"He is Jessica's ex-husband." Ryan understood what I meant and explained softly, "This time, it's time for her to learn her lesson."At his words, I understood.Previously, due to my grandpa's dislike, Jessica had relied on brazenness to attend family banquets at the Frost family's old mansion, so I had never met Jessica's ex-husband.Now, treating her the way she treated others, even if it caused a scene, others would only think they were having a lover's spat.I believed in the principle of not offending others unless provoked, but if she wished me dead, I wouldn't show mercy either.Seeing me lost in thought, Ryan rubbed my head gently. "Are you hurt?"I shook my head. "No."Thinking back to the scene in the room, I still felt a lingering fear, and my hands were trembling slightly.Ryan's eyes darkened, and unexpectedly, I sensed a tinge of concern from him.He patiently held me, gently rubbing my back, softly reassuring, "It's okay now. You're safe, I'm here."After a whi
I didn't hear everything clearly, but I understood clearly what he was trying to express.A part of me that had been calm for a long time almost collapsed again.Nails scraped across the palm.A subtle pain awakened a hint of rationality. "Is it dry now?"Ryan seriously ran his fingers through my hair a few times. "Yeah, it's almost done."The sound of the hairdryer disappeared, leaving the room quiet.I nodded. "Okay... thank you."Suddenly, he hugged me from behind, his lips against my ear, cautiously and ambiguously probing, "Did you hear what I said, even a little?"A proud man like him might have been apologizing like this for the first time.Different from the casually insincere "I'm sorry" in the past, this time, he had truly let go of his dignity.I wanted to surrender at this moment, but I was too afraid, afraid of repeating the same mistakes, afraid of being like a moth to a flame.Suppressing the bitterness in my heart, prompted by reason, I said, "I heard. But, R
I had grown to love what he loves.How could I feel forced?Ryan's dark eyes glittered, compelling. "Then I’m not forcing myself either. Come on, eat."I couldn't bear it. "Your stomach can’t take it.""You've been doing this for three years, can't I do it even once? You're underestimating me too much," he spoke earnestly.I lowered my eyes. "Then do as you wish."After dinner, he took the initiative to wash the dishes, and I continued to work without guilt.Unlike Jack, I would feel embarrassed if Jack washed dishes, after all, we were just ordinary friends.But him, I had taken care of him for three years. Now, if he cooked and washed the dishes, it wasn't too much."Do you have any stomach medicine?"While I was studying the style of the company's first batch of new products, Ryan rubbed his stomach and settled into the nearby sofa.I couldn't help but want to laugh. I poured a cup of medicine and placed it in front of him. "Didn't you say I was underestimating you?"His
Immediately, the house fell into a silence so profound you could hear a pin drop.Ryan's obsidian-like eyes stared at me unblinkingly, churning with unresolved emotions.The indifferent demeanor he once had towards everything seemed unsustainable now.The atmosphere became tense and oppressive.After what seemed like an eternity, he slowly got up, meticulously folding the blanket, grabbing the coat on the single sofa, draping it over his elbow, his voice low. "Sorry for disturbing you last night, I'll leave now."Unconsciously, I picked at my fingers and asked again, "The divorce certificate...""Let's talk about it later."Avoiding my gaze, Ryan's long lashes partially concealed his emotions. "Gary just called, you heard it too. I need to rush back to the company for a meeting."With those words, almost without giving me a chance to respond, he strode away with his long legs.As if afraid I would refuse him.I looked down at the floor, faintly hearing the sound of the elevat
Mrs. Shaw pulled out a chair and sat down, chin raised as she eyed me, exuding the aura of a wealthy person to its fullest."The current predicament of the Frost family, once news of cooperation with the Shaw family gets out, will naturally be resolved. But your obstruction will only hold Ryan back.""Yes, he indeed ranks among the best—appearance, family background, capability, character—there are few in Jelaston, or even nationwide, who can be compared to him. It's normal for you to hold onto him tightly.""However, you should consider if you're worthy. You, someone without even a supportive family, what do you have to secure the position of Mrs. Frost?"She spoke as if making idle chatter, but each word cut deep into my heart.I pinched my fingers and calmly replied, "Mrs. Shaw, I respect your seniority, but if you're going to blur the lines between right and wrong just for your daughter, don't blame me for being blunt."To hear her advocating displacing the original wife so b
Such a grand gesture.My gaze shifted to that cheque, where I saw a number starting with '5' and a long string of zeros. Never had I imagined that the melodramatic plots from novels would one day play out in my life. No, this was even more melodramatic than in novels. In novels, at least it was the male lead's mother who showed up with a cheque to kick out the female lead. What was happening to me?I found it utterly ridiculous. "Are you determined to get your way today?"She was determined to clear the obstacle that I represented for her beloved daughter.Mrs. Shaw remained cold and unyielding, her eyes devoid of warmth as she stared at me. "What do you think?"I picked up the check. Under her approving gaze, I tore it into pieces, dropped them lightly to the floor, and smiled. "I'm sorry to disappoint you. I don't buy into your threats and temptations!"People who had nothing left were the most frightening. The Shaw family might need to consider their reputation, but as for me,
"Sure, it's been a while. Thanks, Miss Greenwood." Mentioning that old shop made my mouth water too. It served traditional bone broth with a touch of chili and vinegar, a specialty far different from the soup bases at chain restaurants, which often included sesame paste or milk.Just as we got into the car, the real estate agent came running after us, panting. "Ms. Wilson, Miss Greenwood, please wait! The owner of the property you viewed yesterday morning has responded. They are willing to lower the rent.""Which property?" asked Jane."The one next door, the office space across the street." The agent pointed to a tall building just across the road. The rent there was higher than this one, and while Jane and I were satisfied, we hadn't seriously considered taking it.After exchanging glances, Jane spoke up, declining, "Forget it. Even if they lower it, we don't have that much capital to invest in rent right now.""They're willing to lower it to this amount." The agent held up a fe
I repeatedly told myself not to care anymore, but when I heard he was in trouble, my body acted beyond control.It seemed like over these eight years, a conditioned reflex had formed.I couldn't help it.As I grabbed my car keys and rushed out, trying to remain calm, I confirmed, "He's at St. Heart, right? I'm coming over.""Yes, VIP ward number one," replied Gary.On the way to the St. Heart Hospital, I managed to keep my composure, but my thoughts were in disarray.Although the Frost Group's current situation wasn't particularly good, it still stood as one of Jelaston's top enterprises. Moreover, there was always the possibility of a turnaround.Who would dare to openly set Ryan up at a time like this?Despite being mentally prepared, upon arriving at the ward and seeing Ryan sitting pale-faced on the bed, staring blankly out the window while doctors changed the bandages on his arms and chest wounds and applied fresh gauze, I was still somewhat taken aback.In an instant, my
"If I stopped him from coming in, the things he could do would be worse than what's happening now."Yvonne changed into a green, form-fitting long dress, adjusting her makeup and hair in front of the mirror."Then I wouldn't be able to do business at all."Georgina crossed her arms and leaned against the doorframe. "I can tell you never really intended to stop him."Yvonne glanced at her, her eyes soft and seductive.Georgina reached out and pinched her. "If I were him, I'd want to sleep with you too.""Get lost." Yvonne pushed her hand away. "Then have Lucifer handle it for me. Anyway, I don't have the authority to stop Blake. He’s a member of the Hilton family, after all."Georgina straightened up and became serious. "Are you sure?"Yvonne didn't answer, adjusting the straps of her dress as she walked out of the bathroom.Georgina smiled. "I knew you weren't serious."She draped her arm around Yvonne's shoulder as they walked out together. "Let's have a good talk. His paren
Caleb truly couldn't interfere. In fact, he hadn't planned to get too involved in Blake's affairs.Occasionally, he could play the supporting role, and that was enough.He stepped aside to make way.Georgina immediately left.Whitney slowly blinked her eyes.Georgina was her idol, and she wanted to become someone like her.Someone who had confidence in everything she did, completely unafraid of offending anyone."Let's go." Millie patted Whitney's shoulder. "If someone didn't know any better, they'd think you had feelings for Georgina. Your husband's still around. If he gets jealous, he might just smash this place to the ground."Whitney did indeed like Georgina, but it wasn't that kind of like.It was admiration and respect.Just as she was about to say something, she met Caleb's cold gaze and changed her words."I'm just worried. Blake seems to be in a bad mood."Millie told her not to worry. "Everything has its match. It's just something between men and women.""And wit
The people at Yvonne's place were all professionally trained, and later, when Georgina married Lucifer, Lucifer had even placed several of his men here.Even though Lucifer and his eldest brother were practically inseparable, he still couldn't get any information from them."Mr. Caleb, it's been a while since I've seen you out having fun."He didn't plan to ask about the people he recognized either. After all, he didn't want anyone to know that his wife had left him to come here and have fun."Blake is here. I'm afraid he might do something stupid, so I came to check on him."Everyone who came to this place knew about the situation between Blake and Yvonne.The Hilton family was not one to be provoked, especially since Yvonne was very close to Lucifer's wife.Two major families—this wasn't something they could just casually comment on.In the past, there were some who tried to "save" Yvonne, but they never showed up again.Later, everyone figured that this might be a kind of g
"Mr. Blake, my relationship with you is merely that of an owner and a guest," she said. "You come, I entertain you, but you have no right to stick your nose into my business."She could wear whatever she wanted.Even if some people had ill intentions, that was their problem.What did her choice of clothes have to do with anything?Back when Caleb and the others came to play, in the summer, she wore even less, and no one had acted inappropriately.Anyone who wanted to act out inappropriately couldn't even step foot through this door anymore.Blake didn't know what she was thinking, but just looking at her attire, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.Silently, he put the coat back over her shoulders, and said gruffly, "It's cold."Caleb found the situation amusing but remained concerned about Whitney, so he didn't smile.At least he knew that with Mrs. Scholfield around, they wouldn't dare make a scene.Otherwise, Lucifer would turn this place into ruins.The tall building
“Georgina.” Whitney took the initiative to walk over and greet her. "Haven’t seen you in ages."Georgina smiled. "Everything's ready. Let's change first. We can talk while soaking in the hot springs."Millie led Whitney to the changing rooms.Yvonne mentioned that she had important guests today and would join them later.Georgina nodded.Caleb and Blake bumped into each other at the entrance.Blake had feelings for his family, but perhaps because he lost his parents at a young age, his personality had grown colder over the years.It wasn't that he didn't care, it was just that he couldn't be like Caleb, always smiling, with a more lively temperament."Caleb.""Blake."Caleb didn't waste time with pleasantries. There was no need between relatives.He walked briskly inside.Blake followed and asked what had happened.Caleb asked the receptionist where Millie's room was.The receptionist smiled professionally. "Mr. Caleb, I'm sorry, although you hold immense power, I still c
Whitney nodded.By the time they arrived, it was already dark.But the entrance of the hot spring resort was bustling with activity.People were coming and going, and the car park at the front was filled with luxury cars.Standing at the entrance was a woman in a purple gown, her figure stunning.In such cold weather, she was only wearing a form-fitting silk dress, and although she had a mink shawl draped over her shoulders, it had started snowing mixed with rain by now.Whitney felt a chill just looking at her.Then, glancing at herself, she realized she looked round and bundled up due to her thin frame, trying to stay warm.Compared to the woman in front of her, she didn't feel the least bit feminine."Yvonne!"Millie tugged Whitney over. "I brought my sister-in-law!"Yvonne excused herself from her guests, letting someone show them in, and then turned to face Millie and Whitney.The moment Whitney met her gaze, she felt a softening in her bones.It was a natural, effort
Caleb's temples throbbed.He regretted some of the things he had done to Millie when they were younger.Whitney was a bit worried, but Millie reassured her to not worry at all.In reality, Caleb was fine.If it weren't for Whitney, she would have exposed his little scheme by now."Gilbert will be here soon.""Also, the doctor said to observe him overnight, but he'll be fine. He can be discharged tomorrow. He's not missing any limbs. Whitney, it's okay to care about your husband, but don't spoil him too much. It'll bring bad luck."Whitney had never heard anything like this before.Millie always said things that were beyond her understanding.Maybe that's the difference between being spoiled growing up and struggling just to survive."Okay."She liked Millie, just as she liked Jane and the others—they were all great girls.Millie pinched her cheek. "That's more like it."Gilbert finished work at his usual time.When he arrived at the hospital, he thought for a moment and c
"You're still trying to make me gain weight." Millie was very kind to Whitney, always speaking in her favor, so she had to support her as well. "I always thought you liked a bit of meat on someone."Caleb wanted her to eat more, gain a bit of weight, and stay healthy.This was a setup, and he wasn't sure how to respond."Only giving me vegetables?"Whitney hadn't planned on cooking meat at all, but since Millie mentioned wanting some, she made cooked some meat."You can't eat anything greasy right now, but I've made some chicken. You can have some chicken."Caleb smirked. "I'll do as you say."Millie couldn't stand it anymore and clicked her tongue a few times.But Caleb didn't give her a chance to speak. "Can't the roast pork shut you up?"Millie was so angry that she gritted her teeth. After finishing her meal, she saw Whitney still feeding Caleb.Unable to stop herself, she said, "Caleb, you've got alcohol poisoning, not a broken arm. Whitney, you should eat. The dishes ar
Whitney felt that Millie probably had some longstanding grudge with Caleb from when they were kids.Therefore, she treated Millie with respect as well.That was why she said those words.What was so great about her?Being able to cook wasn't anything extraordinary.The Hilton family's status in Yelar was such that, had it not been for her good luck in becoming Zachary's sister and getting such an opportunity, she would have likely died in some unknown gutter.As for the various daughters of affluent families surrounding Caleb—beautiful, gentle, intellectual, and so on—the list was endless.Compared to her, they were a thousand times better.And yet, she still thought that Caleb marrying her was a loss.It wasn't as exaggerated as Millie had said."Millie, please don't say that. Caleb can cook for me, too. It's nothing special."Millie was shocked.Could Caleb even cook?But when she saw Whitney's expression, she realized that the times Caleb had cooked for her when they we