"Yeah." Rory nodded. "I couldn't get you, Daddy, so I ran outside because I was so worried. It was so cold, my legs were frozen stiff, and I couldn't walk… Daddy, you have to answer my calls from now on, okay?"In reality, Rory had a good memory and naturally remembered when Linda had made her stand outside the house in the snow.It was all because Linda had told her to call Henry because he must be seeing Sophie and Tina again, but she could not because Henry's phone was turned off.Linda got very upset and called Rory useless and made her stand outside to reflect.Rory had wanted to get dressed first, but Linda refused to let her.But now, Rory did not tell the truth, instead backing up Linda's claims and tugged on Henry endearingly toward the end."Okay." Henry nodded.Rory was just seven—it did not cross his mind that a child could lie.As Tina could see the sympathy in his eyes, the coldness in her threatened to flow out.That man really deserved death!"Rory, why would
Henry growled icily, "Get out of the way, Tina.""I told you, Henry—I'm taking Zach with me," Tina retorted coolly, glaring at him in turn. "If you dare to take Zach to the cops and charge him with rape, then I'll dare to tell the world about Rory's roots, so that everyone knows that she's the daughter of a rapist."Henry glowered right then, covering Rory's ears before he knew it, to protect her from Tina's words which might hurt her young, vulnerable spirit.He glared coldly at Tina, his tone still icy. "Rory is innocent." Tina should not be extending her spite on a mere child, even if she despised him and Linda!Tina completely ignored the threat in Henry's eyes, however, and fired back with a voice colder than his. "Hah! So Rory's innocent, and Sophie wasn't?"No matter how long had passed, she felt pained for Sophie to see Henry doting on Rory, while Sophie had to suffer all the abuse and neglect at the hands of Henry.Still, Henry's menacing presence seemed to fade consid
Linda was really putting on a performance to show how much she cared about Rory, but doing it also meant she was discrediting Tina in Henry's mind.It was so that Henry would understand that even if there were misunderstandings before, Tina was now evil anyway.But Tina did not care and even sneered. "What has that to do with me? I'm an evil schemer, and I would do anything to get what I want—it's not like either of you have only realized that now."Tina's tone was filled with irony.Ever since Linda showed up as Henry's one true love, they had quickly labeled Tina as a villainess, did they not?They kept saying that she would do anything to get what she wanted, did they not?And now, she was simply living up to their slander and showing them how far she would go to bring them down.Even Linda was stumped when she realized what Tina was getting at.Still, that was when Henry said quietly, "I know you're not like that."He used to think of her that way, only because they had a
Tina turned toward a speechless Linda, her smile broadening in contempt. "I'm evil, so I can ignore what happens to Rory.""But are you really going to ignore it too? You keep saying you love your daughter so much, don't you? So as a mother, how could you bear to subject your precious daughter to the contempt of everyone else?"But as long as you refrain from accusing Zach, he won't be a rapist—there won't be any trouble that way, will there?"Linda's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, but she could not manage a single word.It was the perfect opportunity to have Zach jailed once and for all, eliminating him as a threat.She really could not give up that easily.But if she did not, all her claims that she loved Rory would be moot.And if word got out that she was 'raped', she would have no hope of marrying Henry!As such, this matter must be kept under wraps and never see the light of day.Tina had really forced her to back down on her own!Turning toward Henry, Linda said,
As Tina led Zach out of Rose Garden, John hurried to her when he saw her, having been waiting outside the gates.While he was right outside and had heard everything and knew that Tina was fine, he still could not help studying her from head to toe.As Henry stepped out, he just happened to see Tina leaving in John's car, and his gaze darkened.-Soon, Zach was taken back to John's villa where he was held before.He immediately curled up on the couch, clutching his own head in silence—it had really been a terrible day for him.Nonetheless, Tina sat opposite him. "Zach Foster."Zach ignored her and did not look up at all.Tina did not take offense and continued calmly, "You should know very well what would've happened to you if I hadn't bailed you out today."I'm no saint, and I'm not going to help someone who tried to murder me before."Pausing as she saw Zach's fingers clearly stiffen, she continued, "You probably know what I want. You have one day to think about the leverage
When John stepped out and saw the food, he recognized where it was from.He glanced at Tina but said nothing, as his order had arrived at the same time.It was late after they had dinner with Mrs. Smith, and John left early since he had work.Tina stayed since she wanted to stay longer with Mrs. Smith, and while they were talking, Tina's phone rang.She took it out of her bag and saw that it was from an unsaved number, but she knew Henry's number by heart at this point.She declined the call with no more than a look.It had been two years—she thought she could be calm around Henry and stay immune to him after cheating death.However, she did not expect that just seeing him defend Linda unconditionally while doting on Rory like treasure would still leave her furious and remind her of the injustice Sophie had suffered.Right now, she did not want anything to do with Henry."Why didn't you take that?" Mrs. Smith asked in concern."It's just some telemarketer," Tina replied calml
As Mrs. Smith charged at Henry and Tina in a frenzy, and as she got close, she could clearly see the look of disgust on Tina's face.But Tina was not pushing Henry away, instead clenching her knuckles, her own nails digging into her own palm as she did her best to restrain herself.Anyone could tell that she was reluctant—how could she not be?!That man had indirectly murdered Sophie, and then protected the murderer.In fact, Mrs. Smith despised Henry more than Linda.Linda was vile and not to be forgiven, but that was even more so for Henry, who was supposed to be Sophie's biological father!If Mrs. Smith already hated Henry this much, it went without saying how much more Tina would hate him as Sophie's mother.And yet, she did not push Henry away. Why?But what other reason could there be? Right now, Tina's only weakness was Mrs. Smith herself, which put her at Henry's mercy.Oh, her dear Tina!Even as Mrs. Smith's heart broke, her tears blurred her vision as she felt pai
Tina clearly did not believe Henry—why would she, when he had threatened her with her mother's life, treating it like it was just a tool?As Henry had no choice but to withdraw his hand, Tina helped Mrs. Smith, tearful as she tried to comfort Mrs. Smith. "Mom, just calm down—people like him aren't worth it. Let's just get you back to the hospital for now, okay?"Mrs. Smith was in no state to be away from the hospital, and Tina was really worried."No, I'm not going back." Mrs. Smith shook her head.The rim of her eyes reddened as she gave Tina a pained look—she had already made up her mind when she saw what Henry was doing to her daughter.Squeezing Tina's hand while leveling a cold, spiteful glare at Henry, she snapped, "You know Tina cares about me. That's why you used me to threaten her, didn't you?!"So listen here, and listen well—I won't undergo that surgery!"As long as she refused that, Henry had nothing to threaten Tina with.Tina had already suffered enough!"Mom!" T
Jimmy had already been transferred to a ward when Tina arrived at the hospital he was in.She ran into his teammate on the way there, who was going out for a smoke in the fire escape stairs, and paused when he saw Tina.Tina was gasping as she ran all the way there and asked him gingerly, "Is Jimmy alright?"Why a traffic accident, and at this time?She did not dare to think how devastated Jimmy would be after he had worked so hard for years but still could not accomplish his dream."He's safe, but one of his wrists is thoroughly hurt," the teammate said somberly. "And the doctor is saying that it's disabled."He was like a brother to Jimmy and knew better than anyone how hard Jimmy had worked to get gold.But now, Jimmy could not even compete with his wrist disabled.Tina staggered backward at the news, the rim of her eyes reddened as tears soon covered her face.It took her a long while to stop crying and wipe the tears off her face, compose herself, and head inside.The do
But as Rory really grew on Henry, he could see that she really thought of him as her father, and he treated her as his daughter in turn.Nonetheless, Jimmy snorted. "What does Rory Cook have to do with me? Who do you think she is? Why should I sacrifice my dreams to save her? You want me to donate my kidney to her? Not in this lifetime!" And with that, he took Tina's hand and turned to leave.As Linda saw that Henry was not stopping them, she promptly tugged on him. "Are you just going to let him go?! What about Rory?!""No." He shook his head. "Jimmy is competing by the end of the month. Stop obsessing over him—I'll get Rory another donor."Jimmy's words just reminded Henry about the tournament, and that Jimmy was not representing himself but the whole nation.Rory's life mattered, but saving her should not come at such a cost.Linda's lips twitched, as she really wanted to argue.So what if Jimmy had to give up on the tournament?It was not like he was going to win gold—eve
Thud!Thud!Linda only bowed just three times, but she was at once dizzy and bleeding from her forehead."Linda!" Henry cried as he rushed to her side.Just as he dropped to a couch, she promptly dropped limply into his arms, blood flowing freely down her head as she rasped, "Henry… Calm down, I'm alright."Her face was covered in blood and tears—it was a gruesome sight."For Rory's sake, I won't just bow—I'm willing to die for her if I have to." Even so, she tugged feebly on Henry's arm, while continuing to prove how deeply she loved Rory as she turned to Tina. "Can you let Jimmy save Rory now? I've already bowed as you demanded…"Henry's face dropped at those words.Glowering, he gently reached down to pick up Linda from the floor, but she refused and stayed on her knees, tears covering her face as she cried, "Haven't I bowed enough? I can keep going, as long as you promise to save Rory!"Linda was ready to keep bowing as she finished, but Henry caught her, stopping her fr
Linda did not think that Tina could completely ignore the mob's outrage, even turning the tables on her!If Linda refused to bow, that meant she did not love her daughter.Even if that was a fact, she could not let it show in front of the public!Her jaw clenching so hard she could crush her own teeth, Linda had no choice but to slide off her wheelchair with considerable difficulty, breathing, "I'm begging you, Tina."The same thing had happened two years ago, but the roles were reversed—Linda had been on her feet, while Tina had been prostrating herself and begging.Tina would never forget the day Linda threatened her with Sophie's ashes, and how it ripped her heart apart because she really thought it was Sophie.She had not hesitated to kowtow until her head bled as Linda demanded, but Linda scattered Sophie's ashes anyway.Her heart was left in pieces then.Even if she later found out that the ashes were not Sophie, her heartache and the way Linda humiliated her was never fo
Tina and Jimmy were just leaving the hospital when a figure steered her wheelchair toward them, grabbing Tina's hand as everyone watched, crying and begging, "Please, Tina, I'm begging you—you have to help Rory!"She's dying, and she'll be dead without your friend's kidney!"She's only seven! She's just a child—please, take pity on her! Don't be so cold-blooded and stop your friend from donating his kidney! A feud between adults shouldn't hurt the kids! Rory is innocent!"Linda was smart—she actually mentioned that they had a feud.And for most people, whenever they thought of a feud between two women, they would immediately presume it was a love triangle—that the women were after the same man.That was why Linda would take the moral high ground and coerce Tina into relenting through emotional blackmail.Still, Jimmy himself pried Linda's fingers off even before Tina spoke. "Don't touch Tina with your filthy hands, and quit your slander! I'm the one who's refusing to donate my ow
"I didn't want to worry you, but I really wanted you to visit."Mommy told me not to catch a cold, but I sneaked out because you never came."I'm sorry, Daddy. I know you're busy and can't visit all the time, but I just…"Rory trailed off, barely catching her breath.Just watching that left Henry's heart bleeding and unable to scold her at all. "It's my fault I shouldn't have left the hospital—I'll try to stay with you as much as I can from now on, okay?"Rory shook her head. "It's alright, Daddy. I know you're busy—but just visit when you have time, okay?"In contrast to her capricious nature when she was five and always bugging Henry to keep her company, Rory appeared even more mature now.Henry smiled and nodded. "Okay. Just be good, Rory—close your eyes and sleep. Leave the rest to Daddy, okay?"Rory nodded, leveling a worshipful gaze at Henry with her clear, innocent gaze, having complete faith in him as he said, "I believe you, Daddy. You're my hero—you'll save me, right?
Henry sped all the way to the hospital and arrived outside the emergency room to find Linda covered in tears in her wheelchair.Her tears gushed even more when she saw him and called out to him helplessly, "Henry…"Henry went up to her, his expression worried. "She was fine this afternoon, wasn't she? Why is she suddenly in critical condition?""I-I don't know… She was just fine before she slept… then, she suddenly had a fever and a low heart rate… I quickly called the doctor, and he said she's in critical condition and asked me to sign the notice…"I didn't… I… I'm afraid Rory will die… I….""Rory's going to be fine."Seeing that Linda was spouting nonsense, Henry patted her back to calm her down, but his eyes were worried even as he stared at the doors of the emergency room.He was really worried that Rory would die too.He did not want to lose Rory too after losing Sophie.And Linda seized the moment to sneak into his arms…-There was no telling how long had passed when
After all, Linda was really worried that Rory might die."I told Jimmy Jones," Henry admitted."Why?!" Linda cried out in disbelief. "We agreed not to tell Tina, didn't we?! Why did you tell her?! What is Rory going to do, now that Jimmy is refusing to donate to her?! Do we just watch her die?!""I won't let anything happen to Rory," Henry replied quietly. "Don't worry—I've sent my people on a nationwide search for a suitable donor. Rory is going to be fine."However, Henry's promise did not calm Linda down at all.But no matter how upset she was with his decision, she did not dare to let it show and fought back the frustration burning within her."I trust you, Henry," she sobbed, sounding helpless as if she was completely reliant on him.Henry then offered a few more words of comfort and told Linda not to tell Rory—she was seven and knew enough about death now, and he was worried that it would worsen her condition."Don't worry. I'll keep it a secret," Linda replied.Once Hen
Personally, Henry hoped that Tina would not extend their feud as adults to Rory.But if Tina decided to go through with it and stop Jimmy from donating, Henry decided that he would not push her either.There was still time, and Henry would be doing everything he could to get a suitable donor.To no surprise, his words left both Tina and Jimmy's faces dropping, with Jimmy throwing the pen as far as he could in disgust.He had almost donated his kidney to the daughter of the woman who murdered Sophie!Hell, he could consider donating to Rory if Rory was innocent and Linda was the only rotten one there.But Rory had already learned to frame Sophie even when Rory herself was just a child, hurting Sophie repeatedly.That apple was really rotten to the core, and Jimmy was no saint who would save someone so undeserving at the price of his own health."Donating to Rory Cook?! Not in your lifetime!" Jimmy bellowed as he picked up the papers and tore it into shreds.Then, he took Tina's