Because Penny declined his offer, Zane didn't insist. After a bit of small talk, he ended the call.He politely mentioned that if she needed any help, she could call this number again. If he could assist in any way, he certainly would.However, Zanw knew very well that, given Penny's temperament, she would rather give up what she had than actively seek help from a stranger.Yes, to Penny, Zane was just a stranger. He was a person she had met once but didn't really know.This time, Penny didn't respond as coldly as she did when she was 18. Instead, she exchanged a couple of polite pleasantries, mentioned that she would reach out if needed, and then hung up the phone.After that, she let out a long sigh of relief and lay on the lounge chair on the balcony, gazing at the view outside the window.There were fluffy white clouds in the azure sky and the greenery visible in the neighborhood. Sparrows were chirping persistently as they darted through the forest, and the cicadas loudly bu
All those old scoundrels from the Lowe family undoubtedly ranked the highest. Then there was Jessica, the entertainment industry's national goddess, who also played a significant role.Besides them, there were a few minor celebrities who didn't really make the cut.However, as Sam's partner and someone who watched him grow up, Zane privately hoped Sam could find a better girl.So, he advised, "There are plenty of socialites in Riverwood, and Amdale has no shortage of beautiful young ladies, either, and Rookfort isn't much different."You and the Lowe family's daughter haven't even officially met…""Who said I haven't met her?" Sam interrupted him without a second thought.He had even seen her twice. How could Zane say they hadn't even met yet?The first time, she gave him all the money she had. The second time, he spoke up to help her get that role.After these interactions, they could be considered acquaintances.Zane choked up and couldn't find the words to refute.He was s
"Really?" Zane blurted out, staring incredulously at Sam, who nodded calmly. His unruly and carefree demeanor was restrained, and his composed attitude showed that he wasn't joking.Zane fell silent again, furrowing his brow as he intently observed Sam.It was as if he thought everything through in an instant, giving up without hesitation. He didn't even remind Zane of the request from years ago to take care of Penny. Instead, he said this would be the last time he would help out.Logically speaking, this should be a satisfactory outcome for Zane. After all, from any perspective, the Lowe family's scion would only be a burden to Sam.Looking again at Sam's attitude, it seemed he didn't want Penny to know he was the one quietly spending money to handle things behind the scenes.Since there was no plan to meet her, he didn't need to worry about anything after that. If that was the case, it would be better to just end it early.That way, if Sam saw Penny falling in love, getting mar
Penny didn't have much free time over the past three years.As she had envisioned, during the first year, she honed her acting skills amidst criticism while also working as a translator.Later on, she felt that acting didn't hold much appeal anymore. Moreover, realizing that there weren't any roles left for her, she gradually gave up and moved toward working behind the scenes.She had some work during this period.It seemed that a daring reality show, not caring about potential risks, decided to capitalize on her controversial popularity and invited her to participate in one of their programs.The reason Penny agreed to participate was because the show's first season had a good reputation, and the payment offered was reasonable.Continuously doing translations could be quite tiring. After discussing with Cecilia and weighing the pros and cons, she eventually signed up for this TV show.Unfortunately, she had underestimated the darker side of human nature.The show's production
"Let's get divorced." In the three years Daniel Winston and Rebecca Brown were married, that was the second time he spoke to her. The first time he spoke to her was on their wedding night. At that time, she was holding up her poofy wedding dress as she twirled. She beamed at him while asking if she looked pretty. Yet, he replied, "Now that the wedding is over, I'll have someone take you abroad." So, she was sent away to a foreign country. For three years, she had to be on her own. She never expected to hear him ask for a divorce as soon as she returned to the country. And on their wedding anniversary, no less. "Must we get divorced?" Rebecca didn't look up. Her long hair covered her face, concealing her emotions. But she could hear her voice tremble. "Is there no room for discussion at all?" she asked with a catch in her throat. Daniel stared at her with disdain for a long time. Then, he said coldly, "You know, I never would have married you if my grandfather wasn't
Rebecca fell silent for a long while.Then, she said in a relaxed tone, "Well, I escaped unharmed. I was even lucky enough to find you guys. No matter what, they brought me up. So, let's just leave it at that."She let them off the hook. It was a repayment for their kindness in raising her all those years."Becca—" Sam seemed to have more to say. But there was a sudden knock on her door. Rebecca ignored the person outside the door. "Sam, I know what you're going to say," she said. "But I don't want to create new problems now. I just want nothing to do with them in the future."Ignoring the fact that she wasn't abducted, they could easily deny her proof even if she were to show any. Without solid evidence, it would do more harm than good if they turned on her instead. Besides, if the Browns found out Rebecca's biological parents were the Johnsons, they might want benefits. They would keep using the fact that they had raised her for 20 years to ask for them. That was how the Brow
Rebecca deliberately took her sweet time. She only left the villa after Daniel called her again. Daniel frowned slightly when he saw her jogging over to the car. Then, he turned to straighten the gift box in the front seat. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I took a nap earlier," Rebecca explained as she sat in the back seat.Daniel glanced at her through the rearview mirror. His hands tightened around the steering wheel. "Are you going to the party dressed like that?" "Huh?" Rebbeca said before looking down at her outfit. "Is this not okay? It's just a party among the family. This should be fine." Daniel tossed the gift box in the front seat to her. "Go get changed." The white box had the label "Sprince" printed on it and was packaged meticulously. Rebecca recognized at a glance that it was a gown from Sprince's latest spring-summer collection.She hesitated. Then, she put the box back. "It's not right for me to change into the gift you're giving to Jessica."Daniel was
Daniel suddenly stepped on the gas. His voice was like the raging wind outside the car as he said, "Are you in a rush to get the divorce finalized?"What did he mean by that? She didn't need to start a new relationship right away. And nobody was sitting around waiting for her anyway. She shook her head and said in a serious tone, "You're the one who's in a rush."Daniel smirked. Then, he slowed the car down and said, "I'm not."Rebecca was speechless, so she simply said nothing.She already signed the divorce papers anyway. After she cut ties with the Browns tonight, she would no longer have anything to do with them. Half an hour later, they reached the Brown residence.The Browns had gained an elevated status in high society since they were longtime business partners with the Winstons. Plenty of people tried to get close to them. That was why almost all the empty spots outside the villa were lined with luxury cars at that moment. When Rebecca got out of the car, the cold ni