I glanced at Irvin.I couldn't help feeling the corpse before us wasn't Julianne's. I believed she had faked her death and that Irvin had helped her do so.Hence, when I saw how red and swollen his eyes were, I sneered. He was putting up such a good act.Irvin seemed to know the reason behind my sneer. However, he wasn't comfortable speaking while the police were still present. Thus, he didn't say anything to me and instead turned to my parents."Henry, Catherine, please don't be like this. It's not Emi's fault. It was just an accidentâĶ" Irvin teared up when he mentioned the last part."Accident? Impossible!" Mom exclaimed. "This wasn't an accident! It's that bitch's fault that Lianne is dead. It was Emiliaâ" An idea seemed to come to her mind as she spoke because in the next second, she grabbed onto one of the officers and pointed at me."That's rightâIt was her. She did it! Getting Lianne imprisoned wasn't enough for herâshe wanted her dead too! So when she heard Lianne was r
Cordelia heard about Julianne's death after she returned from vacation. She also learned I was in denial about it.Because of this, she told me that while love and hate were completely opposite emotions, they actually weren't very different.Loving someone too much would lead one to do anything to ensure the person was happy. Then, if the person suddenly passed away, it would feel unbearable. One would feel the person shouldn't and couldn't have died just like that.On the other hand, hating someone too much would have one doing everything to make the person suffer. And if they abruptly died, one would lose the target of your vengefulness. Similarly, one would also be in disbelief over their death.Cordelia claims this was the reason I felt Julianne wasn't dead.I was at a loss for words.What she said made some sense. However, my hatred toward Julianne hadn't reached the point where it was all-consuming. I justâĶ"Oh, come on! Stop thinking about her!" Cordelia exclaimed, interr
Leaning back in my seat, I smiled and replied, "Nope."I had finally gotten out of one fire pit, so I definitely didn't want to jump back into another. In fact, I hadn't thought about dating at all.Noah smiled and was about to say something. But then, I quickly added, "But there's no harm in having a little fun."Just because I didn't want to get into another relationship didn't mean I couldn't fool around with handsome men. Life was hard, so I might as well enjoy what it had to offer whenever there was a chance. Besides, what woman didn't like to check out good-looking men?The car came to a stop before Noah could think of a response. As I stepped outside, I received a call from the lab.Although I hadn't officially started grad school yet, I was already logging hours in the lab by helping out wherever I could. I would only start school in the spring of next year, so I had to wait until then before I could officially participate in the lab's research.I walked as I talked on th
Women always had little self-control when it came to pretty clothes, bags, and jewelry.However, when money wasn't a question, that resistance instantly evaporated because they could buy whatever they wanted.Originally, Cordelia and I had gone out to shop for outfits to wear on our upcoming vacation. But in the end, we got carried away and also bought everything elseâvarious gold and diamond jewelry, hair accessories, and even food and drinks.Our arms were bursting with bags. And although Noah insisted he didn't want anything, we also bought plenty of things for himâespecially clothes.Noah was insanely good-looking and naturally blessed with model-like body proportions. He looked so good in everything he tried on that we couldn't help having it all wrapped up.Just as we were about to give in and make more purchases for him, we heard someone yelling."Emilia, you bitch! How dare you spoil your boy toy with Irvin's money!"It was Simone. She was marching toward me, but my body
Quinton sneered when he saw the large stack of documents by Irvin's hand."Look at yourself, Irvin. Not only are you allowing your hard-earned money to be spent on another man, but now you're even slaving away to support that man's family! Since when did you become such a benevolent lover!"Irvin didn't say anything as he stared at the photos. However, the pen in his right hand was about to snap from how tightly he was gripping it.He had a rebellious nature, so he had never been submissive or tolerant. However, he no longer had the choice or right to behave that way anymore. Thus, he could only endure until I regained my memories."I know you feel guilty because she had been gravely injured. I'm also aware you're trying to make things up to her because of it, but do you really have to go about it this way? Are you really going to just watch her love another man and be happy with him?"All the money you're earning now is going toward supporting her life with another man. What happ
Irvin knew doing so would only drive me further away, so he had to wait patiently until I regained my memories. Once I did and remembered my love for him, things would then return to how they should rightfully be.Besides, he believed he deserved to be punished and should suffer every time he recalled the photos of my injuries. So, in the end, his rationality overcame the beast within him."I can't lock her upâdoing so would only drive her further away from me. Emi is only being so resolute because she has lost her memories. She'll remember how much she loved me when she regains them. And once that happens, she'll definitely return to my side!" Irvin declared.A lightbulb turned on in Quinton's head when he heard this. The things he hadn't understood suddenly became clear to him."So that's why she's suddenly acting so heartless toward you! It's because she's lost her memories!" Quinton exclaimed. "I was wondering how she could have such a drastic change of heart. He confidently
Cordelia obliviously threw her arms around Noah's neck while he was lost in thought."What are you daydreaming about, Noah? It's time to board the plane!" she said.She was eager to hit the beach after reading travel blogs the previous night. However, while others read travel blogs to know where the scenic spots are, the blogs she read were on where to find handsome guys. Hence, her eagerness to hit the beach was fueled by the rumor of Daiti being full of chiseled studs.The flight from Claudeville to Daiti was about ten hours long. We all slept soundly during the long flight, so we weren't tired when we landed.We changed into our beachwear upon arriving at the hotel.Cordelia was about to lead us to the beach when Noah received a call. It seemed something had happened at home, and he had to head back.She was about to say the Lowell household was fine but then realized he was referring to his birth familyâthe Ashfords. It had to be serious given how he needed to leave right awa
I would have immediately ran off to get help if I didn't know how to swim. And if he didn't survive because of this, I wouldn't have it on my conscience as I would know I had tried my best.I definitely wouldn't be standing here hesitating as I struggled with myself.Because I didâI knew how to swim.I had seen a psychologist after I nearly drowned in the pond last time. Thus, I was no longer afraid of the water and could swim again. That being said, I wasn't sure if I could save him. While I had regained the ability to swim, I no longer had the same confidence or stamina.A large wave dragged the man further out to sea while I struggled to make a decision. I realized then that it wouldn't matter if I wanted to save himâI wouldn't be able to if he drifted out any further.Thus, I steeled myself and jumped into the water.I had been lucky enough to be saved every time I was in a life-threatening situation. Because of this, I was eternally grateful that someone had chosen to save m
Emma was also quite smart. Once she calmed down, she immediately understood what I meant. She wanted to say something, but I had already opened the car door and pushed her out.Seeing several people swimming toward us, I shoved her again, urging her to leave quickly.In the face of life and death, survival would become an instinct for everyone. So even though she didn't wish me harm or want to leave me behind, she swam away with tears in her eyes. Not long after she left, those so-called "rescuers" surrounded me.When they noticed someone had swum away, they exchanged hand signals underwater, planning to send some after her and others to capture me. Realizing this, I quickly pointed at myself, trying to tell them that I was the one they were looking for. Then I turned and swam in the opposite direction, hoping to lure them away and buy her more time to escape. But even though they understood my gesture, they didn't believe me. They still sent people after her.They were very
There was only one road from the airport to the city, and William's car was right behind ours.Matthew, who was driving, immediately sensed something was wrong when he saw our car suddenly accelerating at an alarming speed.He quickly said, "Mr. Ashford, something's wrong with Ms. Quill's car!"William, who was busy reading the documents, immediately looked up. His gaze darkened when he saw how recklessly the car in front was moving."Catch up with them!" he ordered. At that moment, his phone rang. It was Noah calling, and he sounded anxious on the other end. "Uncle Will, are you with Emi right now? I just heard that Madeleine is planning to kill her! "I don't know the exact plan, but I heard they're making a move on the way from the airport to the city. You need to be careful! I'm heading to the airport right now!"Noah's words made William's expression grow even darker. âĶWhile Emma was still processing the situation, I noticed something strange about the driver. If the
Just like that, we came back alive from the brink of death in an instant. It felt like we were in hell one moment and in heaven the next.Perhaps I was still too scared. So scared that even after the plane had stabilized for a while, I still couldn't find any strength in my body. I was still shaken by the fear and couldn't fully snap out of it.William was also holding me tightly the entire time, not letting go. The softness of my body in his arms stirred something in him that he couldn't describe. He instinctively didn't want to let go.It wasn't until a flight attendant knocked on the door to check on us that I finally returned to my senses.William also let go of me instantly. The sudden emptiness in his arms left him feeling rather hollow.He came to realize something, and his already deep gaze darkened even more, making it even harder to read.After the flight attendant tidied up the cabin and left, William, who had been perfectly fine and warm just moments ago, suddenly tur
The flight attendant knocked on the entrance to the suite to signal her arrival and served our meal. Then, she left swiftly.William and I were eating and discussing our AI chip factory when his face suddenly turned red. He couldn't say a word.The moment I saw that, I immediately realized what was happening and rushed over to him.I moved behind him, wrapped my arms around his abdomen, and clenched my fists. With my palm facing upward, I tightened my arms and pressed my left fist forcefully into his upper abdomen again and again, until he finally spat out the seed of a fruit.He had accidentally swallowed the seed while eating dried fruit, and it had gotten stuck in his throat.William stared at the seed he'd just coughed up, looking flustered. A man like him, who was so strong and composed, had choked while eating. He couldn't believe it had actually happened.Especially in front of me!William, who was usually composed no matter the circumstances, now had a face flushed wit
William handed me a glass of champagne and said, "I heard Grace gave you a hard time again at the airport lounge."I hummed in response, confirming it. At the mention of Grace, a thought struck me, and I turned to him. "Mr. Ashford, many of your company's products seem to compete directly with the Hardwells'."Although most of my focus had been on research, I did know a little about the business world. After all, I had a company myself. "Yes, why?" William raised an eyebrow at me."If you're planning to enter the mainland market, wouldn't the Hardwells be your biggest competitor?" I asked.Upon hearing that, William's dark eyes lit up with interest. "Are you trying to join forces with me against the Hardwells?"I knew that I couldn't hide my intentions from someone like William, so I answered honestly, "I'm just thinking ahead. I wanted to see if you had similar plans. If so, maybe we could work together in the future."Going against the Hardwells alone was definitely impossi
At the same time, the same video was also delivered to Noah's grandfather, Mr. Hull Senior."This is the woman Noah's interested in? He refused a marriage alliance with Ms. Charter because of her?" Mr. Hull Senior questioned incredulously.His butler, who had been by his side for decades, lowered his head respectfully and answered, "Yes."Mr. Hull Senior scoffed. "What kind of judgment does he have? It's no wonder he doesn't measure up to his uncle."Noah might be excellent, but at his age, William had already built up the Ashfords into the wealthiest family in Redwood. In terms of cunning or any other aspect, he was still far behind William.The loyal butler remained silent as he respectfully stood off to the side."If anyone else was still left in this family, I'd never even consider passing it to Noah!" Mr. Hull Senior exclaimed, pounding his cane hard against the floor.The Hulls had built their fortune from casinos. Their business had shady beginnings, which meant they also
Lowering her head, Grace forcibly suppressed the murderous impulse rising in her chest. When she lifted it back up, her gaze was utterly apologetic."I'm truly sorry, Ms. Quill. My friend really did misunderstand you. Tim actually dropped me off earlierâthat was why he was here," she said.Then, she turned to Lisa and said, "There's really nothing going on between Ms. Quill and Tim, Lisa. Tim was just dropping me off earlier. "When I went to the restroom, he happened to run into Ms. Quill. And because she was his brother's ex-wife, they exchanged greetings. That's all it was, so you jumped to the wrong conclusion."Plus, Ms. Quill is the one who cured Tim's legs, so we Hardwells owe her a great debt. She's definitely not a homewrecker! So, if you ever call her that again or anything of the sort, our friendship will be over!"Catching the message in Grace's gaze, Lisa immediately put on a sincere expression and apologized to me. "I'm so sorry, Ms. Quill, for completely misundersta
"Well? Say something!" the woman yelled. "If he wasn't Timothy, and you're not a homewrecker, then who was he? Can't say it, can you? Since you can't, it just proves you're a homewrecker!"You're just a social-climbing snake! You saw that the Hardwells were wealthier, so you used your dead ex-husband's likeness with Timothy as an excuse to try and latch onto them! You're so outrageous and vile!"I had never been insulted or cursed like this in my entire life. But I also didn't know how to fight back. This was yet another trouble Irvin had brought upon me, and the thought of this only made me resent him even more.Hearing the certainty in the woman's tone, the people around us began casting strange glances in my direction. After all, I hadn't said anything to defend myself, either.Just then, Grace walked over, looking regal and elegant."Stop it, Lisa. Ms. Quill isn't a homewrecker. Back then, she was just still in too much grief over the death of her ex-husband and mistook Tim fo
Irvin waited for the little boy to pick up his ball and waddle away.Then, he looked at me and said, "Let me take you to the airport first, Emi. Then, as promised, I won't appear in front of you unless absolutely necessary. We'll leave everything up to time and let it wear down the feelings we're clinging to."Things can change quickly, after all. So, why don't we just set aside what we can't solve right now? And who knowsâmaybe some time later, we'll both be able to work through these feelings again."I knew someone as stubborn as Irvin wouldn't let go of his fixation on getting back together with me over a simple plea. And since it really was time for me to leave for the airport, I didn't argue with him any further."There's no need for you to take meâmy driver is already waiting," I said.With that, I walked past him and got into my car. However, Irvin didn't leave. Instead, he followed behind my car the entire way.The sheer size of the Hardwells' affairs kept Irvin incredibl