"My legs can't support me anymore, so I have to use a wheelchair," Angela said softly.Bella looked a little confused, but nodded as if she understood. "Are you sick? It's okay. Everything will get better. I'll give you a lollipop…"She pulled out a brightly colored lollipop and held it out to Angela.Angela froze. No one had ever given her a lollipop before.In her younger days, she was trained by her wealthy family in refined manners and raised to marry well and focus on family duties. No one ever handed her a sugary treat like that. She had never touched something so full of artificial colors and chemicals.Angela stiffened, unsure of how to react. Bella gently placed the lollipop in her hand. "Here, try it. It's really sweet!"As Angela saw the joy blossoming on Bella's face, her lips finally curved into a soft smile.Just then, Wendy approached."Bella."Angela looked up and saw Wendy. Her body tensed. "Wendy? Is this your daughter?"Wendy hadn't expected Bella to run
At that moment, Stanley stood up. "I don't see the point in staying for dinner. I'm heading to the office."Without another word, he strode away."Stanley? Stanley!" Angela called after him.Jessica's eyes darkened as she watched Stanley leave. Over these past three years, she had hit more dead ends with him than she could count. But the more out of reach he seemed, the harder she wanted him.Now that she was the richest heiress in the world, she believed she could have him.Jessica moved closer to Angela. "Look at Stanley!"Angela was furious. "Stanley shouldn't have treated you like that. Don't worry, I'll make sure to discipline him properly when we get home.""Please don't punish Stanley anymore. I'll feel heartbroken if he gets hurt.""You're way too kind to him.""Honestly, it's not his fault. The real problem is Wendy. She came back to the Capital again, stirring things up with Stanley. Everyone knows the Hawk and Larson families are meant to be united by marriage, yet
Wendy picked up Bella in her arms. "Let's go."Bella waved her small hand at Stanley. "Goodbye, Mr. Handsome.""Goodbye," Stanley replied softly.With that, Wendy carried Bella away. Stanley stood rooted to the spot, watching as the mother and daughter disappeared from view. Just then, Angela rolled up in her wheelchair. "What are you two standing around for?"Jessica stepped forward and took the wheelchair handles from the maid with a polite smile. "We were waiting for you here.""Let's go into the private room," Angela said. She, Jessica, and Stanley settled into the private room together. Angela looked at Jessica. "When is your father coming back?""He's on a business trip. He'll be back in a couple of days. He said he hopes Stanley and I will get married soon," Jessica answered. Angela nodded. "I've already picked out several dates. Stanley, take a look and choose one for your wedding with Jessica."A maid placed a document next to Stanley's hand. It listed several dat
After Halsey had left, Wendy held Bella's hand and prepared to leave as well. "Back to the hotel."Bella nodded quietly. "Okay, Mommy.""We're going back to Florias tomorrow. Is there anything else you want to do here in the Capital before we leave?""Are we really leaving so soon?""Yes, sweetie.""But I still want to hang out with Mr. Handsome."Wendy's delicate lashes fluttered in surprise. She hadn't expected Bella to still be thinking about Stanley, still wanting to spend time with him."Mr. Handsome is really busy right now. Let's not bother him, okay? I'll hang out with you instead."Before Bella could reply, Jessica's voice cut through the air. "Wendy, fancy seeing you here!"Wendy looked up and saw Jessica approaching.Jessica smiled as she came closer. "Are you here for dinner with your daughter? What a coincidence—Stanley and I are meeting here for dinner too. Mrs. Angela will be joining us soon to discuss our wedding. You know Stanley and I are getting married,
Halsey stood frozen for a moment, then slowly turned and walked away. She and the masked man drifted apart, heading in opposite directions until they disappeared from each other's sight.-Back at home, Madeline came running out. "Halsey, you're back!"Slightly surprised, Halsey smiled and pulled Madeline into a warm hug. "What are you doing home today?"Madeline beamed. "We got a day off from the team, so I came back.""That's great. I'll have Isabel make some of your favorite dishes—you're still growing, after all.""I saw you through the window, walking with your head down. You seemed bothered. Didn't you go out with Wendy today? Did something happen?"Three years had passed since they had last seen each other. Madeline had grown from a middle school girl into a graceful eighteen-year-old. As a brilliant young researcher, she could tell something was wrong with Halsey's mood.Halsey forced a small smile. "I saw Dwight today…"Madeline's eyes widened in shock. "Really, Halse
Halsey stood frozen in place as the car came barreling toward her.At the last possible moment, a strong arm shot out, wrapping around her slender waist and yanking her into a warm, solid embrace.The car whizzed past, just missing her by inches.Still shaken, Halsey looked up at the man holding her.It was him.The masked man she had been searching for finally stepped into her sight. He had appeared.Halsey whispered, "It's you."The man released her gently and said with a low, calm voice, "You were looking for me?"She nodded. "Yes, I was looking for you.""Next time, watch where you're going," he replied coolly. Without another word, he turned and started to walk away.Halsey hurried to follow. "Who are you? We've met before, haven't we?""I don't know you," he said plainly.She didn't believe him for a second. "You don't know me? Then why did you save me? Twice today—you saved me from those men in black and then again just now on the street."His voice was emotionless.