"Then why not use protection?" asked Nathan. "I'm in my safe period." "Wouldn't an extra protection be better?" Mila found herself at a loss. Utterly embarrassed, she scrambled for excuses. Lost in a fog of embarrassment, she stuttered, "I-It's uncomfortable with the condom on." Nathan was taken aback. He froze, unable to hide the shock in his eyes.In that instant, Mila wished she could vanish into thin air, feeling mortified and embarrassed to the core. She wished she could just disappear. "That's not something you'd say," Nathan withdrew his hand, one resting on his hip, the other absently tugging at his short hair. A realization dawned on him, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he couldn't contain himself any longer. His gaze turned stern. "Are you trying to conceive my child?" Mila's heart skipped a beat. Her anxious eyes met his while her thoughts raced in panic, unsure how to mask her true intentions. Her reaction confirmed Nathan's suspicions.Feeling a
Nathan's emotions settled. His voice carried a tender warmth as he looked at Mila expectantly. "Chubs, do you love me, wish to bear my child, and remain here in Norvania?" Mila, with her eyes glistening with tears, felt her heart ache painfully. Nathan's gaze held sincerity, his words earnest. "If you choose to stay, I'll spare no effort to keep you safe. No matter how formidable Sunterland may seem, I'll shield you from harm. I'll shoulder every burden." With tears held back, Mila shook her head and took a step back. "Nate, I don't want you to endanger yourself and oppose Sunterland. And I certainly don't want you to sacrifice everything for me," she said to herself. Watching her retreat with tears staining her cheeks, Nathan's heart twisted with agony. Stepping closer, he gently clasped Mila's shoulders, lowering himself to meet her gaze. "Chubs, do you love me as well?" Mila, suppressing her tears, sniffed and feigned composure. "No, my focus will be on work when I
The familiar melody of her ringtone danced through the air. Mila gradually calmed her emotions as she lifted her head from her knees. She wiped away the tears from her eyes and retrieved the phone from her pocket. It was a call from Phoebe. Mila took a deep breath, adjusting her emotions once more before answering the phone. "Phoebe," Mila spoke softly. Phoebe's voice trembled with nervousness. "Mila, where are you?" Pushing herself up from the floor, Mila brushed off the dust from her pants. "I'm at Sudvilla." "Please, come quickly. I'll send you the address," Phoebe urged urgently, a hint of panic seeping into her tone. Sensing Phoebe's unusual anxiety, Mila hurriedly left Sudvilla, questioning as she ran, "What's wrong? What happened?" "We've found your grandmother," Phoebe replied. Mila's heart skipped a beat, her pace quickening even more. "Where is she? Send me the address." "Alright, but brace yourself," Phoebe cautioned. At that moment, Mila's mind went
A bomb disposal expert's voice cut through the tension, firm and grave. "This is a remotely controlled bomb. Going up there would be signing your death warrant." But Mila's resolve remained unshaken. "No, they won't harm me. If I'm there, they won't dare to trigger the bomb. "Please, tell me how to disarm it. Let me do it." The expert's frustration boiled over. "You're risking your life for nothing. Get her out of here!" he barked. Yet Mila held onto the expert's hand tightly, her determination unwavering. "Let me go up there. My name is Mila. They won't harm me. Please, show me how to disarm it. Trust me!" Though he empathized with her desperation to save Loretta, the expert couldn't comprehend her readiness to put herself in harm's way. "I don't care who you are. You need to leave the restricted area immediately." Suddenly, Loretta's voice echoed from above, calling out, "Chubs, Chubs..." Mila's gaze shot upward with tears clouding her vision. She strained to see Loret
"Is Grandma okay? She's fine, isn't she?" Mila's anguished cry tore through the air. Her heart shattered into a million pieces, drowning in a sea of grief as her legs buckled beneath her. Phoebe swiftly followed suit, enfolding her in a tight embrace as they knelt together on the ground, their bodies intertwined in sorrow. Mila's cries reverberated, her entire being trembling with despair. She felt utterly powerless to witness Loretta's demise before her eyes and unable to intervene. From her earliest memories to this very moment, Loretta had been the beacon of love and warmth in Mila's life, and now she had vanished, leaving behind only emptiness. Not even a trace remained. Mila clutched at her shirt, twisting the fabric into knots over her chest, as if trying to contain the anguish threatening to consume her. But the pain pierced through her, each breath growing shallower, each heartbeat echoing her grief. With the regret of never having the chance to meet Loretta for the o
Mila seethed with anger, each word a furious accusation. "All you want is money! I would give you all of our family assets, why did you have to kill my grandmother? Why harm my family?" Oliver chuckled indifferently, "Now that the Hoffis family's finances are locked within the country and I'm now a fugitive in Norvania, if I fail to do something to assert my strength, you'd underestimate my ability." A shadow darkened Mila's face, her fists clenched tightly, a wave of hatred flooding her heart. Oliver continued, "I've recently married a woman named Avery. She'll oversee all family assets and become the group owner tomorrow. With Zach's appointment letter and the asset transfer agreement, she will hold the reins of power. "If you wish to spare your family the fate that befell Loretta, don't intervene in Avery's inheritance. And keep Nathan at bay. If I fail to access the funds again, your family will face dire consequences." For Mila, nothing outweighed the importance of her f
The dial tone barely sounded before Mila abruptly ended the call, her actions leaving Phoebe puzzled. "Why did you hang up, Mila?" Mila's voice was heavy with sadness. "He doesn't want to see me or have any contact with me. You speak to him." Phoebe's disbelief was evident. "How is that possible?" Mila remained silent and retreated under the covers to seek solace in the darkness. Her emotions were weighed down by sorrow as she closed her eyes to rest.Still bewildered, Phoebe answered the incoming call, discovering it was Nathan returning the call. "Mr. Morrison, it's Phoebe." Nathan paused briefly before inquiring, "Is Chubs awake?" Phoebe replied, "Yes." He then asked about her physical condition, to which Phoebe replied, "She's fine, just quite upset." Nathan then asked, "Was there something you needed to discuss?" Glancing at Mila, who remained hidden beneath the covers, Phoebe hesitated before answering, "Mila suspects there might be a spy in your research team."
Phoebe was curious about what had happened between Mila and Nathan, but she held back from asking. After all, relationships were private matters, and outsiders couldn't contribute much.Mila and Phoebe checked into a hotel together.In the following days, Mila remained occupied with managing Loretta's affairs.Since Loretta preferred a modest funeral and to have all her family members present, Mila chose not to hold an elaborate ceremony.Instead, she found a serene cemetery and laid Loretta's remaining ashes to rest there.Mila disconnected from the outside world, avoiding news updates and corporate matters. Each day, she secluded herself in the hotel, working through her grief.Simultaneously, she began studying the map of Norvania, hoping to uncover clues about where Oliver might have hidden her family.In the evening, Phoebe returned to their room with food she had picked up from the hotel lobby.Concerned, she urged, "Mila, please have something to eat. You've barely eaten
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