One day, Wendy discovered that her husband Stanley was having an affair.He had been seeing a college student.It was Stanley's birthday. Wendy had prepared a table full of dishes early in the day. Just then, she heard a notification from his phone.Ding!He had left his phone at home. Wendy switched it on and saw a text from the college student.[I hurt myself when I was carrying the cake. It hurts so much.]Attached was a selfie—not of the sender's face, but of her legs. The girl in the photo wore pulled-up white socks, black leather shoes, and a blue-and-white skirt that had been pushed up to reveal her long, slender legs. Her pale knees were visibly reddened from the bump. The youthful, vibrant image of her body paired with coquettish words exuded a forbidden allure.People often say successful businessmen like Stanley favored this type of woman when choosing mistresses.Wendy clutched the phone tightly, her fingers turning white from the pressure.Ding!Another text ca
Wendy was also staring at him. Her tone was light but firm as she repeated, "Let's get a divorce, Stanley. Do you like your birthday gift?"Stanley didn't bat an eyelid. "You're asking for a divorce just because I didn't celebrate my birthday with you?""Jessica has returned, hasn't she?" At the mention of Jessica, Stanley's thin lips curled into a faint, mocking smile. He took a step forward, closing the distance between them. "Are you bothered by Jessica?"Stanley, known as the youngest business prodigy alive, exuded an aura of power, wealth, and status. As he approached, Wendy instinctively stepped back, her slender back pressing against the cold wall.Her vision went dark as Stanley leaned in. He propped one hand against the wall beside her, trapping her between his firm chest and the wall.Looking down at her with his deep, striking eyes, Stanley sneered."Everyone in Hovendale knows Jessica was the one I intended to marry. Weren't you aware when you schemed to replace her
Stanley's thin lips curved into a frosty arc. "Wendy, get back here immediately!"Wendy chuckled. "You expect me to come back just because you said so? We're divorced, Stanley. I'm not going to continue indulging you!"Stanley clenched his jaw. "I'll give you a chance to rewrite the reason for divorce!"Wendy's tone grew more playful. "Did I write anything wrong? Stanley, it's been six months since you woke up, hasn't it? Yet, in these six months, you haven't even held my hand. You were in a coma for three years, and although you're physically healthy now, I have legitimate reasons to believe you've developed functional problems. You're not potent anymore! Better hurry to find an experienced naturopath. As our parting gift, I wish you an early recovery of your manhood!"Stanley was rendered speechless. The veins on his forehead were visibly twitching.This woman was out of control."Wendy, I'll make you regret this! You'll know what I'm capable of sooner or later!""Sorry, but
Wendy arrived.After finishing their shopping spree at the mall, Cecelia brought Wendy directly to 1996 Bar. Tonight, she was determined to throw a celebration party for Wendy.Wendy hadn't expected to run into Stanley and his friends here, but she could hear their mocking remarks.She recognized Benny and the others in the luxury booth. They were part of Stanley's circle, and Benny was Stanley's close friend. Back when Stanley had a whirlwind romance with Jessica, they were all fans of Jessica, with Benny even regarding her as Stanley's future wife.Over the past three years, Wendy had never truly integrated into their group. None of them ever accepted her.The labels they plastered on her were always the same: desperate substitute bride, ugly duckling, country bumpkin, and the like.When a man didn't love you, his friends wouldn't respect you either.Cecelia, already fuming, rolled up her sleeves, ready to confront them. "I'm going to tear their mouths apart!"Wendy quickly h
Wendy furrowed her brows. "What did I do?"Stanley clenched his jaw. "Who told you to dress like this?"'What? Like this?' she wondered. "What do you mean, Stanley?!"Stanley glanced at her ultra-short skirt. "Your thighs are almost exposed. Do you really want people to see your legs like this?"Wendy's skirt was a bit short, but it was Cecelia's choice.Cecelia's exact words were, "My dearest Wendy doesn't show her legs, but look at how Jessica flaunts hers. Tonight, let everyone see who has the best legs in Hovendale."Wendy raised her finely arched eyebrows. "Looks like Mr. Hawk noticed my legs."Stanley paused.Wendy leaned back against the wall, appearing languid and graceful. She slowly lifted her right leg, her crystal-high heel brushing against his ankle.Stanley had on black trousers, showcasing his long, muscular legs, exuding an aura of coldness and restraint.Wendy's pale foot gently grazed up his ankle, moving provocatively along his calf. It was an act of seduct
Benny was stunned. '16 years old?'The reason people in Benny's social circle held Jessica in such high regard wasn't just because of her beauty. It was also because of her exceptional academic achievements. She was a high achiever at a prestigious university, someone unmatched even among Hovendale's socialites.She deserved to be with Stanley.For any woman, beauty alone was a dead end. Beauty combined with education was the real trump card. The higher the social class, the more they valued a woman's education.Benny's initial admiration for Wendy vanished instantly. His tone became dismissive. "Wendy, did you seriously drop out of school at 16?"Wendy glanced at Jessica, who stood there with pride, and smiled faintly. "Yes, I did stop studying at 16."Benny sneered, "Well, what a coincidence. Stanley also stopped studying at 16. But he's a true prodigy, earning dual master's degrees from Harfield at that age and making history. And you? Dropped out of high school with nothing t
Jessica smiled, her heart filled with sweetness. She leaned into Stanley's embrace, then tilted her delicate, radiant face to look up at him. "I knew it—you can't bear to let me go. You would never leave me."Stanley, as Hovendale's wealthiest man, exuded an air of elegance and strength that could dictate the rise and fall of fortunes. He fulfilled every fantasy she had about what a man should be.But three years ago, when he had been in a car accident and declared a vegetative state, with doctors pronouncing he would never wake again, how could she waste the prime of her youth on a man like that?So, she had fled.Who could have predicted that Wendy, who married him in her place, would somehow help Stanley wake up within three years?Even now, Jessica didn't understand how Stanley recovered. Could Wendy's fortune be aligned perfectly with his?Doctors called it a medical miracle.So, Jessica returned. She knew Stanley loved her—he would never truly abandon her.Stanley looke
Stanley's genius junior had directly rejected his friend request!At that moment, Zayn walked in with a cup of coffee. When he saw the screen on Stanley's phone, he was stunned. 'Did someone actually reject the CEO's friend request?'This was certainly something out of the ordinary."Sir, your junior is…quite special," Zayn said.Stanley scoffed. 'Special indeed.'She was the first person to reject him. If she didn't want to add him, so be it. Stanley picked up the coffee and took a sip, only to frown."Is the coffee not to your liking, sir? I'll make another cup," Zayn asked.Stanley suddenly remembered the coffee Wendy used to make—it was always just right for his taste.With an impassive expression, Stanley said, "Write an eight-figure check. That's my divorce settlement for Wendy."She said she wanted to leave with nothing, but he didn't believe it for a second. A girl from the countryside who had stopped schooling at sixteen—how would she make a living? She was just pla
The kidnappers and Cary exchanged glances. Their composure finally cracked."Mr. Hawk, I'll talk!" Cary was the first to speak.Stanley's lips curled into a faint smile. "Good. Then speak. Who sent you? Who ordered all of this?"Cary swallowed hard. "Mr. Hawk, someone offered a large sum of money to buy the baby in Wendy's womb. That person is—"But before he could finish the name, Cary suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood.Stanley's expression changed instantly. "Someone! Get in here!"A medical team rushed into the room to check on him.Before they could finish, the rest of the kidnappers began to spit up blood as well, collapsing to the floor one by one.One of the doctors stood up, his face grave. "Mr. Hawk, it's no use. They've been poisoned. None of them will be able to speak."Stanley's sharp, chiseled features darkened with cold fury. Zayn leaned in and muttered, "Mr. Hawk, looks like the person behind all this made their move ahead of time. Once the job was done,
Stanley furrowed his brow, shaking his head in denial. "It can't be Jessica."Glinda snorted, clearly unconvinced. "Do you trust her that much?""It's not about trusting her," Stanley replied quickly, his voice firm. "It's that she wouldn't have a reason to do something like that. The child Wendy is carrying is Samuel's, and Jessica doesn't have a beef with Samuel. Why would she go through all this trouble to get rid of Samuel's child? Doesn't that logic seem off to you?"Glinda's eyes sharpened, and she smirked. "Yes, it's true that Jessica wouldn't have any reason to harm Samuel's child—unless, of course, the child Wendy's carrying isn't actually Samuel's, right?"Stanley froze, his mind catching up with her words. He looked at Glinda and Halsey, confusion growing in his eyes. "What exactly are you trying to say?"Both Glinda and Halsey were well aware of Stanley's misunderstanding regarding the child Wendy was carrying. He had always believed it wasn't his.Now, they decided
Stanley stood there, silent, feeling like a rat in the street—everyone was out to get him now.Nobody wanted him around."Grandma, I just want to see Wendy," he said softly.Glinda sighed, her patience worn thin. "Fine. Just one look."Stanley sat down at the edge of the bed, his gaze fixed on Wendy's delicate face. Without thinking, he reached out to touch her.Glinda swatted his hand away with a sharp smack, glaring at him. "I only said you could look, not touch!"Stanley fell silent, withdrawing his hand. "What did the doctor say? How's the baby? Is it alright?"Glinda shot him a sharp look. "Thanks for your concern. Wendy and the baby are both fine."Stanley pressed his lips together, absorbing the information in silence.Glinda's voice softened, but her words were pointed. "Wendy's pregnant now. Don't you want to be a father?"The room fell quiet, her words barely a whisper as she asked him under the soft glow of the lights. Stanley hesitated, his expression unreadable
Lilian's expression was grim, but she squeezed Jessica's hand reassuringly. "Don't be scared. Trust me, the kidnappers and the doctor won't betray us."-Stanley arrived at Wendy's VIP ward, his heart pounding. He reached for the door, eager to see her, but Halsey blocked his path before he could enter.She stood firmly in front of him. "You can't go in!"Stanley frowned, frustration rising. "Move. I need to see her."Halsey's gaze was stern. "What's the point of seeing her now? You weren't there when she needed you most. So why bother now? I'm sure she doesn't want to see you either."Stanley pressed his lips together in silence.Halsey's voice softened, but her words were sharp. "I really don't know what kind of spell Jessica has cast on you. Why are you always on her side? You've hurt Wendy so badly this time."Stanley's voice cracked with emotion. "Bebe, you don't understand.""True, I don't understand," Halsey replied. "But how am I supposed to understand when you never t
Stanley lifted his gaze to Glinda, his voice uncertain. "Grandma..."Halsey turned to Stanley, her expression sharp. "Stanley, has someone been feeding you lies? Was it her?" She pointed at Jessica.Jessica, looking guilty, stammered, "I—"Halsey quickly connected the dots. "I knew it! Jessica must've said something to you, making you think the child inside Wendy isn't yours, right?"Glinda opened her mouth to speak, but Halsey pulled her aside urgently. "Mrs. Glinda, let's go." "But..." Glinda hesitated."Just trust me. Let's go!" Halsey insisted, pulling her toward the door.As they reached the doorway, Halsey turned to Stanley, her voice cold. "Someone kidnapped Wendy. They took her into surgery, trying to forcefully terminate her pregnancy!"Stanley froze, shock running through him. "What did you just say?"Halsey gave a bitter laugh. "We don't know who exactly wanted to end her pregnancy, but..." She gave Jessica and Lilian a pointed glance. "We've already caught the
Glinda snapped at Lilianm "And you—how dare you even talk to me! You seduced your late husband's brother and plotted against your own daughter! Jessica and you sure have a lot in common. Today, I'll deal with both of you!"Glinda's cane struck Lilian with a sharp thud.Lilian and Jessica were battered relentlessly, each blow like a thunderstorm. Both of them cried in pain, unable to hold back their tears.Halsey, standing nearby, watched the scene unfold, almost ready to applaud. Truly, Glinda was something else—she knew exactly how to handle things with violence.Glinda, exhausted from the outburst, finally paused and turned to Stanley. "Do you realize what you've done?"Stanley, his voice cool, replied, "Grandma, if you want to hit me, just say so. No need to make up excuses."Glinda was left speechless.Halsey, watching Stanley, pressed him, "Do you know what happened to Wendy?"Wendy? Stanley's tall, strong frame tensed in an instant. "What could happen to her? We saw h
"Mr. Hawk, Jessica gets really clingy when her heart acts up. Just stay with her, okay?" Lilian said.Stanley pressed his lips together. He had been feeling a growing sense of unease since they entered the hospital. The feeling was becoming harder to shake.He reached for his phone, only to find his pocket empty. It suddenly hit him—he had forgotten to bring his phone when he rushed Jessica to the hospital.He hadn't even brought it with him.Stanley looked at Jessica, his voice soft. "Your mom can keep you company. I still have some paperwork to finish, but I'll come back first thing in the morning.""No!" Jessica immediately flung herself at him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "I don't want my mom with me. I want you, Stanley! Stay with me!"Stanley raised his hand, about to gently push her away.At that moment, a cold voice rang out from the door. "You brat!"Stanley turned to see Glinda standing in the doorway. He froze, shocked to see his grandmother here. "Grandma,
Glinda and Cyril had finally arrived!Halsey was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face. She was utterly terrified. If they had been even a second later, the child in Wendy's womb would have been lost. The thought of it still sent chills down Halsey's spine, making her legs feel weak with fear."Mrs. Glinda! Dad!" Glinda immediately rushed into the operating room. Seeing Wendy, she took her hand, her voice thick with emotion. "Wendy, it's me! I'm here!"Wendy's face was as pale as a sheet, drained of all color. She had been holding on by sheer willpower, but when she saw Glinda, her entire body seemed to relax. Her white, tear-streaked eyes closed, and she whispered through her cracked lips, "Grandma."Glinda tightened her grip on Wendy's cold hand. "It's okay, it's okay. Don't be afraid. I'll make sure no one hurts you or my first great-grandchild!"Wendy nodded faintly before closing her eyes, falling into a deep sleep.Cyril checked Wendy's pulse. After a few
Dwight's face remained emotionless. "What if I insist on getting involved?"One of the men in black charged toward him. "You're asking for trouble!"Dwight quickly released Halsey's hand, his voice sharp. "Stay in the corner and don't move!"Halsey knew she couldn't be of any help. All she could do was pray for Cyril and Glinda to arrive soon. She nodded. "Okay. Be careful!"As the man in black lunged at Dwight, he kicked out with one long leg, sending the man crashing to the floor.The other four men saw Dwight's impressive skill, exchanging glances before charging at him with snarls of aggression.Halsey stood off to the side, watching Dwight effortlessly handle the five attackers. His lean, cool figure moved fluidly among them, never faltering for a moment.Dwight's fighting skills were exceptional. His muscles, hidden beneath his clothes, were coiled with power, and every punch he threw caused the veins in his arms to bulge. His sharp features, along with his buzzed haircut,