As a mother, she naturally wished for both her children to be healthy and well.But after everything they'd been through, Jasmine had grown increasingly disheartened.Not only had fate failed to show kindness to her children, it had also forced her to learn how to endure such a life.She could accept it that she was already getting on in years.But her children were still so young, especially her daughter. Why did she have to endure all this?The thought alone made Jasmine ache inside.Her youngest daughter was a wound she'd never be able to heal from in this lifetime.And seeing her son like this, she could guess something must have gone wrong out there.Jasmine sat down quietly beside Leonard."Sweetheart, there's no hardship that can't be overcome. When things feel overwhelming, try not to overthink. Everything will pass."She didn’t ask what had happened—she knew her son well. He had always been measured and had his own judgment, no matter what he did.All she could do now was he
After all, he had no identity or standing.Once he figured that out, a trace of desolation flickered in Leonard's eyes.He parted his lips but ended up saying nothing."I understand."With his gaze lowered, Leonard no longer looked anything like the carefree man he was before.He had come to a clear realization. It was inappropriate for him to be here now.Not just because of his identity, but because of where he stood.If he really wanted to visit Grace, he could only come along when the staff were free.Other than that, he was nothing.Leonard set everything down and gestured to Lucas to bring them along later."You're right. I'll leave for now. If there's a chance, I’ll come by to visit Madam Grace."Lucas said nothing but gave a slight nod.That was enough. He would bring the items over and pass on the message.In the end, Leonard turned and left.He thought—surely, he’d have a chance someday.He was hopeful.Under the sunlight, Leonard's figure looked a little lonely.But Lucas f
Melvin let out a snort and gave his son a light kick. "Relax. Even I wouldn't go that far as to commit a crime."Joseph chuckled. "Just trying to lighten the mood.""Don’t worry, I’d never actually do anything illegal. I’m a law-abiding citizen, you know."Melvin smiled. "You little punk, stop trying to joke your way through everything.""What I want is simple—I'm assigning you a position in the company. You’re to start immediately and work from the ground up. One step at a time. No shortcuts. No slacking."Joseph stood there, stunned.He couldn’t believe it had been resolved so easily. Had he really just reached an agreement with his father like that?If it had been this simple all along, why had things between them become so tense before?That thought made Joseph feel a little guilty.He quickly nodded and promised, "Don’t worry, Dad. I know you have your reasons, and I’ll take it seriously. I’ll work hard.""Then I..." He lowered his head, unsure how to bring it up.Melvin waved hi
But as time went on, Judy began to realize that kind of life wasn’t sustainable either—it was far too aimless and empty.So, she signed up for both a dance class and a finance course, keeping herself busy and fulfilled every day.As for Joseph, it wasn’t that he didn’t want to see her; he genuinely couldn’t find the time.Melvin watched over him like a prison warden, tracking his every move, leaving him with virtually no freedom.By now, Joseph was starting to hate the idea of going back to that so-called home. The place reeked of schemes and manipulation.To Melvin, his son’s happiness meant absolutely nothing if it didn’t serve a purpose.It was this realization that made Joseph even more certain—he wanted to be with Judy.Others only wanted him for his wealth, but Judy was different.All these years, she had stayed by his side with sincerity, hard work, and zero selfish motives.And yet, simply because of her background, his parents had never approved of her.Still, the two of them
"You beast... if you have the guts, just kill me already..."Lily was truly worn down by the torment, so much so that she no longer wanted to live.But it turned out movies were all lies. She had been trying to bite her tongue and end it for a while now, but nothing happened. She didn’t even manage to pass out, let alone die.That thought left her even more defeated.After all this time, she had grown numb to it.There were even moments when she no longer wanted to escape. Life felt meaningless. She figured death would be easier than to be tortured like this.But Julian had no intention of letting her die."My sweet Lily, you’re my precious one. How could I just stand by and let you die?"As he spoke, Julian leaned in, pressing his body tightly against hers.Lily resisted like a defiant child, always choosing the path no one wanted.Even though Julian forced his will on her, time would eventually blur the lines.To him, Lily had always been more of a plaything than anything else.
Julian walked step by step toward the basement, a dark, unreadable smile on his face.The woman inside had been dazed and lifeless, but the moment she saw Julian, her eyes snapped into focus. The chains binding her clanked sharply as she stirred. Her mouth had been stuffed with a cloth, completely silencing her, only her eyes could move. Her body was barely covered by a couple of scraps of fabric, nothing else.At the sight, the desire in Julian’s eyes nearly overflowed, especially when he saw her barely clothed, as if she had been waiting there just for him.Her body was marked with bruises, blue and purple. Her gaze had once been void of emotion, but now, facing Julian, hatred burned in her eyes.Julian let out a cold laugh and gripped her chin tightly. "What? Can’t stand the sight of me?""Why are you looking at me like that?"The woman had a striking, radiant beauty, and if one looked closely, she bore a certain resemblance to Aurora. Not only that, she carried the same kind o