Wilson asked, "Did she not come downstairs?"Justin answered, "No."Hearing this, Wilson's expression shifted a little. He had waited upstairs for a while, but Serena never showed up, and she wasn't answering her phone. Thinking she might have gone downstairs first, he headed down, only to find no sign of her there either.Justin sensed that something was wrong and quickly stepped forward. "Where did you take Serena?"Wilson ignored him and made a call. Then, he summoned the hall manager. "I'm looking for someone important. Get me all the security footage after 8:40 pm tonight."The manager looked troubled. "Mr. Quade, this is Mr. Cohen's property. I'm afraid—""I've talked to him. Call him to confirm if you don't believe me, but before that, please let me access your control room." Despite sounding cool, Wilson came across as authoritative. "Please lead the way.""Sure."Wilson followed the manager to the control room. At the same time, he sent his men to search the hall.Jus
Besides, there was a massive garden outside the hall. It could take forever if they searched for Serena cluelessly.Wilson first needed to figure out who had put a target on Serena. Once he had a lead, finding Serena would be much easier.Just as he was feeling agitated, he suddenly noticed a lavishly dressed woman standing in the hall and talking on the phone.Wilson's gaze narrowed. "Yvonne?"Yvonne Jenkins noticed him at the same time and immediately smiled. "Oh, Wilson! I haven't seen you in a while."Yvonne was Shawn's mother. She had married Simon Quade, but the couple later divorced due to some marital conflicts.Yvonne had taken on Simon's last name after marriage, and she spoiled her son rotten. That was why Shawn acted like a rascal.Wilson squinted doubtfully. A sudden thought flashed through his mind. He walked down the stairs slowly. "Yvonne, are you looking for Shawn?""Yes, that boy disappeared right after the event ended. He's not answering his phone, either. I
Serena rubbed her wrist and slowly stood up.Gritting her teeth, she straddled Shawn without hesitation.Shawn's eyes lit up with surprise. "Well, well, I didn't expect you to be so bold. I like it."Suppressing her disgust, Serena reached out to unbutton Shawn's shirt. He leaned back slightly against the couch, his breathing unsteady, and squinted at her."Hurry up!"Serena's gaze turned icy. Her hand slowly reached for the side table where an ashtray was placed.The moment she grabbed the ashtray, she swung it down hard toward Shawn without hesitation.But just as the ashtray was about to strike him, a sudden force yanked her away. Serena's hand slipped, and the ashtray struck Shawn's shoulder instead.As she tried to get up from the ground, Shawn forcefully stomped on her hand with a streak of madness in his eyes."Damn it! I knew you were up to no good, but I didn't think you'd have the guts to attack me!"Enraged, he kicked Serena hard in the stomach. She groaned. It f
Jacob listened intently, but he heard nothing."Wilson, I know you're worried, but be prepared. If Shawn didn't take Serena away, we'll need to calm down and look for new leads."Wilson found traces of Shawn in the security footage in the hall. After the event ended, he saw Shawn driving out of the parking lot.Shawn left with his plus-one. The bodyguard behind him was carrying a huge black luggage.Shawn didn't drive far. He found a five-star hotel nearby and immediately checked in.There was a possibility of Serena being stuffed into that luggage, but it wasn't confirmed.Wilson shoved Justin's hand away and spoke with conviction, "Serena's calling for me."He quickened his pace, heading straight to the presidential suite where Shawn was staying.Outside the suite, two bodyguards stood watch. They froze for a moment when they saw Wilson."Hi, Mr. Quade.""Open up," ordered Wilson unfeelingly.The two guards hesitated, clearly nervous, but one mustered the courage to say, "
The room was dimly lit, and the floor was in complete disarray. On the large bed in the center of the room, Shawn pinned Serena down with one hand grabbing her head and the other tearing the fabric off her body.Wilson's expression changed drastically, and an air of brutal hostility enveloped him. Jacob, too, was stunned."Kayden, stay outside the door with them!" Jacob ordered before swiftly shutting the door.Shawn's countenance turned grim as he slowly loosened his grips. In the face of absolute disadvantage, one often gained clarity and remained calm.He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and hung it over his lips. "You got here early, Uncle Wilson. Had you arrived just a little later, I could've bedded her. You know, you should've—"Wilson strode forward and delivered a punch to his face. Then, he picked up the fallen cigarette and pressed the butt against his arm.A painful scream escaped Shawn's lips.After tossing him aside, Wilson removed his coat as he walked toward Seren
Feeling Serena's dependence on him, Wilson couldn't help but tighten his arms around her. "It's okay. We're leaving now."Meanwhile, Justin had finally arrived outside the door after tailing Wilson. Seeing Kayden, the others, and two imposing figures stationed outside the room, he felt a surge of ominous feeling and urgency to head inside.However, Kayden halted him. Justin's gaze darkened as he roared, "Screw off! Where's Serena?"Kayden stayed silent and merely shot him a cold look, having no intention of stepping aside.Justin's fury was overflowing. "Step aside now, or you'll regret it later!"He was ready to strike when the door suddenly opened from the inside. With Serena in his arms, Wilson emerged from the room and stepped out with wide strides.His black suit enveloped Serena tightly, only half of her side profile visible. The pale skin of her cheek was marred with bruises and fresh blood, making the scene all the more striking.Justin felt his heart stop for a moment.
Wilson was ready to carry Serena inside the hospital but was rejected by her. "I can walk by myself, Mr. Quade."Despite her disheveled appearance, her tone was extremely calm—a total contrast to the fragile and frightened woman in the car. Wilson paused. "Your clothes aren't in the best shape. Let me carry you."He didn't give her a chance to turn him down. After taking her to a VIP ward, he made a phone call. Before long, Willow arrived."I'll step out for now and have Willow accompany you. Call me if you need anything," said Wilson.Serena's peaceful voice echoed in the ward. "Thank you, Mr. Quade.""Recovering is the best way you can thank me now." With that, he turned and left.As soon as the door closed, he massaged his temples.Serena was strong, perhaps a little too strong to the point where it concerned him. He wished she would open up and be vulnerable with him, yet she closed herself off like a clam, concealing her weakest side.Of course, she had shown her deepe
With the report in hand, Willow was ready to seek Wilson when she saw him approaching from the opposite direction with a shopping bag.He immediately asked, "How's she?""This is the result. You can take a look. Luckily, she didn't suffer any bone fractures. Otherwise, it will be a tedious process."Wilson took the report and perused it, slowly relaxing his heavy heart.Noticing the shopping bag, Willow asked, "What did you buy, Will? Women's clothes?""Yeah.""Wow. I can't believe you've picked out clothes for a woman." She teased, "Hey, we've known each other for quite some time. Why have you never bought me clothes?"Wilson cast her a sidelong glance. "Why would I do that for you?""Okay! As if I'd be into your fashion taste!" She stuck her tongue out at him.Just as she prepared to leave, a nurse frantically called out for her. "Dr. Quade, a patient just came in. Car accident and leg injury. Please come and take a look!"Willow worked in the Orthopedics Department, so she
"You broke up with her?" Serena asked.Justin hesitated for a moment before saying yes. Technically, it wasn't a complete breakup yet, but it would be soon.His eyes glistened as he added, "Serena, Candice is no longer in the picture. Come back to me. We'll be just like we were before. Nothing has changed."Serena, however, remained unmoved. "But I don't want to," she said.Justin froze.Serena's expression was cold. "I used to think you were my whole world, but after leaving you, I realized I could live without you. In fact, I'm living a better life without you.""I don't believe it. You loved me so much. How could you let go so easily?" Justin asked."In the beginning, it hurt," Serena admitted. "But now, it's nothing. I got used to it."She chuckled, "Habit is a strange thing. I could get used to loving you, but I can also get used to not loving you."Her calm expression made Justin uneasy.Suddenly, he grabbed her arm and stepped closer. "Love is a feeling on its own. It's
The atmosphere felt unfamiliar to Serena. It almost felt like they were a family.Wilson suddenly asked, "Your cooking skills are impressive. Did you hone them while you were with Justin?"Serena blinked in surprise. "Well... I guess you could say that. He's quite picky, and if something's even slightly off, he won't eat it. Mr. Quade, why are you asking me this all of a sudden?"Indeed, why did he? He was just torturing himself. He became slightly annoyed. "I'm just curious. Is that such a crime?" Wilson asked.Serena was rendered speechless. Why was he angry again?While they ate, Bingo crouched nearby, peering out from under the couch. It seemed to want some food but was too shy to come closer.Wilson threw a piece of beef in its direction. The piece was too large, and the kitten struggled to bite into it. Its efforts were surprisingly adorable.But to his surprise, Bingo swiped the beef out of his hand, nudged his sleeve with its paw, and trotted over to Serena.Wilson was a
When Serena returned to the office, she found Wilson leaning against her desk with a cup of coffee in hand. There was a wide smile on his face."Ms. Judd, welcome back."Serena was speechless. What had gotten into him?"Mr. Quade, are you not angry anymore?""When was I ever angry?" Wilson took a sip of his coffee. "Mrs. Zeller just called me. She couldn't stop praising you and even invited us to her place. She said we should visit whenever we have the chance."From the way she was talking, it almost seemed like she wanted to adopt you as a daughter. Ms. Judd, I didn't know you were so good at winning people over," Wilson said.Serena responded, "I didn't do much. Mrs. Zeller is just a kind person.""This project should be a done deal now. What reward do you want?"Wilson then shook his finger. "Don't refuse. I've always been clear about rewarding and punishing. You've helped me secure such a big contract, so I should reward you."Serena thought for a moment. "Right now, I can
Jessica walked out with a pale face.Justin's expression was dark. He was in a bad mood.Serena had been there too? Had she come to secure this project for Wilson? The thought only deepened his frustration.Candice, observing the scene, couldn't suppress a small smile. She had never liked Jessica. She was just an employee here, yet her ambitions were sky-high, daring to set her sights on Justin!Turning her head, Candice noticed Justin was looking at her. She quickly adjusted her expression and smiled gently. "Justin, did you call me over today for something important?""Yes." Justin took a moment to calm his nerves, then lit a cigarette."The villa is yours now. I'll also cover the expenses for the cake shop. Additionally, I'll transfer two million dollars to your account."Hearing this, Candice immediately felt something was off. "Justin, why are you suddenly—""Consider it a breakup fee." Justin's voice remained cold and detached. "From today on, we have nothing more to do w
The mere thought of the possibility filled Jessica with dread.Seeing her distress, Carla immediately noticed something was amiss. Her smile gradually faded."Ms. Hayes, I have no further business today. You can leave now." It was a clear dismissal.Jessica stumbled over her words. "Carla, this is all a misunderstanding... Please don't tell Mr. Farrow. I'm young, and if Mr. Farrow finds out, he won't forgive me…""Leave. Whatever happens between you and Mr. Farrow is none of my concern."Jessica bit her lip. Feeling awkward, she turned to leave.As she reached the staircase, she glanced over at the surveillance camera. Her eyes widened in shock when she realized something was amiss."Wait... this camera isn't even switched on!"Carla responded coldly, "There are so many cameras in the house, and I'm not used to them. Unless we have many guests, they usually stay off."Jessica immediately turned around, her gaze filled with disbelief as she looked at Serena.Serena simply smil
Serena asked, "Could you still think Carla would prefer you over me?"Jessica was left speechless. Deep down, she knew that Carla favored Serena more. "This isn't over yet. You're celebrating too early."Serena sighed softly. "As a senior, I thought I'd share some career advice. There's a reason why you lost to me today, aside from not being as skilled as I am."Unable to resist, Jessica said, "What?""You've misjudged your own position," Serena spoke slowly. "It's true that you came here with something to ask for, but you also represent Farrow Corporation. "You should maintain your dignity, neither overly humble nor servile. If you continuously lower your stance to please others, people will only look down on you more. Today, you acted like a household staff—cooking and serving Carla. Have you forgotten your role?"In the business world, Justin was even more successful than Charles, and Charles had to flatter Justin. However, Jessica had reduced herself to nothing more than a s
Footsteps echoed from the staircase.Carla, dressed in a gray bodycon dress, gracefully descended.Jessica immediately rose. "Mrs. Zeller.""Serena?" Carla walked directly toward Serena instead. "It's been a while. "I was wondering why Mr. Farrow changed his assistant... I heard you resigned?""Yes, I'm now working at Quade Group," Serena replied.Jessica's smile faltered slightly when she saw how familiar Carla was with Serena. "Mrs. Zeller, do you know Ms. Judd?""Yes. My husband often played golf with Mr. Farrow. Over time, I became acquainted with Serena."Carla patted Serena's hand. "You came at the right time. I have something I can't quite decide on."Still holding Serena's hand, she led Serena upstairs. After walking a few steps, she glanced at Jessica. "Ms. Hayes, why don't you come along too?"The three of them ascended to the second floor, where Carla pointed to two vases in front of her. "Which vase should I use for this entrance area?"Jessica rushed to speak u
Desiree couldn't tolerate another woman stepping into Wilson's world. Even she hadn't been allowed to stay at his place.Serena noticed Desiree's subtle shift in demeanor.Not wanting to get entangled in their matters, she explained politely, "Ms. Stone, Mr. Smith called me last night to pick up Mr. Quade. After I dropped him off, it was difficult to hail a cab near his place, so I had no choice but to stay in the guest room for the night."Desiree's expression finally softened a little. "I'd like to have a word with Wilson alone. You can head inside now," she said.Serena sensibly excused herself. Desiree tugged on Wilson's sleeve. "Wilson, I spoke with my father, and he agreed to let me stay at the Nocturna branch. From now on, we'll be able to see each other more often.""That sounds good," he replied half-heartedly. "You don't seem happy about it.""I'm happy," Wilson said, slipping one hand casually into his pant pocket. "Having another friend nearby is always a good thing
Perhaps it was exhaustion from the night before, but Serena slept through several alarms and didn't wake up until after nine.Startled, she leaped out of bed, hurriedly washed up, and rushed downstairs. Wilson sat leisurely in the spacious living room on the couch, one leg crossed over the other. He seemed to have been waiting for someone.When he saw her, he glanced at his watch. "Still a few minutes to half past nine. No problem. We won't be late if we can get to the company within five minutes."Serena flushed in embarrassment. "Sorry, I overslept.""I thought I'd wake up to the smell of a delicious breakfast prepared by you, Ms. Judd. But instead, the kitchen was as silent as a tomb. You were sleeping so soundly; I didn't have the heart to disturb you."Wilson wore an expression of mock regret. "Truly, I must be the most cowardly CEO in existence."Serena, already accustomed to his sarcastic jabs, remained calm."Well then, Mr. Quade, would you like breakfast first, or sho