Zoey observed Ariana’s shocked expression, raising her brow slightly. “I shouldn’t be here? You think I should be in there instead?”Ariana stammered, her lips trembling. “N-no, I just thought…”“You thought that woman was me,” Zoey said, gripping Ariana’s shoulder harder. “Where do you get all these thoughts, huh?”Ariana cried out in pain, “Zoey, you’re hurting me!”Livia scolded Zoey, “Let go of Ariana right now! She came here because she was worried about you.”Instead of releasing her, Zoey tightened her grip further. “Worried about me? So you brought all these people to enjoy the spectacle? Were you trying to protect me, or ruin my reputation?”Ariana hadn’t expected Zoey to be so strong; the pain caused sweat to bead on her forehead. “Zoey, I swear, I was genuinely concerned for you!”“If you were concerned, shouldn’t you have alerted Russell to rescue me? What made you think your feeble skills could save me, huh?” Zoey questioned coldly.She recalled her past life when she had
Russell watched the girl with flushed cheeks, her drunken eyes hazy and entrancing. He lifted her chin with a finger, his voice calm but firm. "I didn’t look." Zoey raised an eyebrow. "Is she prettier than me?" Russell chuckled softly. "I didn’t look. How would I know what she looks like?" Zoey squinted at him, sensing his evasion. "Then, am I pretty?" Their breaths intertwined, the faint aroma of red wine mingling with Zoey’s natural fragrance, teasing Russell’s senses. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he replied hoarsely, "You’re beautiful." Zoey’s fingers toyed with the buttons of his shirt, the playful smile on her lips inching closer to his. "What’s your relationship with Roland?" Zoey’s eyes gleamed with mischief. "Roland? He’s my little errand boy." Relieved, Russell’s tone softened. "Zoey, in the future, can you please let me know if you have something going on?"Zoey’s drunken gaze sharpened slightly. "Are you upset?" Russell’s lips pressed into a thin line. "It’s not that
Ariana stormed back home, grabbing the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis medication from her bag while screaming hysterically. Dahlia rushed into the room, only to see Ariana sweeping her cosmetics off the vanity table in a fit of rage. "My darling, what's wrong?" Ariana cried uncontrollably, her makeup smudged and her appearance utterly disheveled. "Mom, how could Zoey do this to me? I was worried about her safety and went to find her. Not only did she dislocate my arm in front of everyone, but she also manipulated Moriah into claiming that I orchestrated the whole situation. She then provoked Moriah into scratching me, and now Moriah—Moriah has AIDS! I have to take this medicine, or I might end up infected!" Dahlia froze, her mind buzzing. "That wretched girl! If I’d known this would happen, I’d have taken her out a long time ago!" Livia clasped Ariana's hands, her heart aching. "Ariana, don't cry. You won't get infected. And if you do, that woman will pay for it with her life. Stop
When Zoey wore the dress yesterday, she felt it was slightly loose but didn’t think much of it. After all, Z&L Design wouldn’t make such mistakes, and a renowned styling studio like Lilah’s wouldn’t have basic issues either. However, while she and Leanna were enjoying dessert on the sofa, she noticed something amiss. Later, when they led Moriah into the lounge, Zoey’s dress was about to split. Thankfully, she had a silver pin with her and managed to secure it just in time. Afterward, Russell mentioned the dress completely tore while the maids were changing her. She couldn’t find the pin and assumed a maid must have picked it up, not thinking much of it since she was too embarrassed about her drunken state. Now, Zoey was here to demand an explanation. But Lilah, feeling guilty, outright denied it. “Our studio would never have such an issue.” Zoey raised an eyebrow. “So, are you implying the brand is at fault? Do you know who oversaw the design and production of this dress?” “Was i
As the scene unfolded, Russell instinctively moved to rush out of the car. Troy, fearing Russell's impulsiveness, quickly slammed the car door shut and charged toward the man instead. But Troy was a second too late. Zoey had already raised her leg and delivered a swift kick that sent the attacker flying. The glass bottle he held smashed on the ground, shattering into pieces and emitting a corrosive sizzle. Some of the liquid splashed onto the man's hand, prompting agonized screams. Zoey stepped on the man’s hand and ground her heel into it mercilessly. “Talk. Who sent you?” “No one sent me! Ahhh—!” Watching Zoey’s cold and menacing demeanor, Troy felt an eerie familiarity. It was as if he were seeing Russell himself. Clearly, they shared the same aura—like a matched pair. “Madam, allow me to handle this,” Troy said respectfully. Zoey already had a few suspects in mind. “Lilah from the styling studio, Ariana, or Nelson. None of them are innocent.” Troy nodded. “Madam, please re
The next morning, as Russell and Zoey were preparing to leave after breakfast, they were blocked by the sudden arrival of Jordan and Dahlia.Despite Russell's dissatisfaction with how they had treated Zoey, he extended the courtesy of inviting them inside.The servants served tea and then quietly stepped away.Jordan picked up his teacup, gently blowing on it, only to set it back down under Dahlia’s stern gaze. Clearing his throat, Jordan spoke, "We've come today to take Zoey back with us."Russell's tone was cold. "Zoey is my wife. She belongs here at Serene Manor."Jordan continued, "The issue is that outsiders are unaware of Zoey's status. If this gets exposed, her reputation will come under scrutiny."Russell narrowed his eyes. "Weren't you the ones who publicly accused Zoey of plagiarizing Ariana without any investigation? And now you're suddenly worried about her reputation?"Jordan faltered. "At the time, we thought... well, Zoey had only been at the company for a month. How cou
Russell’s gaze carried a cold sharpness as he observed the Harmon family’s attitude toward Zoey—cruel and callous. Their visit wasn’t to bring Zoey back but to demand a hefty dowry. “How much do you think Zoey is worth?” His voice was detached and icy. Jordan’s eyes lit up. “As the head of the Maddox family, you can’t afford to give too little—it wouldn’t be dignified if word got out.” Dahlia chimed in, “Exactly. Besides, Zoey is exceptional in both looks and talent.” Zoey sneered. “Oh? Then can you tell me what my major was in college?” Dahlia’s lips twitched awkwardly. “Well, whatever it was, it must’ve been excellent. Now you’re an S-tier designer at Galaxy Studio, earning billions annually. Setting aside family background, how many socialites out there can compare to you? Russell, Zoey is lucky to have married you, but you’re equally fortunate to have her. Considering that, we think a suitable dowry would be some shares of the Maddox Group.” Russell’s eyes narrowed slightly.
Nelson's eyes darkened with malice, not expecting Zoey to show him no respect whatsoever.He uncrossed his legs, leaned forward, and lowered his voice, "Stop talking nonsense!"Zoey responded nonchalantly, "Then why did you come find me?""I have a friend..." Nelson began.Zoey laughed out loud. "A friend out of nowhere?"Nelson clenched his teeth, wanting to crush her, and hissed, "I’m going to another place for treatment."Zoey was about to refuse when two men in suits appeared behind her, pressing a knife to her back.Nelson smiled with satisfaction. "A knife is just as good as a gun, so please, go ahead."Zoey narrowed her eyes. "Are you threatening me?"Nelson grinned.Zoey sneered. "Do you really think this can hold me back?"Nelson raised his chin, and one of the suited men moved behind Octavio Munoz, the owner of Hines Hall. Octavio froze, looking pale."Since you can appear here, it means you're quite familiar with the owner. If you don't want anything to happen to him, come w
Nancy fidgeted with her fingers uneasily, not because she was nervous about her wedding today, but because she had a constant feeling that something was about to happen.Susie seemed to give up her rights easily, even though she was not the type of person who easily gives up.Nancy raised her hand and placed it on her small abdomen. The baby was almost fourteen weeks old, having gone through a fire and being kidnapped, facing numerous hardships and challenges.She hoped to have a peaceful day today.Leanna, noticing Nancy's serious expression, walked over and leaned against the dressing table. "What's wrong, Nancy? Do you have something on your mind?"Nancy pursed her lips and raised her gaze, saying, "It was just an inexplicable feeling of unease."Leanna bent down and took her hand, "Don't be too nervous, Dalton has everything arranged. It's not a big deal if the flowers are a little wilted, Zoey is taking care of it."Just now, Zoe
After Nancy left, Leanna started urging Zoey to go to the hospital.Zoey said to modify Nancy's wedding dress before going, but Leanna couldn't wait and directly messaged Russell, saying that Zoey was feeling a bit unwell in the stomach and asked him to come pick her up.Leanna didn't joke about this kind of thing, Russell didn't even hold a meeting, he drove directly to come.Zoey was unaware of this, and was momentarily surprised when she saw Russell standing at the office door.However, she quickly realized that it must have been Leanna who sent him.Russell asked concernedly, "Why was your stomach feeling uncomfortable? Did you eat something cold or spicy? I was going to take you to the hospital, why were you still toughing it out? If Leanna hadn't messaged me, would you have kept enduring it?"Zoey had not answered the man's question yet, but Russell packed up her bag and was about to take her to the hospital.Zoey pursed her lip
The evidence of Susie's kidnapping and attempted murder is solid, so the Thatcher family came to demand justice, and the highest prosecutor's office in Lochcliff did not release the person.They resorted to threats and temptations, but it was in vain. Susie remained steadfast in her position.Susie's younger brother, Emmett Thatcher, went to see her. The man looked at her disheveled appearance and sneered, "Betrayed by your own people, how does it feel?"Susie looked at the madman in front of her and snorted, "If you came to see me as a joke, then get lost!""Tsk, you may look gentle, but your personality is really terrible. No wonder Randall didn't want you."Susie stared at him and suddenly got up to leave.Emmett laughed and said, "They were fighting for custody of Nacy, not to mention that the people from Lochcliff were quite powerful."Susie got excited and said, "That was my daughter, why did they take her away! Did Randall ask
Susie watched as Zoey and her group looked at her with indifference, and in an instant, she realized that they thought she was setting a trap for Nancy, when in fact, she was the one being lured into a trap.She boasted of her superior intelligence, but now she has fallen into someone else's trap, naturally feeling dissatisfied.She despised Randall, "I treated you well, and yet you sided with them! Why did you treat me like this?"Randall's eyes were cold and indifferent. "It was you who taught others how to treat you! Susie, you see me as a dog, but in my eyes, aren't you just a female dog?"Susie had never been subjected to verbal attacks, and she hated him so much that she suddenly pulled out a silver firearm from the waist of her bodyguard.Before she could pull the trigger, a syringe was shot into the back of her hand.In an instant, her entire arm became numb, and then half of her body followed suit. She couldn't hold herself up and k
Nancy was put on a black hood, and her heart was pounding.To be honest, she was very afraid of death now, because she still had a child in her womb.If she were alone, she would never become a burden or a weakness to anyone.As long as there was a glimmer of hope, she would try to survive.The car drove for a long time before stopping. Nancy was taken out of the car and was unsteadily pushed towards the inside.Not knowing what she tripped over, she fell to her knees on the ground.She felt a sharp pain, as her arms were supported by two people and she continued to walk forward.It seemed like she had taken a few turns before she was finally put down by someone.Nancy's knee was hurting terribly, but she still stood up straight.Because the eyes couldn't see, the ears seemed to be particularly useful at this time.She heard a woman's voice, to be precise, Susie's voice.She had only met Susie twice, but th
Dalton's heart tightened suddenly as Russell fell silent.He subconsciously disagreed in his heart, after all, if Nancy were to encounter any problems, it would be a matter of life and death. He dared not take this risk.If not done so, Susie was like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.Susie relied on the Thatcher family. The Thatcher family had their hands in both legal and illegal activities, secretly training assassins and having people specifically assigned to clean up crime scenes for the assassins. Therefore, she felt invincible.Russell came up with this idea because if Susie were to attack again at Lochcliff, he would have a way to detain her.However, the Thatcher family needed someone, and Russell had a way to incriminate her.Dalton remained silent for a long time, "You made me think about it."Russell did not persuade him anymore, because he knew Dalton would consider what consequences would develop if things con
This was the first time the two of them had a peaceful conversation, and it was surprising to see how harmoniously the rivals could get along.Randall chuckled lightly and said, "No need, I couldn't trouble you and Nancy."Dalton didn't like to drink coffee, but today he ordered an iced Americano, which was rare for him. The bitterness made him frown."I don't know how you could drink it."Randall caressed the walls of the coffee cup, "I suppose it was because my heart was too bitter, but after drinking this, it didn't feel as bitter anymore."Dalton looked at the man, who had been disheveled for several days, and without the initial hostility, he unexpectedly felt some sympathy.Randall laughed and said, "Don't look at me like that, I didn't need sympathy.""Sorry," Dalton looked at him, "Nancy told me about your past. To be honest, if it weren't for those obstacles, you would have built a cozy little home together. I'm quite envious
After they received the certificate, Dalton moved Nancy's luggage from the apartment to his home.When she came back, Nancy had a feeling of things having changed.Although it was still in black and white, the cold tones didn't seem as cold anymore.Indeed, what affects one's emotions is not the environment but rather one's mood.Dalton saw her standing at the entrance and asked, "Why aren't you going in? Is it because you don't like this style of decoration? I was thinking that since you're pregnant, you shouldn't stay on the villa side anymore. Even if the newly renovated one is environmentally friendly, it may still have some odor. I'm worried that your morning sickness will be severe."Nancy couldn't smell pungent odors these past few days, such as garlic, chives, and onions.Dalton felt that this place was closer to his hospital, so if there was an emergency, it would be more convenient for him to rush back. Otherwise, staying at Nancy'
During Nancy's hospitalization, both Eugene and Chelsea came to visit.At that time, they still didn't know about her pregnancy.Chelsea cooked Manhattan clam chowder for her.She sat by the sickbed and fed Nancy.Nancy was very embarrassed, after all, her own mother had never treated her like this."I could do it myself."Chelsea shook her head and said with regret, "I have always hoped to have a daughter, but after giving birth to Dalton, my ovarian function deteriorated and I can no longer have children. When I first saw you, I liked you. You have a dignified and elegant appearance, although you can be a bit cold, but you don't give off an arrogant vibe. I was especially happy when you and Dalton got engaged. I know you both had reservations about the arranged marriage, but I believe you can make it work. Things were going as we expected, Dalton was in a good mood for a while, and he even called us without impatience. I knew your relation