At that moment, the sound of footsteps was heard.Layla and Fenna turned to look at the stairs and saw Nathan walking down the stairs. He was dressed in a long black coat. He looked very handsome and confident.Fenna was stunned.Layla was also taken aback. Each time, she was dazzled by Nathan's charm. Being rejected by Nathan had become her lifelong regret.Every time she saw Nathan, she felt more discontented with Duke.Even though they were brothers, why was Duke's looks and physique nowhere near Nathan's? The difference in their abilities was also quite substantial."Nate, good morning!" Fenna greeted him. She stood up with a smile.Nathan stopped in his tracks as his gaze slightly darkened. He looked at Fenna in silence for a few seconds before asking coldly, "Did I not make myself clear, or do you not understand?"Fenna's attitude was firm. She remarked, "Nate, I don't need to take the leave."Nathan showed no mercy and replied coldly, "Then move out.""It's too far f
Nathan and Mila didn't answer the question. Everyone felt the tension between them but didn't want to pry into their matters.Nathan had been busy, and Mila was recovering from childbirth, so they hadn't been able to spend much time together or communicate. This was out of the ordinary, and everyone noticed.As the awkwardness lingered, Fenna approached Nathan with a notebook and said, "Nate, I've got today's schedule organized."Mila's expression immediately soured. She set down her utensils, stood up, and announced, "I've had enough. You all enjoy your meal."The Morrison brothers watched her leave in surprise. Seeing that she had hardly eaten anything, they asked with concern, "Why aren't you eating much today?"Mila didn't reply and walked away. Nathan usually would have assumed she was avoiding him, but now he realized her aversion was directed at Fenna.He took a deep breath to quell his rising anger before asking in a steely tone, "Do you think my instructions are a joke?"
Layla couldn't just stand by. She stepped up to defend Fenna. "Nate, Fenna has done nothing wrong—"Nathan eyed her sharply and growled, "Layla, stay out of this." Layla was taken aback by his response, her voice trailed off nervously.He walked out the front door and saw Cole waiting by the car."General Morrison, good morning," Cole greeted him politely.Nathan looked around and asked softly, "Where's Mrs. Morrison?""Mrs. Morrison and Phoebe just drove off.""Follow them," Nathan said. He got into the car immediately.Cole was driving as he asked, "General Morrison, is something wrong?""She hacked into the Dreamshift Beauty Salon surveillance to investigate Fenna," Nathan replied urgently."What's there to investigate about Fenna?""That's not the point. The point is that she found something suspicious, so she wants to dig a little deeper.""General Morrison, are you concerned that Mrs Morrison could disrupt our plans?"Nathan looked out of the window in silence. He cou
Mila handed Phoebe something that looked like a gun and said, "Here, take it.""A gun? Isn't that risky?" Phoebe was startled. She knew that it was against the law to own a gun in Norvania, and using one to hurt someone could result in the death penalty.Mila gave Phoebe a special mask and explained, "No bullets are in this gun. It's a chemical weapon I made and it's filled with ether, an anesthetic used on patients. It won't hurt anyone when it hits."The ether would spread through the air as soon as it was fired. Breathing even a little can make someone pass out."Phoebe looked at the weapon, then at Mila in awe. "Mila, you're amazing."Mila put on her mask and warned, "Be careful using it. After firing, hold your breath for 20 seconds so you don't breathe it in.""Got it," Phoebe said as she watched the men approach.Phoebe and Mila got out of the car at the same time. Phoebe pointed the gun at the men who were approaching them. All of them froze when they saw the gun.Mila
Nathan felt lost. Meanwhile, Mila crawled out of the car in a different direction. She brushed off the dust as she got to her feet.Phoebe ran over to help her and asked, "Mila, are you okay?""I'm fine," Mila replied. She scanned her surroundings. Beside the men who had collapsed from inhaling the ether earlier, there were a few others wearing gas masks, with bullet wounds on their thighs. They were lying on the ground, too afraid to move.Mila realized more men had been brought in and finally understood why Phoebe couldn't handle the situation alone.Nathan examined Mila from head to toe. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that she was okay.Mila and Phoebe's car had been badly damaged and they couldn't drive it anymore. "The police will handle the scene. You can get in my car," Nathan offered."Thanks," Mila said. She made her way to his car and got into the passenger seat. Phoebe and Cole stared at Nathan with a blank expression. Nathan gazed at Mila for quite a w
Nathan was willing to explain. His only fear was that Mila would misunderstand him even more if he did.Just when he wasn't sure if he should speak, Phoebe suddenly blinked at him and asked, "General Morrison, are you really avoiding Mila's calls and even turning off your phone?"Suddenly nervous, Nathan blurted out, "My jacket was with Fenna's and my phone was in my jacket pocket."Mila's face grew sour. She didn't expect him to care so much about Fenna. She pressed her lips together, breathed deeply, and looked gloomily out the window.Phoebe paused briefly before she asked, "Did Fenna turn off the phone on purpose?""I asked her, but she denied it," Nathan replied."Do you believe Fenna?""Believe her or not, I have no proof she did it.""Still, this is really out of line," Phoebe muttered unhappily.Nathan looked at Mila nervously. His eyes were filled with deep regret. The atmosphere in the car fell into silence again. Suddenly, Mila turned around with a steely look and
With his eyes closed, Nathan asked sharply, "Do you want to be investigated as well?""I'm sorry, General Morrison," Cole apologized quickly. "I'm deeply loyal to the country and you. I don't see the need for an investigation."Nathan had never considered investigating Cole. He usually trusted the people he surrounded himself and wouldn't be involved with those he doubted. Unfortunately, his excessive trust had allowed Lucas to betray him and Fenna to deceive him brazenly."Drive on," muttered Nathan.…When Mila walked into the Morrison residence, she heard Layla sarcastically remark, "It's unbelievable there're still some women who can be so jealous nowadays. "They don't support, understand, or help their husbands at work and can't even handle having a female assistant."Mila turned around to see Layla sitting on the couch in the living room. Phoebe was seething and wanted to confront Layla, but Mila grabbed her hand just in time to stop her. Phoebe was merely an assistant.
Mila was surprised by how quickly and ruthlessly Nathan had acted. Back in the room, she sat in the wicker chair on the balcony. She gazed absentmindedly at the landscape before her. Countless thoughts poured into her mind.She pulled out her phone and opened Nathan's chat. As she scrolled through, she looked at all the voice messages he had sent, none of which she had bothered to listen to. She only spared a glance at the text messages he sent.Yet, curiosity led her to click on a voice message from a month earlier."Wanda, I'm truly sorry for what I did to you and our baby. I know I messed up. You don't have to forgive me, but please don't shut me out, okay?""The nurse told me you're struggling with breast engorgement, and I wish I knew how to help. I'm worried and outside your room, can I come in?""Wanda, are you feeling better? Can I come with you tomorrow to see our son?""Wanda, I made a mistake and I really want to make it up to you. Can you please tell me how I can ma
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