On the way back, Nathan asked, "Do you want to return to Sudvilla or the place you've been living in?"Suzanne's apartment was closer to the place where she set up her flower stall. Besides, Sudvilla was now considered Sally's home, so she didn't want to return to that place."Let's go to my place."15 minutes later, Nathan stopped the car outside an old and rundown apartment block. Suzanne got out of the car and led him inside.It was already nighttime. The corridors were incredibly narrow and dark. Suzanne pulled out her phone and toggled on her flashlight so that she could light the way ahead."The corridor lights tend to go out once in a while," she explained awkwardly.Nathan felt that the apartment was a pretty bad place to live in.Once Suzanne unlocked her apartment door, she walked in and flicked on the lights. Then, she stood by the door so that she could invite Nathan inside.Nathan strode into the apartment, which seemed to be around 300 square feet at first glance.
Suzanne gazed at the man before her. An amorous energy sparked between them as their eyes met.Nathan appeared calm and collected. There was only a hint of passion in his eyes.In comparison, Suzanne was like a restless child. A strange thought flashed in her mind.These were the kinds of tactics those conniving women in TV dramas use to seduce men, right?Nathan was so calm right now. Did he think Suzanne intentionally created this accident because she was trying to seduce him? Hence, the reason for the calmness and a hint of impatience reflecting in his eyes?Suzanne swallowed nervously. She stood up and took a few steps back. She then bowed her head down like a child who'd just made a mistake and said, "I'm really sorry."Nathan sighed lightly and got up. "I need to borrow your blow dryer and bathroom.""Okay." Suzanne pointed out the bathroom for him. Her cheeks were burning hot. "The blow dryer is in the drawer."Nathan calmly walked into the bathroom.The moment he clo
Suzanne felt somewhat uncomfortable hearing those words coming from Nathan. She retorted, "What if I wasn't Inkwell? What if I was just a hobbyist who liked learning from others?"Nathan set the DNA report down and said with a slightly teasing tone, "Then you have quite a number of hobbies." He continued, "You're able to mimic the work of great artists. You don't like reading, yet you never forget anything you read. You're knowledgeable in science. It's not even difficult for you to comprehend foreign literature."Suzanne's heart thumped heavily in her chest. "So you're still suspecting I might be a spy from Nightshade Clan?"Nathan grew silent. He had always been a cautious man. Suzanne's identity was in stark contrast to her skills and demeanor. She moved with grace and showed a sturdiness that not many others had. This was either the result of training since young by her family or being trained vigorously later on in life.Suzanne thought about it for a moment before sugge
Nathan froze instantly. Suzanne was drenched in cold sweat as she shivered.Maybe he had done it out of pity, but Nathan didn't resist her touch nor hesitate to clamp his hands over her ears.The next second, he seemed to hear the faint sound of crying.The soft sobbing sounds were coming from the woman in his arms. It was shaky and frightened, like a wounded kitten alone in the wild.Nathan could sense that Suzanne really was scared of such terrible weather and the loud sounds of thunder. It was the first time Nathan had been embraced in such a way by a woman. Suzanne's body was soft and supple. She exuded a faint fragrance too.Nathan could feel his heart and his body react to this touch. He knew he shouldn't have such inappropriate thoughts. Yet he couldn't control his body. The desire he felt was unbearable.It was the first time Nathan heard Suzanne cry. The sounds she made were too similar to Sally's when she was a child. The protective urge Nathan had hidden within him
Nathan froze in place. When he felt his clothes being clutched tightly, he turned around to look at Suzanne in the dark.A flash of lightning echoed the skies outside, lighting up everything. It lit up Suzanne's tearful, desperate eyes. It was a pitiful sight indeed.That split second when their eyes met made Nathan soften immediately. It felt like his heartstrings had been tugged at.Nathan took Suzanne's earphones and leaned in to whisper by her ear, "I'm not leaving. I'm going to check the circuit board."Suzanne could scent his fragrance and feel his warm breath on her face. She blushed.Nathan's voice was magnetic and pleasant to the ears, making her heart tremble. She slowly released her grip on Nathan's clothes.Nathan saw how frightened she was and caressed her head. "Don't be afraid. I'll be back right away."He then left the house.Unbeknownst to Nathan, his small gesture had stunned Suzanne to her core. She stayed frozen in place like an idiot, slowly touching wher
Nathan grew silent.Suzanne was slightly panicked. She hurriedly explained, "I promise I won't lay on you while sleeping like last time. I can tie my hands if it helps."While Suzanne was still anxious, Nathan got up and walked over to her.She hurriedly tucked her feet up and rolled to the other side of the bed.Nathan wordlessly took off his shoes and lay down without hesitation.Suzanne remained sitting on one end of the table.She was the one who invited Nathan to come to bed, yet here she was, being all timid.Suzanne felt uncomfortable with how contradictory she was being.Nathan said quietly, "Lay down. Let's have a chat."How could a man's voice be so magnetic and attractive?Suzanne's heart skipped a beat. She laid down obediently, not daring to move a finger. "What do we talk about?""Have you taken out your earphones?""Yeah.""Are you tired?""No. I usually sleep past 11:00 pm."Nathan continued asking in a calm tone, "How did you meet my Grandma?"Suzanne d
Nathan changed his posture, so he was laying on his side and facing Suzanne.His voice was especially attractive in the pitch-black room, like some midnight radio host. Even his breathing was alluring. "I married you even though I didn't like you all because Grandma wanted me to. It was very disrespectful and irresponsible of me."It was rare to meet a man who could self-reflect, be responsible, and respect women in the world these days. What was more, a man who had both power and wealth, like Nathan.Suzanne couldn't resist lying on her side to face him. She rested her head on her hand and asked gently, "You must have a lot of admirers, Nathan.""I don't know. No one's ever confessed their feelings to me," Nathan said lightly. "What about you? Is there someone you like?""Yes," Suzanne said decidedly. Oh, how she wanted to confess it to him.But she wasn't brave enough.Nathan was always so cold and reserved. His domineering air made most women tremble when approaching him. W
Suzanne lay on the side of the bed where Nathan had slept last night. She closed her eyes, reminiscing all that had happened with him last night.Suzanne ate instant noodles for lunch. When the doorbell rang, she set her fork down and went to open the door. Cole was standing outside with some vases of flowers around him. He handed Suzanne some cash and said respectfully, "Good afternoon, Madam. Here's the money from the flowers."Suzanne stared at the money and asked curiously, "Wasn't there a thunderstorm last night? How did it all sell out?""General Morrison had me go sell them at the workers' dormitories."Suzanne recalled Nathan's phone call last night and smiled. She happily accepted the cash. "Thank you."Cole then said, "General Morrison also asked me to drive you home, Madam."Suzanne was taken aback.With Sally in mind, she didn't want to step into Sudvilla again.After some thought, Suzanne asked, "Does Nathan want me to return to Sudvilla?""Yes, Madam. But he re
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