Chapter: Chapter 5A tall silhouette cut through the light at the doorway.The man from last night was leaning against the doorframe, having watched her for who knows how long.He had changed into a black silk robe, the expensive fabric clinging smoothly to his body. The collar opened wide, boldly displaying his chiseled collarbone and a glimpse of his solid chest.His hair was still wet, a few strands clinging to his forehead. Droplets of water had yet to fall from the dark tips, accentuating his cold, pale skin. He appeared to have just emerged from the bath.With arms crossed over his chest and posture relaxed to the extreme, his gaze rested on her.Those eyes, dark and deep they seemed bottomless, were filled with scrutiny and an amused interest in the unfolding drama. This was the absolute composure of someone in a position of power.Diana sat on the cold carpet, looking up at him calmly. Her eyes betrayed no emotion—no fear, no curiosity—only an excessive, icy clarity.The man was examining her fr
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 4Alvina forcefully dragged Diana to the bridal chamber. She yanked open the curtains and led Diana to an inner room, pointing at the man lying quietly on the bed. "You cost the Russell family a fortune! If you dare show any disgust toward Rupert, I'll have you dragged out and fed to wild dogs!"Diana approached the bedside.The man lying there was Rupert Russell—her husband whom she had yet to meet.His appearance was beyond her expectation—his face was grotesquely disfigured, with flesh turned outward and covered in burn scars, features too blurred to distinguish. His chest barely rose and fell.Indeed, he appeared to be near death.Diana lifted his eyelid to check his pupils, which responded extremely slowly to light. From a medical perspective, this was certainly a deeply comatose vegetative patient with declining vital signs.But Diana frowned. Something wasn't right. It was too textbook.All these symptoms matched the most typical case studies—so standardized they seemed... delibe
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 3Inside the car, the drug began to take effect.A wave of heat surged from deep within Diana's body as her consciousness gradually blurred. She felt an unnamed fire building inside her, slowly burning through every limb and vessel. She felt hotter and hotter; the heat left her parched, her entire body burning.Something wasn't right.As a medical prodigy, Diana knew every subtle change in her body intimately. Clearly, this "new drug" Wade mentioned wasn't as simple as he'd claimed!What were they trying to do? Make her humiliate herself on her wedding night, completely offending the Russell family?The heat waves grew increasingly fierce, threatening to devour her rationality. She forced herself through the wedding ceremony—a mockery without a groom present.The guests' glances were filled with sympathy, pity, and undisguised schadenfreude."So this is the substitute bride? She's pretty, what a shame she'll be married to a vegetable.""I heard Rupert Russell is down to his last breath.
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 2The gentle smile on Dash's face froze momentarily before quickly returning to normal.He clapped his hands, and Diana's third brother, Wade York, burst into the room. He now wore an expression of impatience and malice."Why waste words on her? Diana, you've already drunk the drugged water. This marriage is happening whether you like it or not. Marry or die!"Seeing this, Dash dropped his pretense entirely. He pushed his glasses up methodically, revealing eyes devoid of any warmth—only calculation and cruelty remained."Don't blame me, Diana. That's a new drug Wade picked up from his casino connections. When it kicks in, the symptoms mimic acute heart failure, but the pain is ten times worse."He pulled two documents from his pocket and slapped them onto Diana's small vanity. "Choose one. The first: you obediently take Leila's place in this marriage. We keep the bride price, you remain a York daughter, and we remain your brothers. If the Russells ever mistreat you, we will be your safe
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 1"Please, Diana, don't blame Dad, Mom, and our brothers! It's all my fault..."Before Diana York could even respond, a resounding slap landed across her face. The force was so powerful that half her face went instantly numb, her ears ringing.The person who struck her? Her own biological father, Bodhi York."Ungrateful! How did I end up with such a venomous daughter like you?You know your sister has a weak heart! She's about to have surgery, and you dare upset her?"Diana raised her eyes, looking past his enraged face to the girl behind him—being protected by her mother and oldest brother—crying as if her heart would break.Six years ago, Diana had been brought back to the York family from Rosewood. Back then, she'd been overjoyed, believing she'd finally found a complete family, blood relatives who would love her.But over those six long years, she came to realize that she couldn't compare to even a single strand of hair on their adopted daughter, Leila York.She was nothing more than
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 7Unexpectedly, at that moment, the elevator dinged.Had someone arrived? Louisa's spirits lifted as she looked toward the elevator.The doors opened, and four men in suits emerged first, lining up in two neat rows by the elevator.Then a tall, striking man stepped out.He appeared to be around thirty, with sculpted features that were astonishingly perfect. His entire being radiated an innate elegance and nobility.Behind him were the club manager and general manager.The general manager wore a fawning smile as he gestured respectfully, "Mr. Tudor, this is the VIP floor of our Dreamscape Club. Please."Julian nodded coldly.Louisa, who had thought rescue was at hand, watched as the group walked in the opposite direction, not noticing her situation.She wanted to scream for help, but despite using all her strength, she couldn't produce a sound.In desperation, she swept an antique vase off a nearby shelf onto the floor, causing a crisp shattering sound.Julian's group stopped and looked
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 6Louisa suddenly pivoted, smiling, "It seems we can't eat this fish after all. No matter—we'll have the restaurant prepare a new one."Though I've heard that all the fish caught by the restaurant today are quite large. I'm afraid this plate won't be big enough. And the restaurant likely doesn't have larger fish platters."Her implication was clear: while the Capulet Group might not be the Taylor Group's ideal choice, the Taylor Group's requirements were too substantial. Besides the Capulet Group, no other company had the capacity to handle the entire project.This was precisely why the Taylor Group had chosen the Capulet Group initially.Louisa's message was obvious—she had done her homework on the Taylor Group. The Capulet Group was their only viable option, so they shouldn't try to exploit the situation.George finally relaxed. She knew what she was doing after all.David's expression turned awkward as he forced out through gritted teeth, "Looks like you've done your homework well."
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 5"Of course." Louisa drained her glass in one go, then poured herself another two, both downed. "Is this enough, Mr. Foster?" She forced a smile.Nearby, Vivian noticed she was being completely ignored while watching Louisa skillfully navigate these shrewd businessmen.Not wanting to be outdone, she raised her own glass with a stiff smile: "Mr. Foster, I was in the wrong before. I was too impulsive. This drink is for you—consider it my apology."Though her words were apologetic, her attitude remained condescending.Being a sheltered heiress with no experience in business dinners, she naively assumed that simply speaking up would be enough to earn his respect.But she'd forgotten that David was someone she had offended.During the signing attempt, when David had tried to make inappropriate advances, she had humiliated him thoroughly.So now, David didn't even glance at her, much less acknowledge her gesture.She felt awkward, but having already spoken, she had to follow through.She dra
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 4"Not necessary!" Louisa refused without hesitation.George was about to speak when Vivian cut in from the passenger seat, "Ms. Forbes, I'm sorry. This is my fault, and you're having to clean up my mess."I feel terrible about it, so I wanted to come apologize in person. George was concerned and insisted on coming with me."Please get in. Let's go together. With George protecting us, no one would dare take advantage of us."Her words seemed innocent enough.But Louisa caught the smug smile playing at the corners of Vivian's mouth—a blatant show of dominance, completely different from her tearful display at the office earlier.Evidently, George had consoled her quite effectively.Louisa smiled too, not even bothering to respond as she moved toward her own car.Still, Vivian captured the flash of contempt in that smile.As a privileged heiress who'd always relied on her family's influence, Vivian wasn't accustomed to being looked down upon.She immediately lost her composure. "Louisa, wh
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 3Listening to Sadie rant about George, Louisa's deeply suppressed emotions suddenly bubbled up into laughter.But hearing that laugh, Sadie only felt heartache. "Damn that George!"Has he forgotten that half of The Capulet Group's empire was built by you?"It's bad enough he doesn't appreciate you, but you gave up your career at its peak to focus on him and your marriage. Isn't that enough? He still needs a mistress on the side?"She grew increasingly angry as she spoke.Louisa laughed with resignation. "A man's infidelity has nothing to do with how good a woman is. Even the strongest chain can't hold back a dog determined to run."Sadie nodded. "Exactly! As soon as that one-month period is up, we're out of there—not wasting a single minute more! Let him live with his regrets!"After a pause, she asked, "So what's your plan now?"Louisa was silent for a moment. "I originally wanted to start my own business, but after taking inventory of my resources, I realized almost everything is con
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 2Louisa paused mid-step without turning around, not wanting to witness that nauseating scene.Beside them, Vivian grew annoyed seeing him focused only on Louisa. She pouted childishly, "George, didn't you say I could represent your company at the Taylor Group signing this afternoon? I came early specifically to familiarize myself with your project. Aren't you even a little touched?"Then she rudely ordered Louisa, "Ms. Forbes, go get the project documents and contracts."Louisa's expression instantly turned ice-cold.Completely ignoring Vivian, she looked directly at George, her eyes devoid of warmth. "You're giving my project to her?"Didn't he know how much she had sacrificed for this project?A month ago, when George wanted to secure the Taylor Group's AI project, the entire marketing department had mobilized but failed.Eventually, they had come begging to her for help.She had taken on the challenge without hesitation.To secure the deal, she had drunk until her stomach bled.When
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 6"No crying. This too shall pass," Lisbeth laughed through her tears.It was a truth she'd learned the hard way—no matter how bitter, how difficult, how painful, everything eventually fades with time.Even the deepest wounds become insignificant scars that one day won't hurt when touched.Her assistant couldn't hold back her own tears. "Ms. Whitaker... you don't have to be so strong. I don't want to see you like this; I feel heartbroken.""If you lost something you once treasured, would you be sad?" Lisbeth asked softly."Of course!" The assistant wiped her eyes. "I'd cry my eyes out."Lisbeth gave a hollow laugh and dried her face. "But life goes on. It's not like the end of the world, right?"The assistant fell silent. It was true.The earth keeps turning, the sun keeps rising. In the grand scheme of things, how significant could one person's heartbreak really be?"Come on, no more tears," Lisbeth said. Just like that, she seemed to recover. The tears vanished, replaced by a gentle s
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 5The press room was packed with reporters, all drawn to today's headline event: Leopold and Elora's public apology."You think this apology is legit?" one journalist whispered."They wouldn't lie at an official press conference, would they?""So they really did smear Lisbeth?""If it's true, this is front-page material. Get good shots."The whispers died down as Leopold and Elora finally made their entrance. His face was a mask of reluctance—the product of Elora's tearful pleading throughout the previous night.Every time he'd refused, she'd burst into tears, looking so pitiful that Leopold eventually couldn't hold out.Now on stage, his expression remained rigid, his lips pressed into a thin line. Before he could speak, the main doors opened, revealing two unexpected arrivals.Lisbeth, with her young assistant by her side.She stood in the doorway, feeling the weight of countless stares like knives—examining, judging, dissecting her every move.Outside, Sebastian waited in the car. Hi
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 4Lisbeth tactfully stood up, preparing to leave the room."Stay here," Sebastian said, stopping her. "I'll take this outside." He walked out the door as he answered the call.An elderly voice came through the line. "Mr. York, I appreciate your consideration, but I've hung up my scalpel. I no longer perform surgeries. If you need assistance, I can recommend one of my students."Sebastian leaned against the doorframe, his voice calm. "For this particular surgery, it must be you.""Then I can only apologize. Had you asked even three months ago, I would have agreed."After hanging up, Sebastian pondered briefly before calling Noah. "Book me a flight to Marigoldia for three days from now.""Are you going to see the old professor?""Yes." Since the professor claimed to have retired, Sebastian would go in person.A phone call might not carry enough weight, but he was confident the old man wouldn't refuse him face-to-face."There are no flights in three days, but there's one tomorrow.""Then c
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 3Seeing Lisbeth's icy glare, Leopold had a flash of something in his mind, a painful twinge in his chest.Could she be telling the truth?As he opened his mouth to speak, Elora suddenly stepped forward, blocking his view of Lisbeth."Lisbeth, even now, you're still trying to twist the facts and slander Leopold? How can you be so heartless?"Lisbeth was tall with striking features—before her disfigurement, her every expression had been captivating. Elora, by contrast, had the delicate, innocent look of a traditional beauty.Her white dress billowed in the breeze as she spread her arms protectively, shielding the much taller Leopold behind her with a fragile, pitiful air.Leopold immediately dismissed his moment of doubt and wrapped his arm around Elora protectively. "Elora, why bother talking to someone like her?"Lisbeth gave a cold laugh, refusing to look at them further as she pushed through the crowd. "I've said everything I needed to say. Excuse me.""Ms. Whitaker! Ms. Whitaker!" t
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 2Lisbeth rushed to the hospital, colliding with Sebastian York in the hallway.She finally voiced the question that had been weighing on her mind, "With your status, women would be lining up to marry you. Why choose me?"Her face was disfigured, her career had plummeted, and she was a divorced mother.Lisbeth wasn't insecure about these things, but as Leopold had pointed out—in everyone's eyes, her mother and Dennis were burdens, bottomless pits that could never be filled.Yet Sebastian was the sole heir to the York Group, Sovereign City's business giant, and an internationally acclaimed actor.His striking looks aside, every gesture exuded the elegance and authority that came from his privileged upbringing.Objectively speaking, she wasn't his match.To this day, she and Sebastian had only met three times.The first was at an awards ceremony where they exchanged nothing more than a nod and a smile.The second was when she discovered he was the highly compatible bone marrow donor for D
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Chapter: Chapter 1"Lisbeth, you'd better agree to this divorce quickly! Otherwise, I'll make these photos public and let all your fans see how their beloved star with millions of followers was once molested by an old man!""What?" Lisbeth Whitaker looked up in shock, unable to believe what she was hearing.Her husband of five years, who had cheated on her with the female caregiver she'd hired to look after him.Now he was resorting to blackmail to force her into a divorce so he could make room for his mistress!"Don't play dumb. How could a woman as soiled as you deserve to be my wife?" Leopold Hearst sneered, pulling out a thick envelope.It contained the case file from when she was sexually assaulted years ago.Inside were detailed records of how that man had torn her dress, bitten her neck and chest, and let his hands wander lower... It even included the medical examination photos taken afterward as evidence.Back then, Leopold, heartbroken by her suffering, had worked tirelessly to gather all this
Huling Na-update: 2026-01-21
Mag-log in
