."Good, then I'll leave it up to you. I hope we can keep this once-in-a-millennium genius for the prosperity and strength of the country." Donald sighed.…A few days later, in the evening, the soft golden rays of sunshine bathed the earth in warmth. It was so quiet in the living room of Hoffis Manor that even a pin drop could be heard. Mila leaned back on the couch. She was absorbed in studying the intricate machinery in the book."Wanda! Wanda, guess who's here!" Loretta's voice interrupted Mila's thoughts.She turned to look at the door to find Loretta bursting in with a bright smile. Nathan was on her heels. Wearing a black suit, he looked elegant and handsome, with an incomparable charm.Mila's heart began to race as she stood up with the book in her hand. It felt like a lifetime since they had last seen each other. She missed him but had no reason or excuse to see him. She had
Nathan brought Mila to the shore where they stood side by side in the glow of the sunset. The sea sparkled like thousands of diamonds in the sun. Mila glanced around and noticed a few bodyguards following them in the distance, preventing anyone from getting too close."Nate, why did you bring me to the sea?" Mila asked.Nathan's eyes never left Mila. She looked so enchanting in the twilight. He said, "It's quiet here. No one can disturb us and we won't be overheard."Mila didn't quite understand him. Yet, she knew he wanted to talk about work when she saw his serious expression and his unwavering gaze. She smiled and said, "I thought you understood me.""I do, but I still have to do my job," Nathan replied."Apologize to Mr. President on my behalf," Mila said.Nathan took a deep breath and said sincerely, "Norvania needs you. Even if the country hasn't done much to support you in your studies, you're from Norvania and people won't see you as a traitor to Sunterland. They'll get
Mila's reluctance to leave Nathan filled her eyes with sadness. She blinked her teary eyes and stared intently at Nathan but she couldn't see him clearly as night had fallen. Yet, his outline still looked breathtaking. Her heart stiffened like her body."You probably will not get another chance to return to Norvania if you go back to Sunterland this time. Will you really leave without hesitation?" Nathan's voice carried serious weight."I—" Mila was at a loss for words as her heart ached. Although she couldn't bear leaving Zach and Loretta, she hated leaving Nathan the most. Zach and Loretta could still keep in touch with her during her vacations. They could even visit her in Sunterland.Yet, she and Nathan would become strangers the moment she left Norvania. He would be gone from her life without a trace. If this had happened three years ago, she would have been sad but not as devastated and reluctant.It was during these three years of amnesia that she had fallen deeply and
Sienna lowered her head with a wry smile. "I'll never save up enough money for plane tickets.""I'll pay for your flights and accommodations," Mila said.Sienna shook her head. "I still owe you over 400 thousand. After you've left, I'll continue to earn more and pay you back."Mila took her hand in pity. "Sienna, you don't have to pay me back.""It's only fair that the debt be repaid. I understand that you're the granddaughter of a tycoon, so you're not short of money, but I have nothing. I can only be your friend if we're equal."Mila sighed, "I just don't want you to suffer."Sienna beamed. "You've already been so kind to me. You got me a job at Hoffis Corporation, even though I was a lousy student at the vocational school. I can make five figures a month and this is something I never dreamt of in my life.""Things will get better from now on," Mila said while hugging Phoebe softly.Basking in the warmth of their friendship, Sienna leaned against Mila's shoulder and closed he
Phoebe smiled and said, "You're not only the one who saved my life, you're also the only family I have."Meanwhile, Sienna looked at Phoebe with mixed emotions in her eyes, then slowly shifted her gaze to Mila's face. She couldn't help but wonder how someone as kind as Mila could exist. For Mila who was born into wealth, she never sought luxury. Instead, she chose to work in Sunterland.She was kindhearted and couldn't bear to see others suffer. She saved Phoebe and lent a large sum of money to help Sienna through hard times. Mila also often live-streamed painting sessions to raise money and donated to charity on her own."Wanda, what do you value most in life?" Sienna asked curiously.Nathan immediately popped into Mila's head."Her work," Phoebe interjected."I'm really curious. What's Wanda's job? Sienna asked.Phoebe smiled quietly in response."I'm just an ordinary mechanical engineer," Mila said."What kind of machines? What are they used for?" Sienna pressed.Mila
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