ANMELDENBenjamin sat down and said, "I’ve already called your assistant; he’ll be here shortly to take care of you.""Alright." Howard managed a small smile, then turned his gaze toward the expressionless Amanda. "Amanda, I’m sorry. I almost cost you your life. And thank you... for taking such good care of Charles." He apologized and thanked her with absolute sincerity.Amanda remained silent. Howard didn't push her.It wasn't until Howard’s assistant, Peter, arrived that Benjamin finally led Amanda away.The moment they left, Howard couldn't wait to instruct his assistant: "Peter, go find out which country Amanda just returned from."Peter looked at him with concern. "Mr. Ashford, you’re injured and need rest. I’ll have someone else look into it."Howard shook his head. "I don't trust anyone else with this. Go yourself. Keep it discreet—do not let Benjamin find out."Amanda would have certainly settled Fanny somewhere safe before returning to the country. Tara was out looking for medicine, b
Squelch...It was the sound of flesh being torn open.The dagger in Dominic’s hand plunged deep into Howard’s shoulder."Ugh..." Howard let out a muffled groan. After a momentary flash of numbness, a soul-tearing pain surged through him.Time seemed to freeze in that instant.By the time Calvin reacted, he delivered a furious kick that sent Dominic sprawling to the ground. No one had anticipated that he had a hidden blade concealed up his sleeve.Despite his burly frame hitting the dirt, Dominic laughed hysterically. He stared at Howard with eyes full of hatred. "Howard... even if I die, I’m dragging you down with me!"Two SWAT officers lunged forward, pinning him down and beginning a thorough body search to ensure he had no other hidden weapons.Seeing that his son was unharmed, Howard managed a weak smile. "Charles, don't cry... Daddy’s here."Calvin looked at the dagger protruding from his back and said, "Mr. Ashford, Amanda is outside. I’ll call her in immediately."Howard shook h
"Hello!" Howard answered the call instantly."Hehe... Howard. If you want to save your son, give me a hundred million. I want to see the money within an hour, or I’ll kill him. I have your mother to thank for letting me know you had a son—he’s become my greatest leverage."Dominic’s laugh was wicked and distorted. Howard’s face darkened, his eyes swirling with a murderous intent so thick it was palpable."Dominic, if a single hair on my son’s head is harmed, I will take you down to hell with me." Death held no terrors for Howard. He had long wanted to join Fanny in the afterlife.But his son was alive. He couldn't leave him behind. If the boy lost his father too, his life would be too pitiful."Hehe... even if you want to die, I’m not coming with you. As long as you give me the money, I won't touch the boy. I want cash. One hour. Once the money is ready, I’ll tell you where to drop it. Don't call the police. You know the consequences if you do."The line went dead. Howard’s gaze was l
He was heavy, and the weight of his body made it hard for Amanda to breathe. She pressed her hands against his firm chest and whispered, "Get off... I can’t breathe."Benjamin shifted his powerful frame slightly, his muscles tensing as he moved up. He stared into her eyes, his voice low and insistent. "Say what you just said again."He was impatient, almost desperate. Hearing her say that he was the most important person in her life had caused every cell in his body to vibrate with pure, unadulterated joy. It was the thrill of being truly acknowledged by the person he loved.Amanda shot him a playful glare. In this moment, he looked like a child who had finally been given a piece of candy."I don't remember," she said, her face flushing crimson as she turned to look out the window. She had only said it because the mood was right; now that he was teasing her, she wasn't going to satisfy him so easily.Benjamin let out a low, delighted chuckle. He leaned down, his breath hot against her
It had been four months. For four long months, Brad had not seen a trace of Tara.At first, he thought he could handle the distance, but gradually, he realized that the quiet girl had taken root in his heart. Every night before sleep, he found himself dissecting their relationship. Tara had been running away from him, and he had been chasing her relentlessly.He had wanted to give her space. After their last conversation, she had asked for time to think. He gave her that time, but then she vanished. No one knew where she was—except Amanda.The moment he returned from a business trip and heard Amanda was back, he had rushed over without stopping to breathe.Amanda’s eyes flickered with a trace of anxiety. "I haven't had any news of her for a month either."She, too, was searching for Tara.Brad’s breath hitched, a sharp pain radiating through his chest. "Tell me. Where exactly did she go?" his voice rasped with frantic urgency.Amanda sat down, cradling little Charles. "I sent her to t
Benjamin flatly refused to let the children join them. His fingers gently traced the silken strands of her hair as he spoke, his voice low and possessive. "This time, it’s just for us. We’ll take the kids next time—maybe just for a weekend."Seeing his persistence, Amanda didn't push. "Fine. When I have a gap in my schedule, I’ll go with you. I’m going to wash up now."She slipped out of bed, leaving Benjamin to watch her retreating figure. His heart ached at how thin she had become; she looked as fragile as porcelain.Inside the bathroom, Amanda stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her face was pale, almost sickly, and a prominent scar sat on her forehead. The mark had faded significantly, but it was a permanent reminder of the night she was swept away by the jagged rocks of the river.At that moment, she hadn't cared about the pain.She remembered the impact—the car slamming into them, the searing pain in her leg. As they plunged into the freezing depths, her only instinct had be







