Landon spent a single, sleepless night at the hospital. He worked tirelessly, making phone calls to arrange a press conference and contacting renowned psychiatrists and psychologists worldwide, all to secure the best treatment for Lauren.Cornelius, however, seemed determined to overwhelm Landon. He disregarded Landon's well-being and dumped nearly all the company's affairs on him. Jordan could only watch helplessly, on the verge of tears.The next morning, while receiving an IV drip, Landon received a call from Angelina. Upon hearing that Lauren was more stable, he yanked the needle out immediately. Then, he got up and headed out the door as he threw on his black coat. "Jordan, get the car!" "Mr. Landon, waiting for the medication to finish wouldn't delay your visit!" Jordan exclaimed. Landon's suffering was evident. He'd lost a significant amount of weight in just two or three days, and it pained Jordan to see him like that."I'll be fine," Landon replied tersely, already st
Landon's mind conjured images of Cornelius' cruel words, tearing down the happiness he'd fought so valiantly for. Watching Landon's face pale in panic, tears welling in his eyes, Ben felt a pang of guilt. Even so, he could only say in a low voice, "Mr. Landon, I'm sure you're very familiar with Ms. Lauren's condition. "Mr. Newton never intended to marry her off, as marriage isn't suitable for her. With Mr. Newton, Mr. Jasper, and Ms. Alyssa, she has all the care she needs for life.""Rather than being somebody's wife, Ms. Lauren is more suited to live a carefree life with the Becketts. You're not wrong, though. One could only say that this was a destined meeting, but not one meant to last."When you get back home, don't make things awkward with your family. Mr. Newton doesn't expect you to fight against them. Let's just put an end to things here. At least you've got beautiful memories to look back upon. Don't you think so?" Ben knew how cruel his words were toward Landon, who w
After a night of excessive partying, Betty was woken up by a waitress in the washroom. She didn't even have time to clean up the filth from the lower part of her body before she slipped out through the back door. By the time she stumbled out, the sun was high in the sky. It was already the next afternoon. In no condition to return to Seaview Manor looking like a mess, Betty returned to her exclusive suite at the Berenike Hotel to scrub away the remnants of the previous night. Vivid memories of her encounter with the muscular model kept replaying in her mind."Damn," she thought, "size really does matter."It was a shame she hadn't exchanged contact information with him. She would have enjoyed a repeat performance.Once cleaned up and dressed in fresh clothes provided by a staff member, Betty was once again the picture of a refined lady. She instructed her driver to take her back to Seaview Manor.Upon entering, she heard voices coming from the living room."Do we have visitors
Orlander boomed with laughter, his voice radiating warmth and generosity. "My son has been smitten with Lauren since school! After seeing her again at the Schmidt's cocktail party, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Freddy genuinely cares for Lauren. Your concerns are unfounded!"Minnie chimed in, "Exactly! You could say Freddy and Lauren are childhood sweethearts!"Betty scoffed inwardly. Childhood sweethearts indeed, except Lauren wasn't Freddy's sweetheart.Javier's frown eased upon hearing their words.The Hodgsons then left Seaview Manor in their luxury car. Orlander and Minnie sat together, with Freddy facing them. "It seems Mr. Javier has a favorable impression of you." Orlander sat with his legs crossed. He had now come round. In a more relaxed tone, he remarked, "While Lauren may not be your social equal, you're right—marrying her would boost my chances in future elections. Moreover, your career prospects would certainly improve as Javier's son-in-law."Though Fre
Betty's breath hitched. The sight of Jasper was like a predator spotting its prey, sending a primal jolt of fear through her. She longed to disappear, to vanish into some dark, forgotten corner.Javier shot Jasper a cold glance before rising and approaching them. "Dad, why didn't you tell me that you were coming? I could have welcomed you properly." "I'm not a guest here; I'm returning to my own home. I don't need a grand welcome," Newton replied sarcastically, his tone laced with disdain for Javier. Their strained relationship was palpable.Javier's expression darkened at his father's sharp retort. It was a clear reminder that Seaview Manor belonged to Newton, not him—just because he lived there, it didn't mean that he owned the place. "Grandpa, I heard that Lauren has been recuperating at your place. How is she? Is she feeling better?" Betty hurried over and stood behind Javier. She immediately made herself look like she was showing concern for her sister. "Lauren is doing mu
Betty continued, "Jasper can't just pin everything on me because of what happened before! I won't take the blame!"Jasper, even if you want to confront someone about what happened to Lauren, you should start with the Harpers! Are you trying to stir up more trouble at home?" Javier glared at Jasper angrily, clearly siding with Betty.In truth, he wasn't particularly fond of Betty.What angered him was the fact that Jasper and Newton were singing the same tune. They looked like they were trying to sideline him as the head of the family. He couldn't stand it."Landon will handle the Harpers. As for our side, there's no need for you two to worry. I'll take care of it."Jasper's icy gaze returned to Betty's face. "Betty, I'll ask you one last time. Did you give Lauren's diagnosis report to the Harpers?""No! It has nothing to do with me!" Betty glared with crimson eyes, adamantly denying her involvement."Very well."Jasper raised his voice. "Xavier."Xavier, who had been waiting o
Finally, Betty completely broke down. She slumped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably. "Yes... It was me..."Everyone was stunned.Javier was dumbfounded. "What did you say? Say that again.""Mom gave me that report. I handed it over to Zoe. That's how it got out."Betty wept tragically. With the truth exposed, she had no choice but to come clean to protect herself.Compared to the video spreading nationwide and becoming a spectacle, admitting fault seemed like the better option.In the end, she was still a member of the Beckett family. So what if she schemed against Lauren?Her father, who placed utmost importance on both his own reputation and that of the family, would undoubtedly come forward to shield her."Why would Sophia give you the diagnosis report?" Newton was so furious that he had difficulty breathing."I-I don't know... Maybe she'd gone crazy from all the drugs she took.""You used Sophia's notorious behavior as leverage, threatening her to give you something t
Betty's face at this moment was even paler than a sheet.Asking her to apologize to that dumbo on her knees was a fate worse than death.She immediately looked toward Newton, but his face was full of anger. He didn't even bother to make eye contact with her. It seemed he was determined to abandon her.Seeing Newton ignore her completely, she then kneeled before Javier. She clung to his legs, pleading desperately with tears streaming down her face, "Dad! I know I was wrong... I'll never do it again."Exiling me from Solana City and not allowing me to be by your side is already cruel punishment! I'm your daughter too. Don't I deserve any respect? Will he only be satisfied when he drives me to my death? Dad!"Her desperate cry sounded like she was the one being bullied.Frowning, Javier wanted to pull her up. After all, it was quite undignified to have so many helpers watching this scene. But Betty clung to his legs like a parasite. He probably couldn't kick her off, even if he trie