Chapter 7

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 looked at Jessica's radiant face. "If it weren't for what happened back then… Would I still spoil you like this?"

At the mention of 'back then,' Jessica froze, guilt flashing through her eyes. She quickly changed the subject.

"Have you slept with Wendy?"

Stanley lowered his gaze. "Why would I sleep with her when I could sleep with you?"

She knew he hadn't been with Wendy, but she asked the question anyway, baiting him into a flirtatious response. He played along, his words dripping with teasing ambiguity.

Jessica loved this side of him—the allure of a mature man with a touch of mischief. His response made her cheeks flush.

This cold and seemingly abstinent man only made her want to strip away his layers and uncover his deeper desires.

Jessica turned, boldly straddling his lean waist. She draped her arms around his neck, bringing her lips close to his. Her breath was warm and provocative. "Do you want me?"

Zayn, who had worked as Stanley's secretary for years, tactfully raised the partition between the driver's seat and the back of the Rolls-Royce.

Stanley looked at Jessica but said nothing.

She was wearing a red dress. In her seated position, the hem had ridden up, exposing her long, flawless legs. Those famed 'best legs in Hovendale' were now sensuously wrapped around his tailored black trousers, creating an intimate and sultry scene.

Jessica tightened her legs around his waist, pulling herself closer. "Say it. Do you want me?"

If he said yes, she would give herself to him right here and now.

Stanley, of course, understood her intent.

But at that moment, an image of Wendy's legs from earlier in the evening at the bar flashed in his mind.

Wendy's legs were perfectly proportioned, balanced in their slenderness and curves.

She had asked him which legs he preferred—Jessica's or hers.

At the time, Wendy had playfully raised her foot, the delicate crystal chain on her stiletto heels glinting as it dangled from her dainty ankle. She had teased him with her toes, brushing against his leg and asking if Jessica's legs had ever wrapped around his waist.

Stanley slowly removed Jessica's hands from his neck. "I'm still married."

Jessica frowned. "So?"

"I don't intend to cheat while I'm still married," Stanley replied coolly.

Jessica was momentarily stunned.

The intimate atmosphere vanished. Stanley had put an end to it.

Disappointed, Jessica slid off his lap. She had pride, too—she would only give herself to him if he wanted her.

"When will you divorce Wendy?" she asked.

Stanley's gaze shifted to the cityscape outside the window. In truth, it was indeed better that Wendy initiated the divorce—he was planning for it anyway.

"Soon," Stanley said, his tone detached.

Wendy and Cecelia returned to their apartment. Wendy lay on her soft bed, letting out a small sigh of relief. After tonight's indulgence, it was time to return to her normal life.

She pulled out her phone and opened WhatsApp.

Wendy had two accounts. For the past three years, she had been using the account named "Mrs. Hawk." Now, that account had been officially retired.

She logged into her other WhatsApp account.

As soon as she logged in, her notification chimed repeatedly. The group chat 'One Big Happy Family' was bustling with activity.

Wendy opened it.

[Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wendy's finally online!] Daryl exclaimed.

[Welcome back, Wendy!] Ernest added.

[Big hugs to Wendy!] Samuel chimed in.

Her three seniors were tossing virtual confetti, enthusiastically celebrating her return.

[Three years ago, Wendy was all starry-eyed and insisted on leaving the mountains to experience life with a man. So, how was it, Wendy? Was the man worth it?] Daryl asked.

[Not worth it,] Wendy replied.

[Looks like Wendy had her heart broken. Haha!] Ernest wrote.

[So even Wendy can't conquer everything? Hahaha!] Samuel added.

[All right, you two, stop teasing her. Let's just say these three years were her trial by fire in the mortal world. Sorry, this is just too funny—I need to laugh it out. Hahaha!] Daryl typed.

Wendy was speechless.

She was tempted to kick all three of them out of the group.

With a swift move, she renamed the group chat from 'One Big Happy Family' to 'One Big Gossipy Family.'

Just then, Samuel brought up a serious topic. [Wendy, it's time for you to come back. Our surgery schedule is packed. I've booked you a tricky heart operation. Report to the naturopathy center tomorrow.]

Wendy replied with an 'OK' emoji.

After exiting the chat, she suddenly noticed a friend request. She tapped it open and saw that it was from Stanley.

Stanley was requesting to add her as a WhatsApp contact.

The irony wasn't lost on her. For three years, she had used her 'Mrs. Hawk' account to message him daily. Yet, he had never replied. Now, on her other account, he was the one reaching out to her.

'Once upon a time, you didn't care for me. Now, you'll find I'm out of your reach.'

Wendy's pale, delicate fingers hovered over the keyboard. After a moment of hesitation, she tapped decisively.

-

At Hawk Group…

The Hawk Group building, a landmark of Hovendale, controlled the city's economic pulse. It towered into the clouds, its grandeur even more striking against the night sky.

After dropping Jessica off at her home, Stanley arrived at his office. He sat in his black leather chair while he reviewed documents.

The sharp nib of his pen scratched across the paper as he signed his name, 'Stanley,' with bold, confident strokes. Behind him, the gleaming floor-to-ceiling windows reflected the vibrant lights of the city—a dazzling backdrop that seemed to exist solely to complement this man.

A crisp-sounding notification broke the silence. His phone buzzed with a WhatsApp alert.

Stanley picked up his phone and opened the app. His brilliant junior had responded.

Upon seeing the response, Stanley froze for a moment. Then, his thin lips curved into a smirk and he let out a soft chuckle.