"Mrs. Farrow Senior. Mrs. Farrow."Jenna shot Serena a withering glare but offered only a curt nod in response. In stark contrast, Beatrice's face lit up with delight. "Rina, my dear! Come here. Let me take a good look at you!"Serena walked over and was immediately pulled to sit by the bedside, Beatrice's hands clasping hers gently."It's been almost a year since I last saw you. You've lost weight, haven't you?" Beatrice turned to Jenna and instructed, "Tell Leyla to make some bagels and beef ribs for Rina. She needs to eat more and put on some weight."Jenna's expression soured, her lips twitching as though she wanted to object. But before she could speak, Beatrice coughed sharply, cutting her off. With a reluctant sigh, she stood and left the room.Serena gently patted Beatrice's back. "Mrs. Farrow Senior, why are you sick again?""Oh, it's nothing—just old age catching up with me. It's nothing to worry about. Seeing you here has already made me feel a hundred times better.
After Beatrice fell asleep, Serena and Justin left the room. As soon as the door closed, Serena pulled her hand free from Justin's grasp without hesitation.His gaze darkened. "What is it? Do I disgust you that much?""The act is over. Now that Mrs. Farrow Senior is asleep, there's no need to keep pretending," she said, turning to head downstairs."Where are you going?" Justin asked while following closely."Home," Serena replied curtly. "This late? You're really going back now?" Justin asked."That's none of your concern." Serena's steps were decisive.Downstairs, Leyla Watson stood holding a tray with bagels and beef ribs. Sitting on the couch with a Pomeranian in her lap, Jenna cast Serena a mocking glance. "These are for you. Mrs. Farrow Senior asked for them. Eat up.""No need, Mrs. Farrow. I already had dinner," Serena replied politely.Jenna scoffed. "Suit yourself. You think I want an ingrate to stay in my house?""If it weren't for Mrs. Farrow Senior, I wouldn't h
Justin slammed his fist against the side of his Maybach. Pain shot through his hand.Inside the Bentley, Serena sat in the passenger seat, dabbing at her rain-soaked clothes with a handful of tissues. After a brief drive, Wilson pulled over unexpectedly. He reached into the back seat and retrieved a soft blanket before handing it to her. "Use this.""Thanks." Serena accepted the blanket and began drying her hair. When she finally set it aside, she noticed the car hadn't moved. Turning her head, she found Wilson resting one hand on the steering wheel, watching her with an air of casual amusement. She froze mid-motion. "Mr. Quade?""Serena, you're not quite like the rumors suggest," he said, his voice laced with humor. "They say you're hopelessly in love with Justin. But looking at you now, you've cut ties pretty cleanly."Serena's gaze dropped. "I'm still human." She had her pride and limits, and Justin had crossed them all.Wilson chuckled. "True. You're human. Justin? Maybe n
At the Farrow residence, Justin stepped out of the shower, the water finally easing the simmering frustration that had been building within him. His phone buzzed. Without thinking, he picked it up. On the other end, Candice's soft, almost pleading voice came through. "Justin, I called earlier. Why didn't you answer?""I was busy," Justin replied coldly."How's Mrs. Farrow Senior doing?" Candice asked, her tone laced with concern. "Maybe I should bring something over tomorrow and check on her." Justin pulled out a cigarette, placing it between his lips, before lowering his head to light it with a lighter. "There's no need. She wanted to see Serena, and after seeing her today, she's doing much better."Silence stretched on the other end. Before Justin could say anything, Candice's quiet sobs broke through. "Justin, does Mrs. Farrow Senior not like me? Your mom and your sister already don't. And now your grandma doesn't like me either. What did I do wrong?"Her crying made his t
The next day was the weekend. Serena had planned to try on the dresses with Wilson, but an unexpected matter required him to fly overseas that morning. He called to assure her that everything had been arranged with the person in charge, and all she needed to do was show up. Coincidentally, Lauren came by to ask her out for some shopping, so Serena decided to bring her along.The person assigned to assist her was Monique Olston, a mixed-race woman renowned in the fashion industry. Not only was she the brand's agent in Nocturna, but she also owned a prominent fashion magazine company that had featured countless celebrities and artists. The moment Monique saw Serena, she exclaimed, "Ms. Judd, you're stunning! You outshine most actresses I've worked with!"Serena responded with a modest smile, but Lauren beamed with pride. "Well, what can I say? My dear Serena is just that gorgeous. As her best friend, I'm honored to bask in her glow."Serena sighed helplessly, but Lauren leaned in,
Serena turned to leave, but Shawn followed closely behind. "Serena, you're damaged goods now. After all those years with Justin, you walked away with nothing. Come with me, and I'll pay you 30 thousand dollars a month.""Get lost!" Serena snapped."50 thousand, then? Or do you think you're worth a hundred?" His smirk widened as he leaned closer, his voice dripping with mockery. "Fine, a hundred it is. But I'll expect something a little… spicier. Think you can handle that?"A sharp slap echoed through the room as Serena's hand connected with his face. "I'm warning you—stay away from me! There are cameras here, and if you don't leave now, I'll report you for harassment!"Shawn's expression darkened, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Feisty, aren't you? You think I'm scared of that?"He grabbed her wrist, his grip tightening menacingly. Before he could make another move, a commanding voice cut through the tension. "What do you think you're doing?" Lauren appeared, dressed in a sleek b
Seeing Justin like this, a wave of insecurity washed over Candice as panic flickered in her gaze. She clung to him and said with false innocence, "Wasn't that Serena just now? Being pretty must have its perks. It's one thing for Mr. Quade to back her up, but now it looks like she's got herself a new admirer, too."When Justin made no reply, Candice gripped his hand and asked, "Are you alright, Justin?""I'm fine. We should get out of the car," he said hoarsely.Candice obediently stepped out of the vehicle and entered the boutique with him. Monique approached them and asked, "Now there's a surprising face. What brings you here today, Mr. Farrow?""My girlfriend needs a new dress," Justin said as he nudged Candice forward.Monique appraised Candice briefly before dishing out a few compliments. After that, she led the latter to the private fitting room. The boutique housed several large private fitting rooms, each manned by a small team of attendants.Justin did not follow Candice
Candice stopped short when Justin, who was on the phone, shushed her with a finger. He listened to what the person on the other line had to say, then replied warmly, "Alright, I'll go over in a bit."After ending the call, he turned to look at Candice. He frowned at the dress she was wearing and said, "Change into something else. That looks terrible on you."Candice was so furious she could have combusted on the spot.…When they left the boutique, Justin did not go home but instead went to a high-end restaurant.Baffled, Candice asked, "What are we doing here, Justin?""My cousin's home, and my family is throwing him a homecoming party here. I'll have Zane drop you home," Justin explained.Candice knew Jenna didn't like her very much, so she did not insist on staying.At that moment, Jessica exited the restaurant. She was dressed in a professional-looking ensemble, and her eyes glittered when she saw Justin. "Mr. Farrow! Your mother and the rest of your family have settled int
A heavy snowfall rolled over Silverthorn City and covered the city in snow. At the same time, terms such as "Desiree Stone bullying case, Stone family," and "Desiree and Gwen" became popular searches and dominated various platforms.Crumbling under the pressure, the Stone family asked Desiree to make a public apology in person. In front of the journalists' cameras, Desiree wore a black jacket and pale makeup.Tears fell as she apologized to Gwen, but the effects were insignificant. More and more, victims and people who knew about it came forward to reveal details online and expose Desiree's past deeds.All of a sudden, her reputation fell into the pits, and the share price of Stone Enterprise fell to a record low. The shareholders had stormy expressions during the shareholder meeting, while Gary looked somber."The considerable fall in our company's shares is on me, but this is only temporary. I'm working on getting the media to salvage Desiree's reputation. It won't take long un
Meanwhile, Desiree forced herself to remain calm. When she looked at Serena, something came into her mind. "I got it. It's you… You're the mastermind behind all of these. Serena Judd, you sent this madwoman to tarnish my reputation. It's you!"She lunged and wanted to strangle Serena. But Serena flinched and raised her hand, slapping Desiree across her face.Desiree fell with a plop from the slap. "Bitch… How dare you slap me!"Scrambling to her feet like a rabid animal, she wanted to throw Serena off, but someone stopped her.Soon, the police arrived, and Desiree whimpered in a trembling voice, "You came at the perfect timing, officers. A crazy woman came to my studio to throw a fit, and I believe Serena Judd is the mastermind. You—""Ms. Stone, we received a complaint that you're involved with bullying and kidnapping. Please come with us."Desiree was struck with disbelief. "What nonsense is that?"The police officer ignored her and gestured to the others. "Take her away."
The spectators' stares were like sharp blades to Gwen, tearing her apart bit by bit.She had worked so hard to finish university and become a better person. She wanted to start afresh, but she couldn't escape from Desiree's evil clutches.Like an intricate nightmare, Desiree enveloped her in layers upon layers, so tight that there was nowhere to run.The look in Desiree's eyes changed. "Ms. Beckham, I'm sorry about your plight, but you can't blame this on me—""What about this, then?" Gwen whipped out her cellphone and played a voice recording.Desiree's voice was cold and filled with tyranny. "Tsk, did the ugly duckling from the past become another person? I almost didn't recognize you."I think you're not bad. You have an eye for detail and perform tasks well. From now on, you'll be working for me. The price to pay will be very high if you disobey."Even if you look like an educated woman now, you're still that dirty bitch once your clothes are off. Gwen Beckham, you're foreve
"Gwen should be punished for her mistakes, but I feel sorry about her situation." Serena felt a mix of emotions.Suddenly, her cellphone beeped; it was a text from Gwen. "Serena, thank you. I lied to you. My mother already passed away a month ago, and I have no other concerns anymore. If it were possible, I wish I had known you earlier."Serena's heart pounded, and a bad premonition rose in her. She called Gwen's number, but nobody picked up. "Wilson, I think something is wrong."Wilson read the text message and made a call. The other end of the line said something, and Wilson replied curtly."Gwen went to Desiree's studio.""Let's go and look for her!"…Desiree had just closed a big deal with a client, walking the client out with all smiles. Dressed in a white business suit, she wore an elegant smile that made her look like a well-brought-up socialite.Even her client couldn't help but praise, "That's what I'd expect of a top socialite, Ms. Stone. Not only are you beautiful
Gwen thought that Serena would be mad and disappointed at her. However, Serena was composed, and there weren't any signs of resentment on her face at all.Instead, she said calmly, "Were you forced to do it?"Serena swept her composed gaze over Gwen. "Gwen, why are you working for Desiree?""Does it matter?""It does." Serena looked at her. "I want to help you.""Are you crazy, Serena Judd? I wanted to harm you before this! I wanted to kill you!" Gwen lost her composure, and tears stumbled out of her reddened eyes. "I'm sorry…" "I know that the Stones aren't as decent as they appear to be. If you know anything, you can tell us. Will you trust us?"Wilson's brows shot up slightly at Serena's words. This was the first time he saw someone talking to an enemy so kindly.It seemed that Serena was concerned about Gwen, so he decided to let her do as she wanted. Whatever happened afterward, he'd be there to take care of it.Wiping away her tears, Gwen smiled weakly. "It's useless.
Two days later, a light snowfall dusted over Nocturna and froze the city overnight. Dressed in a thick fleece jacket, Gwen arrived at Quade Group early in the morning. Today would be her last day of work handover, and she would leave the company once it was completed.On the way, she received several calls. Although the number wasn't saved, she knew who was calling her, so she silenced her cellphone.At the CEO's office, she was about to finish with the remaining handover when Elena said, "Ms. Beckham, Mr. Quade is waiting for you inside.""Alright."Gwen knocked on the door and entered after receiving Wilson's approval.There was no one else in the spacious office. In the middle of the room was a dark-colored leather couch, and Wilson was lounging on it, wearing a black button-down shirt. His sleeves were rolled up, and the collar buttons were undone, revealing his collarbones.Gwen stood still. "Did you ask for me, Mr. Quade?" "I did." Lowering his head, Wilson lit a cigare
Wilson's voice was laced with pride. "When David was alive, you were forced to keep your relationship with Natasha a secret. She could understand your reason for doing that. Now that you can have an open relationship with her, you asked her to be your mistress instead."Those are two different situations. Do you get it now?"For a few seconds, Jacob was taken aback. Then, he cursed in a low voice, "Damn it."Now that Wilson mentioned it, that seemed to make sense. Where did Wilson learn all these from? It would be tough to give Natasha a proper status. Dating her for now was not an issue, but it never crossed Jacob's mind to marry her.His future wife had to be someone who could benefit Smith Group. On the other hand, Natasha had nothing."You have guests," Wilson said suddenly.Turning his head to look, Jacob saw Justin and Damian in black suits with flowers in their hands."Hello, Justin. Hello, Damian." Jacob approached them, surprised to see Justin here.Although he was c
Wilson wasn't surprised at Serena's answer at all. "I told you to stay away from Gwen for this reason. My men found out that your kidnapping case is connected to the Stone family, and Gwen knows Desiree. Maybe she's working for the Stones.""Desiree?" Serena was surprised."What's wrong?" Wilson asked."Gwen was bullied by Desiree in the past. They aren't on the best of terms with each other." Gwen's tipsy face appeared in Serena's mind. "I don't think she was lying. Wilson, why do you think Gwen would work for Desiree when she has so much resentment for her?"Wilson answered calmly, "Just because she works for Desiree doesn't mean that she's on her side."He spun the wheel with one hand. "If you want someone to work for you, not only do you need to convince them, but there are also thousands of other ways. We just don't know which method Desiree applied."Serena balled her fists. "Maybe it's not Gwen. She's leaving Nocturna soon. Maybe… everything is just a misunderstanding."
"Her face was once my nightmare and haunted me for years. But she remembered nothing of my misery. This is so unfair," Gwen said."Is that why you threw away the graduation photo?" Serena asked."Yeah. I didn't have the guts to look at this photo in the past, but I think I've accepted it now. It's all over, so I decided to throw it out." A smile tinged Gwen's lips."After spending so much time healing from that trauma, I can't allow myself to fall back into that painful past again." Suddenly, Serena paced over to her and hugged her gently.Gwen was stunned, and Serena patted her back softly. "I'm sorry. I don't know how I should comfort you. In my opinion, you're especially outstanding and radiant. I think you're a million times better than Desiree."All of a sudden, Gwen was a little choked up. "But… I'm not as great as you think."Patting her back, Serena was about to speak when her cellphone started ringing. It was a call from Wilson. She answered and hung up after saying a