David had no trace of pity. He sent Emma to a psychiatric hospital, leaving her to fend for herself. Years later, she returned, kneeling before him and begging for custody of Jacob.David had agreed. By then, his new wife had given birth to their son, Marcus. As for his withdrawn and sullen eldest son, David had long decided he wanted nothing more to do with him.A sudden sharp pain in Jacob's hand jolted him back to reality.The cigarette between his fingers had burned down to the filter.He extinguished it, his gaze darkening."Jacob?" A voice, tinged with surprise, broke through the quiet.Jacob turned slowly, meeting Natasha's eyes. She stood in the hallway, dressed in a baby blue cardigan, her expression filled with mild astonishment.For a moment, he didn't speak."What are you doing here?" he asked."My father is hospitalized here," she replied.Her words jogged his memory. Natasha's father had gone bankrupt. Driven to desperation by relentless creditors, he attempte
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
"You."Serena blinked, confused. However, before she could ask anything, Wilson pulled her straight back into the heat of it all.They went at it for over an hour until the bathwater had long gone cold. Only then did Wilson lift her out and carry her to the bed. Even then, he didn't let her go. Midway through, her phone started ringing unexpectedly. As she reached to see who it was, Wilson intercepted her, smoothly answering the call and placing the phone to her ear.She shot him a glare. This was the worst possible timing for a call. He was doing this on purpose, she was sure of it.Willow's voice came through the speaker. "Serena, Arthur and I picked a wedding date. Will you be my bridesmaid?""That soon?" Serena asked, trying to sound completely out of breath. "We already registered. Might as well hold the ceremony before my dad realizes what hit him. I'm also hoping to squeeze a little something out of him while he's still in a daze.""I see…" Serena murmured.Willow pau
After working up a sweat at the stables, Wilson brought Serena to one of the VIP suites nearby.She slipped off her jacket, revealing the thin layer underneath. The white shirt clung to her damp skin, outlining every graceful curve—her waist, her chest, the slope of her shoulders.Wilson had always known she had a stunning figure—slim in public, secretly soft and full in all the right places. But this view? This angle? It hit differently.Serena noticed the look in his eyes. "What are you staring at?""You," he said, unapologetically. "You're beautiful.""Okay." She was used to his flirtation by now. Without giving him more than a glance, she tied her hair up and disappeared into the bathroom.It wasn't until she sank into the warm bath that she realized that she'd forgotten to bring clothes.She hesitated for a moment before calling out to Wilson. Strangely, there was no response.Frowning slightly, she stood up, wrapped a towel around her chest, and padded barefoot to the doo
But if Gary was dead set on getting rich fast, his only option was something illegal. Gary hesitated for a second. Ever since the last kidnapping fiasco, things had been under heavy scrutiny. He had already told his men to lie low. Jumping back into the game now would be a risky move. But that hesitation didn't last long, for fortune favored the bold. And if he waited any longer, the board would eat him alive.…Back in Nocturna, Wilson leaned casually against the stable fence, one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone.Trevor's voice crackled through the line.Wilson let out a cold chuckle. "You kept poking Gary. Of course he's losing it.""That's the point. If he doesn't panic, how will he slip up?" Trevor replied."This is your mess. I'm staying out of the family drama. But when it's time to drag him in, I'll help you tighten the net."Wilson's gaze drifted across the paddock and softened the instant it landed on a figure in white. He quickly added, "Anyway, tal
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