One of Justin's men, Nigel, was visibly nervous. He avoided eye contact and tried to remain calm as Randy, a large and intimidating figure, approached him.Randy motioned to one of the bodyguards standing behind him and said, "Let's do what Ms. Turner said. Throw them all in the creek since they won't talk. We'll start with this guy." He pointed at Nigel."Got it," the bodyguard replied blankly. He immediately grabbed Nigel and took him to the creek.Nigel struggled and yelled desperately, "No! Justin, help me!"Justin couldn't help but look back. With his jaw clenched, he decided to ignore Nigel. Even though the creek smelled terrible, Justin knew it wasn't fatal to be thrown into it.Nigel was thrown into the creek, causing splashes and a foul stench that drowned his cries for help. He thrashed around to stay above water, but the more he fought, the further he sank.Carly looked concerned as she watched. Soon, the water reached Nigel's neck, then his chin, his mouth, and finall
Ryan was just about to retrieve the food he had brought from the car when he noticed Joshua, who appeared unusually serious and unfriendly.Meanwhile, Terry seemed oblivious to the tension. After instructing the bodyguard to unload the food, he hurried to Joshua and asked, "Mr. Grayson, if everything is all right, shall we start serving the meals?"Joshua remained silent with his lips pressed together.It was only when Terry looked up that he saw Ryan. His eyes narrowed as he studied Ryan's face. There was a sense of familiarity, but he had no recollection of where he had seen Ryan before.Terry hadn't expected Ryan to bring food with him. Sensing the tense atmosphere, he wisely refrained from saying anything.After a brief moment, Ryan lightened the mood with a smile and a question. "Mr. Grayson, are you here to see a doctor? Do you have a heart condition? Dr. Sullivan specializes in cardiac care and could be very helpful."His words subtly implied his close relationship with Da
The way Natasha stared at Joshua burned with emotion. Joshua knew he certainly had a place in Natasha's heart.Growing impatient with Joshua's silence, and partly because Ryan had been suppressing his feelings for Natasha for so long, he blurted out, "Do you still feel something for Natasha?"He stared at Joshua, waiting for him to answer.Perhaps Natasha's smile earlier had affected Joshua. He considered the question, but it lasted only a moment.He smirked in response. He was all too familiar with Natasha's game of playing hard to get and wasn't going to fall for it that easily."I've never felt anything for Natasha," Joshua said coldly.He wanted to distance himself from her as much as he could. She was just a substitute for Natalie, so developing feelings for Natasha would mean betraying Natalie."Is that so? Then why did you bother coming all this way and even buying takeout for Ms. Sullivan? And why are you spending so much on takeout for everyone?" Ryan asked.Although i
Joshua returned to Grayson Villa feeling depressed.From a distance, he noticed someone standing near the window wall. He realized it was Lorelei when he got closer.She looked lonely and dazed as she stared out the window. Joshua could even see the weariness on her face as if she had grown old all of a sudden."What are you doing, Mom?" Joshua asked as he walked in and removed his suit jacket. One of the housekeepers took the jacket and hung it up for him.Ella quickly brought Joshua a cup of coffee when she saw him return. "Mr. Grayson, I just made coffee. Why don't you have some?""No, thanks," Joshua declined. He shoved it aside and walked toward Lorelei and said, "It's late. Why are you here alone rather than sleeping?"Lorelei glanced up at Joshua but didn't answer. Joshua wasn't angry even though she was ignoring him. He followed her gaze outside but found nothing remarkable."Mom, there's no moon tonight. What are you looking at? If you want to enjoy the view of the moon
Lorelei was baffled by Joshua's inability to recall how Natasha had helped the Graysons."Do you remember who gave us the letter of authorization? Did it just magically appear? You should remember how to show gratitude!" Lorelei bellowed.Her anger mounted as she pounded the table.Tension quickly filled the room as Lorelei and Joshua faced off. Meanwhile, Ella quietly set down the tray of fruit and stepped back, choosing not to get involved."If you're feeling alone, why not consider Nat—"Joshua's voice trailed off as memories of Natalie's deceit flooded his mind. He loathed mentioning her.After a deep breath, he declared, "I'm heading back to the office."Joshua grabbed his suit jacket from the coat rack and donned it. As he departed, his shoulder brushed against a bodyguard hurrying toward the house."Hello, Mr. Grayson," the bodyguard greeted with a quick nod before he hurried into the house."Josh, come back," Lorelei called out."No, I have some work to do in the offi
After glancing at Joshua, Lorelei gestured toward the gate and instructed the bodyguard, "Go ahead. Bring Ms. Lovelace in.""Got it!" the bodyguard replied before heading for the gate.As the gate swung open, a fancy car pulled up.Lorelei was a bit taken aback seeing the car from the doorway. She hadn't expected Natalie to arrive in such a luxurious car, especially considering she'd only been with Joshua for a few months.During Natasha's time at Grayson Villa, she had always been driven around, but never in such an opulent vehicle. Lorelei couldn't help but notice the difference in how Joshua was treating Natalie.Meanwhile, Joshua was equally surprised. He had never seen the car before. His leather shoes made no sound as he cautiously approached it.When the car door opened, Randy was the first to step out. He was dressed formally and had a pair of silver-rimmed glasses on. His composed demeanor radiated a sense of maturity and reliability.Lorelei glanced at Joshua. She foun
Joshua was shocked when he saw Natalie looking disheveled and miserable. He quickly went over and scooped her up.Surprised by the sudden lift, Natalie let out a little exclamation and said, "Josh… I'm fine. You don't have to carry me, especially with so many people around."Natalie pretended to feel embarrassed and buried her face in his arms."This is far from fine! You're badly hurt!" Joshua said firmly as he carried Natalie inside the house. "Quick! Call the doctor!"Lorelei felt a twinge of discomfort as she watched Joshua carry Natalie inside. But her concern heightened when she noticed the injury on Natalie's leg.Blood drops marked the path where Joshua had carried Natalie in his arms. Despite her personal feelings toward Natalie, Lorelei was aware that getting medical help was the priority at that moment.Joshua helped Natalie sit down once they were inside the house. He felt a whirlwind of emotions as he stared at her blood-stained pants.Natalie noticed his expression
Lorelei knew Natalie was putting on a front even though she seemed fragile. Still, Lorelei couldn't bring herself to scold Natalie or ask her to leave because of the injuries she was suffering from."Let's tend to the wounds first," Lorelei said helplessly before retreating upstairs to escape her presence.Carly, who was impatient by nature, couldn't sit still when she heard Natalie claim her injuries had been an accident. She exclaimed, "Accident? You were abducted!"Joshua turned and interrupted with a grave look on his face. "Say that again. Did you just say abducted?""Yes, Natalie was taken to an abandoned factory. Those bruises on her were caused by those thugs," Carly said worriedly. "Why would you be so foolish as to keep something this serious to yourself?"Had Carly been through such an ordeal, she would have wanted everyone to know—especially her father so she could extort some money from him.Natalie waved urgently behind Joshua as a signal for Carly to stop talking.