جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 50

The two of them locked eyes.Wendy looked at Stanley, trying to explain herself. "Stanley, I swear, I didn't send that photo to Grandma. I won't admit to something I didn't do."Jessica tugged at Stanley's sleeve. "Stanley, look at her! Even now, she's still trying to make excuses. She has no remorse!"Stanley's gaze was cold, devoid of any warmth. "Wendy, apologize. Now."His voice was commanding, as though he were giving her an order.Wendy's pale eyes welled up, but she stood tall, her slender back straight and her tone stubborn. "Stanley, I'll say it again: I didn't do this, so I won't apologize."Stanley's eyes were like ink, dark and deep, swallowing everything in their path. "Wendy. Your best friend Cecelia works at a magazine company, doesn't she?"A chill ran down Wendy's spine. Was he threatening to go after the people close to her?Both Jessica and Lilian were watching her with expressions of triumph, their faces so smug it almost burned.Wendy curled her white fing

Glinda's voice was gentle as she said, "Go ahead, dear."Wendy nodded and left the room.Stanley walked to the bedside, and Glinda scolded him sharply, "Why are you back? Get out of here now!"Stanley gave a small, genuine smile and apologized. "Grandma, I'm sorry. I was wrong."Glinda's tone softened slightly, but she didn't let him off easily. "I don't need your apology. The person you really owe an apology to is Wendy!"Freddy, clearly upset, chimed in, "That's right, Mr. Hawk! You just ran off with that Jessica. It was Mrs. Wendy who stayed behind to care for Mrs. Glinda when she fainted! It's like you've been adopted, and Mrs. Wendy's the real family!"Stanley stood speechless."And then you pushed Wendy, and she hit the table! People always say the squeaky wheel gets the grease—don't think just because Wendy didn't cry, it didn't hurt!" Glinda added."Mr. Hawk, you really need to use your conscience. You can't keep treating Mrs. Wendy like this!"Glinda and Freddy both k

Wendy adjusted her white shirt and turned to face Stanley.The phone was still on the nightstand, the ringtone playing over and over. Yet, Stanley didn't even glance at it. He didn't pick up Jessica's call.That was probably the first time he had ever done that.Stanley, tall and lean, stood up and removed his black suit jacket. Underneath, he wore a white shirt, but there was a large stain on the back—blood. Wendy's mind flashed to the lash Glinda had struck him with earlier.That lash had cut deep into his skin, but his resolve was unshakable. He didn't show a hint of pain on his face.The wounds needed to be treated or they could get infected."I'll get the first aid kit and take care of that for you," Wendy said.Stanley turned his head to look at her, his lips curving into a small, teasing smile. "A moment ago, you wouldn't even look at me."Wendy bent down to grab the first aid kit. "I just didn't want Grandma to worry."Stanley sat down on the bed. "Take off your shir

He reminded her that the area was dangerous and urged her to leave quickly. The people chasing him were closing in, and she wouldn't make it out alive if she stayed. But the girl didn't leave. Instead of running, she struggled to drag him with her, pulling him into a hidden cave. "Big Brother, this place is safe. They won't find us here," she said.He looked at the girl—so young, only a child. It was already into the winter months, but she was wearing just a thin, faded dress that had been washed so many times it was nearly white. It seemed like she had been in this forest alone for a long time, her only companion the tattered doll she clutched in her arms. He was badly injured, his body icy-cold. The girl reached out and hugged him. "Are you cold? If I hold you like this, you won't feel cold anymore." He looked into her eyes, so clear and bright. "Why are you here alone? Where's your home? Where are your parents?" he asked.The girl was silent for a moment. "I have no ho

Wendy noticed Stanley with Jessica. Jessica, who had already been discharged from the hospital, stood beside him, looking radiant as she looped her arm through his. The two of them, like a perfect match, looked completely at ease with each other.Cecelia snorted in disdain. "Stanley really does love Jessica, huh? Even after all that drama with Mrs. Glinda, he acts like nothing happened and just gets right back together with her."Wendy hadn't expected to run into Stanley and Jessica at the bar, but seeing how quickly they'd made up didn't surprise her. There was no trace of shock on her face. She simply curved her lips into a faint smile and said to Cecelia, "So, you just now realized Stanley loves Jessica?"In the past, this might have disappointed her, but now, she was numb to it.Just then, the sound of high heels clicking on the floor caught her attention. "Mr. Hawk, Jessica! What a coincidence," came Trish's voice.Wendy looked up, surprised to see that Trish had also arriv