《A Love Forgotten》 Chapter 1 ¡°It hurts, Elijah. Let me go! ¡°Will you regret this if I die, Elijah? ¡°Don¡¯t leave with Jocelyn, Elijah. I love you so much¡­¡± I jolted awake and gasped for breath like a fish out of water. I couldn¡¯t breathe, and my throat hurt so badly that it felt like it was about to tear in half. I struggled to open my eyes. The white lights above me were blinding, and I could hear machines beeping beside me. ¡°Mrs. Linden is awake, Mr. Linden. The doctor said she fainted due to a head injury and agitation. Other than that, she¡¯s fine.¡± Someone was talking on the phone in a low voice near the bed. I finally realized that I was in a hospital ward. Was I sick? I heard a cold voice ring out over the phone. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine as long as there aren¡¯t any problems with her. I have a video conference to attend so I won¡¯t head over.¡± The woman wore a formal outfit. After hanging up, she sighed. Then, she turned around. She was startled to see me staring at her. ¡°You¡¯re awake, Mrs. Linden?¡± I was about to ask her something when she continued, ¡°Mr. Linden has a video conference today, so he can¡¯te over just yet. You can speak to me if you need anything.¡± I was lost. ¡°Who is Mr. Linden? And I¡¯m not Mrs. Linden. My name is Ariana York.¡± The woman was taken aback at first beforeughing scornfully. ¡°Mr. Linden is busy, Mrs. Linden, as am I. I don¡¯t have time to y games with you. Also, you don¡¯t have to feign amnesia when you only knocked your head a little.¡± She scoffed. ¡°I¡¯d advise you against reading too many of those dumb novels. ying hard to get isn¡¯t going to work on Mr. Linden.¡± I frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t read dumb novels, and I feel ufortable with how you¡¯re talking to me.¡± The woman didn¡¯t exactly have a pleasant attitude when talking to me, and I didn¡¯t like her. She carelessly threw a phone at me, saying, ¡°This is your phone. Contact me if you need anything. I¡¯m heading back to work.¡± She turned, wanting to strut out of the ward, looking haughty. Just then, the ward¡¯s door flew open, and another woman ran in, her hair in a mess. ¡°How are you, Ariana?¡± I was shocked when I saw her. ¡°Why have you ended up like this, Teri?¡± The woman before me was Teresa Stuart, my best friend. We¡¯d started ying with each other since childhood and had gone to the same kindergarten, elementary school, middle school¡­ We were like conjoined twins who remained by each other¡¯s side even during university. But why did Teresa look so much more mature than I remembered? Her hair had been dyed maroon, and she wore a ck form-fitting dress that showed off her curves. She looked familiar yet unfamiliar. When she saw me like that, her eyes reddened. Then, she shouted, ¡°You¡¯re a fucking idiot, Ariana! I told you to leave Elijah, the scumbag that he is. But you didn¡¯t listen! Look at what you¡¯re like now! You almost died after threatening suicide. You scared the hell out of me!¡± She burst into tears toward the end of her rant. I couldn¡¯t understand what she meant, but my heart twisted painfully, and my eyes turned red, too. I didn¡¯t know why it had happened. Just then, the woman in the formal outfit turned back, looking upset as she said, ¡°This is the hospital, Ms. Stuart. Keep your voice down, please.¡± Teri seemed familiar with the woman. She pointed at her and snapped, ¡°Call your precious Mr. Linden and tell him toe to the hospital! His wife is injured and lying in a hospital bed, yet he¡¯s still in the mood to attend some dumb charity dinner with Jocelyn Cornell! ¡°Doesn¡¯t he think he¡¯s gone a bit too far? Jocelyn, the bitch, dumped him and fled abroad when he was almost bankrupt. Who saved hispany? The York family! Now that he¡¯s made aeback, Jocelyn¡¯s returned to suck up to him again. ¡°One is a bastard and a scumbag, while the other is a slutty gold digger. They make a perfect match!¡± The woman¡¯s face turned red when she heard Teri¡¯s rant. Meanwhile, a nurse hurried over and persuaded Teri not to cause a scene. Only then did the woman hurry off like she was fleeing from something. When silence descended upon the ward, Teri wiped her face and growled, ¡°Listen to me, Ariana. You¡¯ve been involved with Elijah and pestered him for seven years, but he doesn¡¯t love you. He doesn¡¯t respect you or your family at all. ¡°There¡¯s so many fish in the sea¡ªwhy must you be so obsessed with him? You¡¯ve threatened suicide so many times that he doesn¡¯t buy your act anymore.¡± She paused, looking exasperated as she continued, ¡°You¡¯re rich and pretty, Ariana. Why do you have to be such a hopeless romantic?¡± I finally found the chance to ask her something. ¡°Who is Elijah Linden, Teri? I don¡¯t remember anything.¡± Teri seemed taken aback. Then, she chuckled. ¡°Elijah¡¯s assistant is gone now, so you can drop the act. I know you¡¯re only feigning amnesia.¡± I rubbed my head, which was still swollen. I smiled bitterly. ¡°I¡¯ve really lost my memories, Teri. I don¡¯t know who this Elijah you¡¯re talking about is.¡± She fell silent and stared at me dazedly. After staring into each other¡¯s eyes for two minutes, she shrieked, ¡°The heavens have finally made you see sense! You¡¯ve forgotten all about that asshole!¡± ¡­ After a series of checks, the doctor diagnosed that I probably had intermittent amnesia. The brain was a precious organ, after all, and it seemed that I¡¯d fallen down many steps at the vi. For all everyone knew, something had been knocked loose in my brain when I¡¯d hit my head. I looked at myself in the mirror. My oval-shaped face and straight nose were the same as always, but my lips were pale. It was indeed my face, but there was something unfamiliar about it. In my memory, I¡¯d always been lively and joyful. But the woman I saw in the mirror had eyes that were devoid of joy. In fact, I looked bitter. Had Teri been telling the truth? Had I really been entangled with Elijah for seven years? And was I really married? ¡­ I didn¡¯t want to believe it, but Teri showed me the photos and videos on her phone, proving that I really was married. To my surprise, my husband was Halton University¡¯s ice god¡ªElijah Linden. I saw how I was beaming in the photos and videos of the wedding and sighed deeply. Teri said, ¡°You fell head over heels for Elijah when we were in our sophomore year, even going so far as to neglect your studies for him. You waited for him outside his dormitory building every day, wanting to give him the breakfast you¡¯d bought. ¡°Whatever sport he yed, you would buy boxes of drinks for him and his teammates. On his birthday, you hired someone to float a banner using balloons to confess your feelings for him. When he fell sick, you¡¯d sleep on the floor by his bedside to care for him around the clock¡­¡± Her words were a torment to my ears¡ªit was so humiliating. ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­¡± Teri had no intention of letting me off the hook. She continued, ¡°You even bribed the student council members to let you take someone else¡¯s ce in Elijah¡¯s artificial intelligence club as an errand-runner. It was all in the name of pursuing him. ¡°You knew nothing about programming and became the club¡¯s freebor. When you were 20, you confessed your feelings to him again¡­¡± I mped my hands over my ears, not wanting to hear anymore. Teri sighed. ¡°You spent 200 thousand dors to y a recurring video on Halton City¡¯s tallest building¡ªthe video was of you asking Elijah to marry you. The whole of Halton City was stunned.¡± I sighed and lowered my head. ¡°What happened in the end?¡± Teri¡¯s expression turned odd. ¡°He agreed to your proposal.¡± I was silent for a while before saying, ¡°It¡¯s because of what you told me, right? That the Linden family was about to go bankrupt. He wouldn¡¯t have married me if he had any other option since he didn¡¯t love me, right?¡± She looked like she didn¡¯t want me to be hurt. ¡°That might not necessarily be the case. Maybe it was because your persistence in pursuing him finally paid off¡­ I guess.¡± Silence descended upon the room again. I sighed. ¡°How embarrassing¡­¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. I looked at myself in the mirror again and saw how wan I was. I smiled self-deprecatingly. ¡°To think I, the proud heiress of the York family, ended up bing theughingstock of Halton City.¡± Chapter 2 Teri dropped me home after I¡¯d spent another two days resting at the hospital. I wanted to leave with her, but she locked the door once I¡¯d gotten out. She scoffed and said, ¡°You should still head home. I don¡¯t want to be the bad guy if you regain your memories and beg me in tears to let you continue being Elijah¡¯s bootlicker.¡± I saw the lingering fear in her eyes. It looked like the hopeless romantic in me had caused enough trouble for her over the years that she was traumatized. I watched as she drove off and headed into the looming vi with a frown. It wasrge, empty, and unfamiliar. However, when I saw the row of wedding photos hung on the wall, I knew I was in the right ce. A middle-aged woman who looked like a maid came to take my luggage. ¡°Mr. Linden is away on a business trip and won¡¯t be back tonight, Ms. York. You don¡¯t need to wait for him for dinner.¡± I nodded and headed upstairs. The maid seemed surprised. ¡°A-Aren¡¯t you going to ask why Mr. Linden isn¡¯ting back?¡± That was an odd question. I asked in return, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say he¡¯s away on a business trip?¡± She gave me a weird look. ¡°I-I did, but¡­ you¡¯ve never believed it in the past.¡± I waved my hand irritably. ¡°Don¡¯t bother cooking anything for him since he won¡¯t be back. I¡¯m heading upstairs.¡± I turned and continued up the staircase while the maid muttered, ¡°How odd. Why does it seem like she¡¯spletely changed?¡± ¡­T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. I headed to the bathroom to shower when I got to the bedroom. My hospital stay had been afortable one, but showering had been a huge issue. It didn¡¯t help that I was a germaphobe. I rxed as I soaked in the warm bath. Thanks to Teri filling me in for the past three days, I knew how I¡¯d ended up like this. I was married, and my husband of five years was Elijah Linden, once known as Halton University¡¯s ice god. He and I had met in my sophomore year. ording to what Teri had told me, Elijah and I had been involved for seven years. But my memory was still of me being a freshman and the proud heiress of the York family. In my memories, I was young and beautiful. I came from a wealthy family and had grown up pampered. The young men interested in me could¡¯ve formed a line from one end of the city to the other. In Teri¡¯s words, every hair on my head screamed ¡°rich¡±. But since meeting Elijah when he¡¯d helped out in an activity organized by my drama club in my sophomore year, I¡¯d turned into his bootlicker. I spent the rest of my university life showing everyone what a perfect bootlicker was like. There was nothing I couldn¡¯t do to suck up to Elijah. Teri told me it was as if I¡¯d been ced under a spell during that time. I knew he had a childhood sweetheart, but I¡¯d still clung to him, wanting to ruin their rtionship so I could have him to myself. Under my brainless and shameless pursuit, Elijah had finally agreed to marry me when it was almost time for graduation. Yes, I was the one who¡¯d proposed to him. After that, we registered our marriage without having a wedding ceremony. We¡¯d just taken simple wedding photos before I officially became Mrs. Linden. After marriage, Elijah threw himself into his work because his family¡¯spany was at a critical juncture. Initially, I acted rtively normally. But after realizing that he didn¡¯t love me and constantly left traces of his true love in his life, I started acting like a maniac. I pulled all sorts of tricks to find out where Elijah was 24/7. I even hired a private investigator to dig up information on Elijah¡¯s true love, who was abroad. After spending a fortune, I found out the reason behind Elijah and his girlfriend¡¯s breakup. At the same time, I¡¯d tragically realized I was nothing but a pawn Elijah had used to resolve the crisis his family¡¯spany had faced. He didn¡¯t love me, yet he¡¯d tantly taken the shares and funds of York Group which were under my name. Linden Group had risen from the ashes thanks to my investment, but York Group suffered a huge loss. My father, Philip York, had ended up in the hospital after suffering a stroke due to his rage. My poor mother, Marie Keller, had been left with a heart condition after everything that had happened. And my brother, Jonathan York, who¡¯d always spoiled me, had pped me for the first time. The help I¡¯d mindlessly provided Elijah turned me into Halton City¡¯sughingstock. After losing my family¡¯s support, I¡¯d be even more insecure and hysterical. The tantrums I threw and the fusses I kicked up didn¡¯t make Elijah feel guilty, though. On the contrary, they only made him despise me more and distance himself from me. Meanwhile, his true love remained in contact with him, never having actually severed ties. She worked on building a reputation as an artistic goddess. Her elegance and grace only made me seem like a witch inparison. Her talent and achievements made me look like an uncivilized brute. One of us was a high and mighty artistic goddess, while the other was a hysterical brute who held the position of being Elijah¡¯s wife. Anyone who wasn¡¯t blind would pick her over me. Yet everyone seemed to have forgotten that I used to be Halton City¡¯s most renowned and talented heiress. I¡¯d gotten into Halton University with top grades! My love for Elijah had made me forget myself. Meanwhile, his true love was the only one who enjoyed his passion and loyalty. Ultimately, I¡¯d threatened Elijah with suicide after we¡¯d gotten into a huge fight over a small matter. He¡¯d long since grown sick of my tricks, so he¡¯d turned and left. In my despair, I¡¯d jumped from the second floor. I hadn¡¯t died, but I¡¯d injured my head. ¡­ I shuddered after going through everything I¡¯d forgotten. The bath had already gone cold, so I hurriedly got out and wiped myself dry. Then, I wrapped the towel around myself. I looked at myself in the mirror. I was pale and haggard, but my face had abnormal splotches of red. I was skinny to an extreme¡ªI looked malnourished. My face had been slightly plump when I was 18, but it wasn¡¯t anymore. I still couldn¡¯t believe the truth as I stared at my reflection. I¡¯d lost my mind over love, wanting to end my life over a man who wasn¡¯t rted to me without a care for how my family felt. What the hell had gotten into me? I smacked myself on the head, making intense pain spread through me. Tears welled in my eyes¡ªI¡¯d forgotten I was still injured, damn it! Just then, the bathroom door swung open. I looked up to see Elijah standing there, looking grim. ¡°What are you¡­¡± I subconsciously covered my chest and frowned at him. His face wasn¡¯t familiar to me, but I¡¯d sensed the slight tremble in my body upon seeing him. The familiar sensation made my frown deepen. To Elijah, however, I was just trying to kick up a fuss again. He asked coldly, ¡°Why were you taking so long in here? Come out once you¡¯re done. Or do you think I¡¯ll carry you out?¡± His gazended on the bathtub, which was still filled with water. He snorted and said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you were thinking of shing your wrists in the tub and threatening me with suicide again. How long more are you going to keep this up?¡± I followed his line of sight to my bloodied hand. I wanted to exin that it was from the wound on the back of my head, but he¡¯d already stepped past me and grabbed a towel. Then, he headed to the shower. My face turned red when I saw him strip. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I cried, hurriedly turning away. My face was hot to the touch. The sound of running water rang out, and Elijah said mockingly, ¡°I¡¯m taking a shower. What¡¯s wrong? You loved running in here while I was showering to join me, didn¡¯t you? What¡¯s the point of acting all innocent now?¡± My face burned even more. I also felt embarrassed. I cursed at him before hurrying out of the bathroom. Chapter 3 I hurriedly got dressed as the sound of running water came from the bathroom. I picked a tracksuit to prevent identally showing too much skin¡ªit was the safest choice. Elijah came out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel loosely wrapped around his waist. My face turned red again. His hair was wet, and the water droplets trickled down his cheeks. The droplets on his chest rolled down his body and over his rippling obliques. I stared at him until he snorted disdainfully. Then, I looked away, feeling awkward. A warmth came from behind, and he blew on my ear. ¡°Be good and stop kicking up a fuss now that you¡¯re back.¡± He sounded like he was coaxing a child. My heart skipped a beat¡ªmy body proved to me how it felt about him. I dodged his breathing and tried to keep my voice cold. ¡°I¡¯ve lost my memories, Elijah.¡± ¡°Ha.¡± He wrapped his arms around my waist and gently caressed it with his thumbs. His voice waszy yet annoyed as he asked, ¡°Ariana, you realize you¡¯re annoying me, right? I told you to stop with this bullshit.¡± mes of anger surged within me. I don¡¯t know where my strength came from, but I shoved him away. ¡°I¡¯m kicking up a fuss, huh? I was in the hospital for three days after falling from the second floor, yet you didn¡¯t visit me once!¡± He looked at me calmly. ¡°Uh-huh. So?¡± I almost wanted tough in exasperation. No matter how despicable I¡¯d been in the past, I¡¯d still saved hispany. That alone was enough to warrant him visiting me in the hospital to see whether I was still alive. Yet he looked so calm andposed that it made me seem like an overly emotional manic. For the first time ever, my stomach roiled as I looked at his handsome face. Then, I waved a hand. ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s divorce, Elijah.¡± Heughed. ¡°You haven¡¯t given up yet, huh? I told you ages ago that we¡¯d never divorce. Also, stop being jealous of Jocelyn. You¡¯ll neverpare to her¡ªnot in this lifetime.¡± I wanted to puke. I scowled and snarled, ¡°You¡¯re not deaf, are you? I told you that I¡¯ve lost my memories and don¡¯t love you anymore. I want a divorce. Also, I don¡¯t remember who Jocelyn is, so this divorce isn¡¯t because of her.¡± Elijah¡¯s expression turned steely. He grabbed my wrist and pinned me to the wall. The pain made me wince, and my eyes reddened. He was so close to me that his warm breath fanned over my face. Embarrassingly enough, I started blushing again. His chest was pressed to mine, and his tall frame dominated me. I could smell the faint scent of cypress wood on him and his masculine pheromones. Once again, my body betrayed me. I started trembling, and my legs went weak. For a second, I even wanted to press my lips to his. Elijah chuckled again. This time, he sucked on my earlobe, making me feel like electricity was running through my body. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can piss me off by saying such things, Ariana. You don¡¯t remember Jocelyn, huh? Don¡¯t you realize every insult you¡¯ve made about her for the past two years just tells me how much she bothers you?¡± I gnashed my teeth. ¡°Let me go, Elijah. You¡¯re a shameless fucker!¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. He bit my earlobe almost as if punishing me. ¡°Why are you wearing something like this? Where are those uniforms you¡¯ve hidden? I remember you used to love putting on one that I¡¯ve never seen before while I showered¡­ Then, you¡¯d seduce me with the things you learned from those videos you watch.¡± His breathing grew heavy. ¡°It¡¯s been three days, Ari¡­¡± My scalp tingled, and my mouth was parched. I was 26 on the outside, but my mind was still that of an 18-year-old. I had no idea how ¡°I¡± could be so open when it came to sex, especially since Elijah and I were on such horrible terms. Could it be I¡¯d been the one to take the first step during sex? God! I shoved Elijah away. He was caught off guard and almost fell. His gaze darkened as he red at me. ¡°How dare you push me away, Ariana! What the hell is wrong with you?¡± I didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore, so I hurriedly opened the room door. ¡°I¡¯m heading down for food. Do what you need to.¡± ¡­ I headed downstairs to see a feastid out on the dining table. It looked like the kitchen hadn¡¯t cooked any less because of Elijah¡¯s supposed absence. I looked over the food and realized none of them were things I liked. That meant they had to be Elijah¡¯s favorites. Ha. I was getting tired of this. I sat down and started eating. I was hungry after everything that had happened. I ate without a care; Elijah only came downstairs after some time. He was evidently angry because of what had happened and sat as far away from me as possible. He didn¡¯t spare me a nce as he got his food. Well, I didn¡¯t want to look at him, either. It was eerily silent as we ate. Suddenly, Elijah asked, ¡°Why isn¡¯t there pumpkin soup today, Wanda?¡± Wanda Jones was the middle-aged maid who¡¯d spoken to me earlier. She nced at me, her tone reprimanding as she said, ¡°Because Ms. York didn¡¯t cook any today. You can¡¯t me me for that, Mr. Linden.¡± I frowned at her and retorted, ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? Are you saying it¡¯s my job to make the soup? So, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s at fault here?¡± Elijah mmed his cutlery on the table, looking icy as he snarled, ¡°You¡¯ve always been the one making it, haven¡¯t you? It¡¯s not like Wanda knows how.¡± Iughed derisively and put my cutlery down before wiping my mouth elegantly. ¡°You need to get this straight, Mr. Linden. I¡¯m just your wife, not your maid. Isn¡¯t it enough to have a table full of your favorite dishes? You still want me to make soup for you? Do you think I owe you?¡± Perhaps he didn¡¯t expect me to suddenlysh out like that¡ªthere was a hint of surprise amidst the dislike in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t think you can get a rise out of me just because I like pumpkin soup. ¡°You were the one who learned how to make it from a chef and insisted on making it for me, yet now you¡¯re refusing to. What the hell do you mean by that? If you¡¯re not done throwing your tantrum, go let off steam somewhere else. Don¡¯t try to cause trouble at the dining table.¡± I sneered. ¡°Don¡¯t you understand what I mean? I¡¯m not going to be at your beck and call anymore, Elijah!¡± I flung my napkin onto the table and stormed upstairs. I¡¯d had enough of his arrogance and selfishness. Honestly, how could I have been blind enough to fall for him in the past? He probably didn¡¯t expect me to just dump everything and leave like that. He watched me dazedly from the dining table. Wanda was still muttering, ¡°Mr. Linden, Ms. York used to cook all your favorite dishes, including the pumpkin soup. Now, she¡¯s dropping everything just like that. Honestly¡­¡± I could still hear her, and it pissed me off. Just then, the doorbell rang. I nced at it to see Wanda answering the door and letting an elegant, graceful figure enter. She was beautiful, and her features were delicate. She wore a pale blue dress that fit her well, and a string of pearls hung from her neck. Her carriage was regal and demure; she looked like she¡¯d walked out of a painting. I had to admit that even as a fellow woman, I was jealous of her. She looked at Elijah and said gently, ¡°I hope I¡¯m not disturbing you bying at this hour, Elijah.¡± His expression, which had been steely just seconds ago, immediately became gentle. He naturally took the things she held and even found her a pair of lounge slippers. I watched this coldly, finding the whole thing such a mockery. My husband had flown into a rage because I hadn¡¯t cooked his favorite pumpkin soup. Yet here he was, bending over to gently help another woman wear a pair of lounge slippers. Chapter 4 I turned to head upstairs. Elijah looked so humble that it was a sight for sore eyes. Just then, the woman asked gently, ¡°How are your injuries, Ms. York?¡± I turned around, saying reluctantly, ¡°Much better.¡± Elijah stopped her from asking more. ¡°She¡¯s fine. She just got a little banged up here and there.¡± I sneered. ¡°You didn¡¯t bother visiting me when I was in the hospital, Elijah. How would you know that I¡¯m fine?¡± His expression darkened. ¡°Stop this nonsense, Ariana.¡± ¡°Nonsense?¡± Iughed. ¡°I¡¯m just stating a fact. How is that nonsense? Or do you think everything I say is nonsense?¡± My disgust for him peaked at this point. Though I didn¡¯t remember anything about the past seven years, I was sure Elijah¡¯s neglect of me and his ims that I was only throwing tantrums had angered me countless times. It¡¯d be a miracle if I could remain sane and calm after all that. The woman suddenly curtsied in my direction. I frowned. ¡°What are you doing?¡± She lowered her head, sounding aggrieved as she said, ¡°I came to apologize to you, Ms. York. I know you must¡¯ve gotten the wrong idea after seeing my WhatsApp conversation with Elijah.¡± She looked up, her eyes glistening with tears. She looked pitiful. I was about to mock her when someone suddenly charged into the house and shoved me hard. ¡°You¡¯re a nasty bitch, Ariana! You were the one who threatened suicide! What does that have to do with Josie? Why did you force her to apologize to you?¡± I fell backward from the shove, and an intense pain spread through me, starting from my waist. My heel also hurt like hell. Then, I heard myself cry, ¡°She¡¯s Jocelyn Cornell?¡± I looked at her and appraised her seriously. She hurried over, looking like she wanted to help me up. I spotted the smugness that shed in her eyes, though. I knew my eyes weren¡¯t ying tricks on me. She kept apologizing to me. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Ms. York. Are you hurt anywhere? Evan¡¯s just a child¡ªplease don¡¯t get mad at him.¡± Evan? I turned to look at the young fellow who¡¯d shoved me aside. I guessed he was Evan Linden, Elijah¡¯s younger brother. He and Elijah had simr looks, after all. He red at me, looking like he wanted to rip out my throat to appease Jocelyn. I grabbed the banister and slowly pulled myself to my feet. Evan stood protectively before Jocelyn, looking like he would fight me to the death if I were to do anything to her. Instead of saying or doing anything, I slowly made my way upstairs. For a second, the trio downstairs didn¡¯t know how to react to that. Elijah was probably waiting for me to fly into a rage or kick up a fuss, and Jocelyn was probably waiting for me to scream and shout at her so she could pretend to exin.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. Meanwhile, Evan was surprised. He was probably waiting for me to yell at him like a shrew and call him an ingrate. They waited for a storm that never came. I headed upstairs and mmed the door shut. ¡­ I¡¯d forgotten about Elijah, but I still remembered Evan. He was my cousin Jason Shaw¡¯s ssmate. I remembered that before I turned 18, Evan affectionately called me ¡°Ari¡±, as Jason did. At the time, he¡¯d been young and poor, so he¡¯d been sent to an upscale nursing home owned by the York family. One summer, I¡¯d gone there to spend time with my grandmother, Liza Johnson, and had happened to see him alone in the garden. ¡°Oh, my. Are you alone here?¡± I remembered speaking to him with plenty of snacks and goodies. Evan had initially been wary of me, but he¡¯d joined Jason and me for some fun times after learning I was Jason¡¯s cousin. That had been a happy summer, and it had passed in the blink of an eye. I¡¯d always thought Evan considered me his sister, but that wary look on his face earlier was so unfamiliar. He hadn¡¯t been too rough when shoving me earlier, but it still hurt like hell. He wasn¡¯t just pushing me¡ªhe was pushing the Ari in his memories away. I noticed a weird sensation on my face and touched it¡ªit was wet with tears. I slowly wiped them dry. Damn it. Elijah hadn¡¯t made me cry, yet Evan had. I knew I couldn¡¯t stay in this ce anymore. After drying my tears, I started packing my things. ¡­ Downstairs, in the living room where Ariana couldn¡¯t see, Jocelyn looked at Elijah guiltily. ¡°Did Ie at the wrong time, Elijah? Ms. York looked furious earlier. Maybe you should go talk to her.¡± Elijah snarled, ¡°Ignore her¡ªthat¡¯s just what she¡¯s like. She¡¯ll be fine after some time.¡± A trace of dislike shed in his eyes. Evan, who¡¯d been quiet before, suddenly said, ¡°You shouldn¡¯te here alone anymore, Josie. Ariana is a¡­¡± He wanted to say how I was a freak who would hurt Jocelyn, but he suddenly recalled how I had looked at him before heading upstairs. I looked like I was filled with disappointment and sorrow. He shook his head irritably, trying to get rid of his odd feelings. Why did he feel like I wasn¡¯t the same as in the past anymore? He¡¯d only wanted to keep me from hurting Jocelyn¡ªit wasn¡¯t like he¡¯d pushed me on purpose and couldn¡¯t understand why I had given him such a look. He hadn¡¯t done anything wrong! After brainwashing himself, he blurted, ¡°You should send Josie home, Eli. I¡¯ll stay here and watch that freak for you.¡± Jocelyn looked even more guilty. ¡°I¡¯m sorry you have to go through this, Evan. To think she¡¯ll berate you despite you being so young¡­ If you get the chance, please help me to apologize to Ms. York. We can¡¯t let this misunderstanding be worse.¡± Evan looked touched. ¡°You did nothing wrong, Josie. That freak is the one who pushed all the me on you! You have to protect yourself, but Eli and I will protect you, too.¡± Satisfaction flitted past Jocelyn¡¯s eyes. She rubbed Evan¡¯s head and said, ¡°Alright, then. I¡¯ll get going.¡± She looked at Elijah and said gently, ¡°Maybe you shouldn¡¯t send me back, Elijah. I¡¯m fine getting back to the hotel myself. It¡¯s a little off the beaten path, but I¡¯ll be okay alone.¡± She nced upstairs, looking worried. ¡°You should really talk to Ms. York. If not for her using the York family¡¯s money to help you, yourpany wouldn¡¯t have made it through that crisis so easily. It¡¯s natural that she¡¯s a little haughty now. You should be more tolerant.¡± Elijah frowned. ¡°She can¡¯t take credit for getting Linden Group past that crisis. If not for me and my staff working together, no amount of investments would¡¯ve helped.¡± He paused as his hatred for me grew. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about that from now on. If Ariana thinks she can make me bow and scrape before her for life because of this, she¡¯s wrong!¡± He grabbed his car keys and wrapped an arm around Jocelyn¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll send you back. It¡¯s dangerous for women to be alone at night.¡± Evan chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, Josie. Hurry up and head back.¡± Chapter 5 I heard the sound of a car¡¯s engine roaring downstairs. I couldn¡¯t help but look out the window, and I saw Elijah holding out an arm to pull Jocelyn close to him. It seemed he wanted to protect her. I didn¡¯t know whether it was a moment of telepathy, but he happened to nce at the second floor. Our gazes met. I saw him frown, his lips parting slightly as if wanting to say something. I watched him coolly, which made him falter. Perhaps he didn¡¯t expect me to be so quiet and calm. ¡°Elijah?¡± Jocelyn called him softly. She followed his line of sight to see me standing behind the window. ¡°Elijah¡­¡± Her tone turned aggrieved. ¡°You should head upstairs if you want to be with Ms. York. I¡¯m fine alone.¡± He returned to his senses and concealed the emotions in his eyes, saying indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s go.¡± Jocelyn nced at me again. This time, I saw the faintest smirk on her lips¡ªshe was mocking me for failing to control my husband despite being hiswfully wedded wife. Instead, he was cozying up with her. I felt my heart clench. It didn¡¯t hurt, but it throbbed a little. I drew the curtains. As the sound of the car engine faded into the distance, Iposed myself and started packing my things. I had to admit I¡¯d never been shortchanged when it came to material things. Before marriage, I lived afortable life as the York family¡¯s heiress. After marriage¡­ I was shocked to see rows upon rows of clothes and bags in the walk-in wardrobe. The wardrobe was so huge that sounds echoed in there. There were so many limited-edition bags and clothes that I couldn¡¯t even count them. I went through each item. Many of the bags hadn¡¯t even been used as were the clothes and shoes. They were so new that thebels hadn¡¯t even been removed. The jewelry cab unlocked with my thumbprint. I saw an abundance of jewelry and watches inside. I didn¡¯t know how married life with Elijah had been over the past five years, but it looked like he¡¯d never been frugal. At that thought, I rxed a little. He would probably give me a considerable sum after the divorce if he wasn¡¯t frugal. If I couldn¡¯t have love, having plenty of money was also good.This is from N?velDrama.Org. There were too many things in the wardrobe for me to pack. All I could do was pick out some outfits suitable for daily wear, a set of expensive-looking jewelry, and an exquisite watch. I was about to return to the bedroom to rest when I kicked a ck bag. I opened it out of curiosity, and I blushed when I saw what was inside. There were several unopened costumes inside. There was one for a sexy rabbit, an office worker, a traditional outfit, and even a maid costume¡­ The longer I looked through the bag, the more intense my blush became. It looked like Elijah hadn¡¯t been lying. Not only had I been crazy before losing my memories, but I¡¯d also gotten up to all sorts of hijinks in bed. ¡°Ha. Has it finally urred to you to use these things to save our marriage?¡± A cold, mocking voice rang out behind me, making me jump to my feet. Elijah grunted and mped a hand on his jaw. I hurriedly backed away and stammered, ¡°Y-You¡­ Why are you back so suddenly?¡± He looked mad. ¡°It¡¯s been over half an hour. Of course, I¡¯m back.¡± Only then did I realize how quickly time had passed. It had been almost an hour since Elijah left to drop Jocelyn off. I stuffed the costumes back into the bag and kicked it into a corner. Elijah¡¯s gaze darkened at that. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve be smarter, Ariana. I thought you would get into a huge fight with me.¡± He came to hold me, his tone coaxing as he continued, ¡°Be good, okay? There¡¯s nothing between Jocelyn and I.¡± I was about to say something when I smelled something sweet on him¡ªit was Jocelyn¡¯s perfume. Suddenly, I wanted to puke. I shoved him away and snapped, ¡°Stay away from me!¡± His expression turned steely. ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck, Ariana!¡± I sneered. ¡°You reek of another woman¡¯s scent. How dare you tell me there¡¯s nothing between you and her?¡± He sniffed his shoulder, and his expression shifted slightly. He frowned at me, looking like he wanted to say he knew I was going to kick up a fuss. He parted his lips to exin, but I turned away. ¡°We¡¯re sleeping in separate rooms starting tonight.¡± I made to leave the wardrobe. Behind me, Elijah snarled, ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough, Ariana?¡± I sneered. ¡°Nope.¡± Elijah hurried forward to grab my arm. His grip was strong, and I paled from the pain. ¡°Ouch!¡± He loosened his grip when he saw my reddened eyes. His gaze was resigned as he said, ¡°The perfume got on me by ident. There¡¯s really nothing going on between me and her.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything. Suddenly, he leaned in to kiss me. I shuddered and instinctively tried to push him away, but he didn¡¯t budge. His breathing grew heavy as he caressed my waist. Familiar bolts of electricity shot through me, and my breathing became erratic. My mind was a mess¡ªI felt like some memories were on the cusp of emerging. My body turned to jelly under his ministrations, but I could hear my heart crying. This body was too weak. I struggled to remain lucid while constantly pushing him away. However, my futile struggle seemed like an invitation to Elijah. He thought this was just part of our forey. He deepened the kiss, and his scent wafted into my nose, eating away at my rationality. My brain was dazed, and my body responded to him without my permission. Elijah continued to deepen the kiss. His scent enveloped me, making me lose track of where I was. When a wave of coolness washed over me, I realized Elijah had carried me to the bed. I used my remaining rationality to shove him hard. ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± He was taking his clothes off and almost fell from my shove. Rage spread over his face, and he raised a hand. I instinctively shuddered and curled into a ball, screaming, ¡°Don¡¯t hit me!¡± The atmosphere tensed. Elijah¡¯s hand stopped in mid-air, and I stiffened on the bed. I didn¡¯t know why I¡¯d reacted like that or understood where Elijah¡¯s sudden brutality hade from. All I knew was that I was trembling uncontrobly. Elijah¡¯s rage disappeared when he saw how scared and pitiful I was. He stood by the bed, wanting to exin something. Ultimately, he remained silent. I felt ashamed as I dragged the sheets over my body, mumbling, ¡°Get out. Get out! Don¡¯t touch me.¡± After a while, he said, ¡°¡­Get some rest. I¡¯ll sleep in the study.¡± He turned and left the room, his expression icy. Shortly after, I heard the study door m shut. Silence and peace descended upon the bedroom, and I slumped on the bed, feeling like all my strength had left me. My back was covered in cold sweat, and my head throbbed painfully. I didn¡¯t know why Elijah kepting after me despite his hatred for me. I also didn¡¯t understand why I was afraid of his brutal side if I¡¯d loved him so deeply before losing my memories. More importantly, why did he refuse to divorce me? My head hurt even more from these thoughts. After a while, I finally drifted off. Chapter 6 It was already 9:00 am when I woke up the next day. I stretched my sore neck before freshening up in the bathroom. After getting changed and heading downstairs, I saw the empty living room. Someone was having breakfast in the dining room, though. I walked closer to find that it was Evan. When he saw me, he snorted scornfully and turned away, not wanting to look at me. My gaze dimmed. I headed to the kitchen to get food. There wasn¡¯t anything aside from some cold oatmeal and a few pieces of bread. I frowned and got a ss of milk from the fridge to warm it up. Then, I fried a couple of sunny-side-ups. When I brought the things out of the kitchen, Evan looked at me like he¡¯d seen a ghost. I furrowed my brows. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?¡± He pointed at my food. ¡°You can cook?¡± His doubtful tone made me feel a little ufortable. I said coolly, ¡°It¡¯s not that hard to fry an egg.¡± He snapped to his senses and red at me. ¡°Don¡¯t try to pull anything funny.¡± I mmed my milk on the table, scaring him. A few secondster, he got mad. ¡°What the hell are you doing? Are you trying to pick a fight?¡± I drank my milk and said icily, ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡± His face became red with rage. ¡°Who are you calling crazy? Don¡¯t think you can do whatever you want now that you¡¯re out of the hospital, Ariana. I¡¯m here to watch you on Eli and Josie¡¯s behalf! Don¡¯t even dream of ruining their rtionship from now on!¡± Iughed. That spooked Evan. ¡°Why are youughing? I¡¯m being serious. This time, I won¡¯t let you hurt Josie. And don¡¯t think you can scare me off by acting like you¡¯re still that high and mighty heiress of the York family. Josie may be scared of you, but I¡¯m not.¡± I held out a hand. ¡°Fine, then. Pay me back.¡± He gave me a knowing look and mocked, ¡°Are you asking for money? What money? I knew you were nothing but a gold digger, Ariana. You pulled all those tricks to marry Eli for our family¡¯s money, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re so shameless!¡± I looked at him emotionlessly. ¡°Yes, I did it all for the money. Now, pay up.¡± He became angry when he saw that his words didn¡¯t faze me. ¡°What money are you talking about?¡± I sneered. ¡°What else? The 50 million dors that I, a gold digger, invested in Linden Group!¡± Evan was dumbstruck. My sneer grew. ¡°I invested 50 million dors in thepany five years ago. If we were to assume that I¡¯m a regr shareholder, you and your family would owe me a huge sum in dividends. ¡°And if you consider the money a loan, think about how much you¡¯d have to repay me if you were to include interest.¡± I pulled out my phone and started doing the math. ¡°If we were to assume the interest was 11% or 12%¡­ Oh, boy¡­¡± Evan¡¯s face became blotchy with rage. He probably wanted to curse at me but couldn¡¯t find the words. I happily finished my breakfast as he watched me. Then, I wiped my mouth and got up. Evan finally managed to say something. ¡°What the hell are you up to, you freak?¡± I turned to look at the face that seemedpletely different from the one in my memories. I said softly, ¡°You used to call me Ari.¡± He looked like he¡¯d been struck by lightning. He remained rooted to the spot while I headed upstairs. ¡­ I couldn¡¯t believe it was so tiring just to have a simple breakfast. It only solidified my desire to leave Elijah. I called Teri, who sounded tired when she answered. ¡°What¡¯s up, Ms. York? Have you and Elijah made up yet?¡± ¡°Nope.¡± ¡°What?¡± she screamed. ¡°What did you just say?¡± I held my phone away from my ear with a frown. ¡°I didn¡¯t make up with Elijah.¡± Teri soon calmed down. ¡°Are you going to give him the cold shoulder for a while? That won¡¯t work, you know. He¡¯s a Scorpio, and they¡¯re great at silent treatments. You can¡¯t defeat him in that. Try something else.¡± I sighed. ¡°I genuinely don¡¯t want to kiss and make up with him.¡± Teri sounded confused. ¡°What do you want to do, then? Oh, I get it now. You must be waiting for the right opportunity to get rid of Jocelyn!¡± Her tone turned anxious. ¡°Listen to me, Ariana. Murder is against thew, okay? We have to bew-abiding citizens.¡± I sighed again. ¡°I don¡¯t intend on doing anything to Jocelyn.¡± She seemed to choke on her spit. After a while, she said, ¡°Let¡¯s stop with this game. Tell me what you want to do, Ariana. You¡¯ve already made the local trending topics with your suicide attempt. ¡°If not for your family being the major shareholder for several media outlets and your brother being worried about its reputation, the onlinemunity would¡¯ve long since dug up everything they could about you.¡± I rubbed my forehead. ¡°I¡¯ve genuinely lost my memories, Teri. Elijah might not believe me, but don¡¯t you?¡± She felt awkward at my question andughed wryly. ¡°I thought you were just putting on an act¡­¡± I was lost for words at that. At the same time, I felt bitter. How much trouble had the old me caused to make everyone in my life doubt me? I felt glum. ¡°Take the day off to have lunch with me, Teri. I want to discuss with you what I should do next.¡± Teri was ultimately still my best friend. She still wanted the best for me. She sighed. ¡°What do you intend to do next?¡± I bit my lip. ¡°Divorce Elijah.¡± She was stunned. ¡­ Teri and I met at a cafe. As soon as she saw me, she handed me a bag of stuff. I looked inside to see fever patches, a thermometer, and cold medication. ¡°What¡¯s all this for?¡± She got the thermometer out of the box and said, ¡°Hurry up and check your temperature. Many people have caught the fever bugtely. See whether you have it, too.¡± I frowned after being forced to stick the thermometer under my armpit. ¡°I don¡¯t have a fever, okay? I do still have a head injury, though.¡± She pped her thigh. ¡°Ah, yes. You¡¯re not right in the head. It exins why you suddenly want to divorce Elijah. You scared the hell out of me.¡± She patted her chest. Only then did I realize why she¡¯d bought me fever and cold medication. I took the thermometer out and looked into her eyes, my gaze serious. ¡°I¡¯m not ying around, Teri. I want to divorce Elijah.¡± Teri seemed scared by the look on my face. Neither of us moved. After two minutes, she blinked and said, ¡°Got it. Let me go.¡± I released her. To my surprise, she pulled out her phone and ced it before me. She yed a random voice message, and a woman¡¯s sobs rang out. ¡°I want to divorce Elijah, Teri! He doesn¡¯t love me at all! He¡¯s giving Jocelyn, the bitch, a birthday present¡­¡± I was taken aback. Teri yed the next one. ¡°I can¡¯t live without Elijah, Teri. I¡¯ll die without him in my life. Can you understand that? I¡¯ll die! ¡°I love him so much¡­ It hurts, Teri. Why does this have to be so painful for me? Would I feel better if I didn¡¯t love him?Content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I feel horrible, Teri. Why isn¡¯t Elijah answering my calls? Isn¡¯t he worried I¡¯ll die out here when I¡¯m so drunk?¡± Teri looked at me, her gazeplicated. ¡°I know you¡¯ve lost your memories, Ari. I¡¯ll help you jog them so you can remember how much you love Elijah.¡± I covered my face with my hands. After a while, I looked up and said helplessly, ¡°I¡¯m serious this time. I have to divorce him.¡± She sighed, wanting to y yet another voice message. I stopped her and said bitterly, ¡°I¡¯ve heard enough. This isn¡¯t fun at all.¡± Chapter 7 Teri finally believed me. She looked at me with heartache. ¡°Ari, you¡­ Forget it. It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve finally seen the light. Elijah has caused you too much suffering over the past seven years.¡± I didn¡¯t say anything. Being unable to have the person one loved was a painful thing. One¡¯s mentality would spiral out of control due to suffering, and constant spiraling would lead to insanity. I¡¯d never suffered a defeat or had any failures, but I lost everything the year I turned 18. I didn¡¯t know what happened between 18 and 25, but I knew it couldn¡¯t be good. I said, ¡°Help me, Teri. I want to return to my family.¡± She sighed and shook her head. ¡°That won¡¯t be easy. You¡¯ve cut off contact with them for five years.¡± I saw the pity in her eyes and lowered my head, feeling bitter. My body was feeling sad, but how could I not be? This was my family we were talking about. My eyes reddened. ¡°That¡¯s why I need your help. I want to start off by contacting my brother. He¡¯s always doted on me¡­¡± Teri¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to help, Ari. Jonathan won¡¯t agree to see you.¡± ¡°My, if it isn¡¯t Mrs. Linden. What are you doing here, drinking such cheap coffee?¡± A sarcastic voice rang out, making me frown. Teri shot to her feet, looking furious. ¡°I¡¯m warning you, Evelyn Snow. Don¡¯t try to pick a fight!¡± A red-haired woman in a floral dress stood before me. Her makeup was exquisite, and she had several shopping bags hanging from her arm. To her right stood twopanions who looked just as fashionable as she was. While appraising me, their expressions were as scornful as Evelyn¡¯s. I stood up and pulled Teri back. ¡°I don¡¯t know her. Let¡¯s go.¡± Before Teri could say anything, Evelyn mocked, ¡°What? You don¡¯t know me? Have you been so busy that you¡¯ve forgotten all about me? We¡¯re old friends!¡± I frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know you, Ms. Snow.¡± Sheughed and turned to herpanions. ¡°Did you hear that? She said she doesn¡¯t know me!¡± One of herpanions in a yellow dressughed with her and said sarcastically, ¡°Oh, let her be. We wouldn¡¯t want to know a bootlicking bitch who refuses to leave Mr. Linden alone, anyway.¡± Theyughed meanly. My expression turned icy, and I tugged on Teri. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We don¡¯t have to stoop to their level.¡± Suddenly, Teri flew into a rage. She shouted, ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re calling a bitch? Could there be anyone in this world cheaper and bitchier than you? You know Elijah is married, yet you still tried to seduce him. ¡°You¡¯re not any better, Sharon Lowry. Your family kept trying to wine and dine Elijah to get a business deal with Linden Group. You¡¯re the cheapest of the lot! Youe from a family of cheap bastards!¡± Her outburst made Evelyn and herpanions stand there in stunned silence. Evelyn was the first to return to her senses. She pounced on Teri, wanting to pull her hair. I knew how good Teri was in a fight, though. I¡¯d seen her in them countless times since childhood. If she imed she was Halton City¡¯s best fighter, no one would dare im otherwise. She grabbed a cup of unfinished coffee and sshed it at Evelyn. Thetter covered her face and screamed. Meanwhile, Sharon swung her shopping bags at Teri. Teri wasn¡¯t paying attention, so I stretched my arms to shield her. The bags hit me, making pain spread through me. This infuriated Teri. ¡°How dare you bitches try to hurt Ari! You guys are asking for trouble!¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Someone approached us. In the next second, my arm was forced downward roughly. I heard a crack, and the sharp pain made me crouch on the floor. My mind was abuzz, but I heard Teri shout, ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you, Elijah? Why the hell are you restraining Ari?¡± I was surprised. What was Elijah doing here? I wanted to stand up, but my head spun, and I fell toward the floor. Just then, someone held me up. Before I could see who this neer was, I heard them say, ¡°That¡¯s enough. She¡¯s hurt.¡± ¡­ When I regained consciousness, the first thing I saw was the bright white light above my head. It was blinding. ¡°Awake already?¡± Elijah¡¯s voice rang out. I struggled to sit up. My left arm hurt like hell, and I couldn¡¯t apply any pressure on it. Elijah sat in a corner, watching me with a stormy expression. He curled his lip when he saw me struggling to sit up. ¡°You¡¯re finally awake. I thought you¡¯d feign being unconscious for an even longer time.¡± I looked at him coldly. ¡°Yeah, I should¡¯ve kept the act going for longer. How else would I scam people of their money?¡± He was taken aback, evidently not expecting me to react like that. He gave me a pissed look and said impatiently, ¡°Apologize to them, Ariana, or they¡¯ll call the cops on you.¡± Iughed. ¡°Why should I apologize? I did nothing. Besides, they¡¯re the ones who provoked us.¡± I was an amnesiac, not an idiot. Even if I didn¡¯t remember who Evelyn was, I could tell from Teri¡¯s reaction that she and herpanions weren¡¯t angels. Besides, Evelyn was the one who¡¯d started it. She¡¯d provoked Teri, and Teri had retaliated. Later, Evelyn was also the one who¡¯d made the first move. Why should I apologize to her? I supported my shoulder, my demeanor so cold that no one could approach me. I was in a lot of pain¡ªmy shoulder was probably dislocated. Yet my ¡°husband¡± was forcing me to apologize to the person who¡¯d made me end up like this. It was ridiculous, and Iughed. This angered Elijah. He shot up and grabbed my arm. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Ariana! I¡¯ve put up with you long enough! Come back with me and stop humiliating yourself in public!¡± The pain in my arm made me cry out. He didn¡¯t seem to think I was really in pain and continued, ¡°Drop the act, alright? You¡¯re fine. Come home with me now!¡± I felt like my head was going to explode from the pain. In this instant, I wanted him to die with me. Anyone would lose their mind from the pain when someone pulled their dislocated shoulder so roughly. ¡°Let her go. Don¡¯t you know that she¡¯s hurt?¡± A figure hurried over and grabbed Elijah¡¯s hand. He subconsciously released me, and tears streamed down my face from the pain. Only then did Elijah realize something was wrong with me¡ªmy arm was twisted at an odd angle. The man held me and said gently, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡± I grabbed him like he was a life buoy. A handsome face appeared in my line of sight. I sobbed desperately, crying, ¡°M-My arm is broken! It¡¯s broken. Where¡¯s Jon? I want Jon!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I¡¯d finally lost control of my emotions before a stranger after keeping them bottled up for days. I burrowed into his arms as I would¡¯ve done with Jonathan as a child. ¡°I want Jon. Where is he? Someone¡¯s bullying me, Jon! They¡¯re all bullying me! All these shameless people are bullying me¡­¡± Elijah was stunned, and the stranger seemed to be struck dumb by my outburst. I wailed at the top of my lungs. I missed my parents, and I missed Jonathan. He would always protect me, no matter how much trouble I¡¯d caused. Whenever anyone bullied me, he would defend me even if it cost him his life. Now, I was devastated. I¡¯d lost my family. I¡¯d cast them aside over the past seven years, which I didn¡¯t even remember! Chapter 8 An hourter, I arrived at Halton University Hospital¡¯s orthopedic department emergency room. There, an amicable-looking doctor with a head of white hair felt my arm. He nodded at the gentleman standing in a corner. ¡°It¡¯s a dislocation.¡± The gentleman hummed in acknowledgment. ¡°You¡¯re renowned for fixing dislocations, Dr. Quinell. Could you do it for her, please?¡± Dr. Quinell gave the man a meaningful look. ¡°You keep owing me favors on other people¡¯s behalf, don¡¯t you?¡± He slowly turned my arm as he spoke. ¡°Was this brat the person who caused this, littledy?¡± I sneaked a look at the gentleman before shaking my head. ¡°No, no. I¡­ I don¡¯t know him.¡± Dr. Quinellughed. ¡°You don¡¯t know him? Why would he be so worried about you if you didn¡¯t know him?¡± I thought about how I¡¯d lost control earlier and cried my heart out while clutching his suit jacket. Then, I lowered my head in embarrassment. Just then, a crisp crack rang out, and Dr. Quinell released me before I could make a sound. I then stood up and moved my arm. I was surprised. It didn¡¯t hurt anymore. What was this miracle that had just happened? Dr. Quinell smiled. ¡°Move it a bit more to test it out. You should be fine now.¡± I slowly stretched my arm and turned it around. Sure enough, it didn¡¯t hurt at all! I hurriedly turned to Dr. Quinell. ¡°Thank you so much for this, Dr. Quinell!¡± I wasn¡¯t a fool. Dr. Thomas Quinell was renowned in Halton City for his expertise in orthopedics. Many famous and rich people would do anything to have him treat their orthopedic issues. Dr. Quinell was a kind doctor who focused on treating regr patients. He only charged them a token sum for their treatment. He¡¯d been practicing for over 50 years and still believed in treating illnesses without profiting off his patients. He¡¯d treated thousands of patients over the years. Yet, it was precisely due to his principles that made it harder to get him to treat patients who were cutting the queue. At that thought, I couldn¡¯t help but look at the handsome gentleman beside me. He looked about 27 or 28 and seemed more mature and level-headed than Elijah. His dark gray suit fit him well and perfectly showed off his trim figure. His features were chiseled, and a pair of half-framed sses rested on his tall nose. They made his eyes seem even more deep-set than they already were. He was chatting with Dr. Quinell, and as he did, his every action exuded confidence and charm. I¡¯d once thought that Elijah was the most handsome man I¡¯d ever met. His cold gaze and dominating demeanor made him seem manlier than others. However, the gentleman with me was Elijah¡¯s opposite. Appearance-wise, he and Elijah were equals. If Elijah was sharp, this man was gentle and graceful. Elijah looked like he could take on the world with his attitude, while this man looked like he could ept the world with his gentility. I couldn¡¯t tell which of them was more handsome, but judging from the current situation, I admired this man¡¯s gentility andposure more. The man sneaked a nce at me in the middle of his conversation with Dr. Quinell. Suddenly, he asked, ¡°Do you feel unwell anywhere else, Ms. York?¡± This caught me off guard. I was about to shake my head, but I caught myself in time and nodded instead. Dr. Quinell frowned. ¡°Hurry up and show me where else you¡¯re hurt then. You don¡¯t want something minor to turn into something major.¡± So, I showed him the back of my waist and my heel. They¡¯d begun hurting after Evan had shoved mest night. Then, I also asked him to feel the back of my head. Dr. Quinell dutifully checked me before shaking his head. He said, ¡°Oh, dear. Why are you so severely injured? Your waist is almost fractured. It¡¯s even a little dislocated now. I¡¯ll help you fix that in a while. Your leg isn¡¯t too bad inparison. It¡¯s just a sprain. ¡°The back of your head though¡­¡± He felt it and suddenly became mad. ¡°How can you take your body for granted like this?¡± His response startled me, and I stammered, ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Upset, Dr. Quinell wrote down his diagnosis and a prescription. ¡°Your skull is fractured, and there¡¯s inner swelling. You¡¯re not afraid of dying, aren¡¯t you? ¡°You¡¯ll be dead meat if the swelling doesn¡¯t subside and causes your intracranial pressure to increase. To think you even got into a fight with someone and ended up having your shoulder dislocated¡­ I can¡¯t believe you.¡± Dr. Quinell sounded angry as he continued writing. His lecture made my eyes turn red. I had no idea I was so severely injured. Elijah hadn¡¯t visited me at the hospital prior to me losing my memories. His hateful assistant had also urged for me to be discharged when my condition had improved slightly. The more I thought about it, the more aggrieved I felt. I lowered my head like a child who¡¯d done something wrong. Just then, the gentleman broke the awkward silence and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, Dr. Quinell. She must¡¯ve left the hospital without receiving the proper treatment because she wasn¡¯t aware of her condition. ¡°I¡¯m sure she didn¡¯t do it on purpose. Besides, why would anyone refuse to see a doctor when they¡¯re so severely injured?¡± Dr. Quinell¡¯s expression softened as he finished writing the prescription. When he saw that I looked like I was going to cry, he hurriedly said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t cry, littledy. You were wailing so loudly when you arrived that everyone in the department heard you. ¡°Don¡¯t cry now, okay?¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. He then red at the gentleman. ¡°Hurry up and take her for her treatment, you brat! She¡¯ll need toe back here for three consecutive days. I¡¯ll personally administer acupuncture on her to ensure the injury won¡¯t leave anysting effects.¡± After that, the man hurriedly took me to the debridement room. He and I simultaneously sighed in relief once we were out of Dr. Quinell¡¯s office. Dr. Quinell was scary! I didn¡¯t expect him to be so terrifying when he was mad. Feeling guilty, I looked at the man. ¡°Sorry for dragging you into this. And, uh¡­ I forgot to ask for your name.¡± I awkwardly fidgeted with my fingers while waiting for an answer. The man chuckled. ¡°Have you forgotten who I am?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± I looked up, confused. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t remember you. What¡¯s your name?¡± He smiled, his gaze gentle. ¡°I know your brother, Jonathan. You used to call me Woody when you were a kid.¡± Woody? I stood there in a daze as waves of childhood memories washed over me. I vaguely remembered a period when Jonathan always had a tall, thin, bespectacled young man with him. He didn¡¯t talk much but was always soft-spoken when he did. I¡¯d been curious about him and wanted to get to know him, but the aloofness with which he carried himself had stopped me. I remembered Jonathanter telling me that his surname was Wood. So, I¡¯d mischievously called him Woody once. ¡°Are you¡­ Woody?¡± I tentatively asked. He smiled at me and held out a hand. ¡°I¡¯m Logan Wood, not Woody.¡± I felt my cheeks warm, and I hastily shook his hand. ¡°Hi. Uh, sorry about earlier¡­¡± I wanted to continue making small talk, but it was my turn for treatment. So, I could only apologetically nod at him before heading into the debridement room. My treatment was done in a jiffy. My shoulder had been wrapped up like pasta around a fork, and the bandage slightly dangled from my neck. I couldn¡¯t help thinking that I looked silly. As I came out with my medication, I saw Elijah waiting outside. He seemed impatient. When he saw the bandage on my shoulder, he was taken aback for a second before his expression turned cold. He strode over to me, wanting to grab me. However, I backed away, feeling scared. ¡°Don¡¯te near me.¡± Elijah paused and tried to suppress his anger as he snarled, ¡°Apologize to those people, Ariana! Evelyn¡¯s promised that she won¡¯t call the cops as long as you apologize.¡± His tone was filled with irritation. ¡°All you do is cause trouble for me. When are you going to stop this?¡± Chapter 9 My initially calm mood immediately soured, and I stubbornly kept my silence. This only made Elijah more impatient. He reached out for me again, but I shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me!¡± This attracted the attention of the patients who were waiting their turn. At the next moment, countless eyes watched Elijah and me, curious to see what was happening. Elijah¡¯s expression darkened. Then, he came closer and lowered his voice, threatening, ¡°Come with me! We can talk about this at home!¡± I backed away and roared, ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± With a menacing gaze, Elijah raised his voice, the threat in his tone more evident. ¡°You¡¯ve really grown a pair now, haven¡¯t you? I¡¯ll stop bothering about you if you continue like this!¡± I looked away. ¡°Stop bothering about me then! That¡¯s exactly what I want. I don¡¯t need you to boss me around.¡± Elijah still wanted to tug me, but his hand abruptly stopped when he touched my shoulder. It seemed like he¡¯d only just realized what he¡¯d done. He softened his tone and said, ¡°I admit that I¡¯d identally injured you earlier, and it¡¯s to be expected that you¡¯re mad. But I was only doing it for your good, wasn¡¯t I? Be good ande home with me.¡± I curled my lip disdainfully without saying anything. Elijah scowled when he didn¡¯t receive a response after a long while. I knew he¡¯d already given me a chance to sweep the matter under the rug. And based on what Teri had told me, the old me would¡¯ve tearfully forgiven Elijah without him even apologizing. However, I was no longer the same Ariana who¡¯d lost herself and kicked her dignity aside for the sake of her so-called love. I didn¡¯t want to live that sort of life anymore. My silence thoroughly pissed Elijah off. He sneered. ¡°This is what you want to be like, huh? Fine then. Do whatever you want since you¡¯re refusing toe home with me. I¡¯d like to see who in Halton City would be willing to take you in!¡± I said indifferently, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business, is it, Mr. Linden?¡± Elijah suddenly leaned close, his icy, ruthless voice giving me goosebumps as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t regret the stubbornness you¡¯ve shown today, Ariana. I can¡¯t wait to see how long it¡¯ll keep you going.¡± ¡°Mr. Linden?¡± a gentle voice cut through the tense atmosphere between Elijah and me. Elijah turned and narrowed his eyes at Logan, who was holding a receipt for the medical bill. He then softened his tone and sighed, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry you had to witness this, Mr. Wood. My wife made a fool of herself in front of you.¡± The insinuated reprimand in Elijah¡¯s words were tempting me tosh out at him. However, Logan approached him and coolly said, ¡°You¡¯re being too polite, Mr. Linden. Ari is like a sister to me, and as her brother, I have to defend her whenever someone tries to bully her.¡± Even I was surprised to hear this, let alone Elijah. He doubtfully looked at me before turning back to Logan. Then, he pointed at me, sounding unsure as he asked, ¡°Do you know her, Mr. Wood?¡± Logan nodded. ¡°Yeah. Not only do we know each other, but we¡¯re very familiar with each other too.¡± Elijah looked incredulous. At the next moment, I moved to stand behind Logan, using him to shield myself from Elijah¡¯s gaze. Elijah wanted to probe further, but Logan held my hand and said, ¡°Dr. Quinell said you can¡¯t move your arm too much. You¡¯ll also need to do an MRI for your head tomorrow.¡± Just then, Elijah interrupted, ¡°Don¡¯t let her trick you, Mr. Wood. She¡¯s not sick or injured at all.¡± I wanted to retort when Logan looked up at him. His gentle demeanor suddenly shifted, and the temperature around us seemed to drop. Elijah¡¯s gaze darkened after a brief moment of surprise. Then, Logan looked into his eyes and slowly said, ¡°Ari is your wife, Mr. Linden. Instead of checking whether or not she¡¯s actually injured, your first reaction is to assume that she¡¯s lying. That¡¯s not very appropriate, is it?¡± Elijah didn¡¯t expect Logan to stand up for me. He felt embarrassed and snorted. ¡°You¡¯re considered reputable in Halton City, Mr. Wood. Why are you so concerned about my wife? Whatever happens between us is our business. It has nothing to do with you.¡± Elijah emphasized ¡°our business¡±. Logan smiled faintly and pushed his sses up. ¡°Oh? You¡¯re right to say it¡¯s your and her business. I merely wanted to remind you that Dr. Quinell¡¯s diagnosis is right here. No one is lying about anything. ¡°Besides, how are you going to exin Ari¡¯s injuries to Jonathan?¡± Logan watched as the look on Elijah¡¯s face turned sour. He added, ¡°Even if Jonathan no longer wants to consider her his sister, she¡¯s still the York family¡¯s only daughter.¡± Elijah¡¯s expression shifted again. He looked me in the eye and enunciated, ¡°Come home with me, Ariana.¡± I knew he¡¯d lost all his patience. If I were the old me with all my memories, I probably would¡¯ve obediently left with him at this point. Now, however, I just wanted to be as far away from him as possible. I averted my gaze and tugged Logan¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Logan.¡± Logan was about to say something when Elijah suddenly grabbed my arm. I turned to him in surprise. He had a murderous gaze as he dragged me into his arms and forcefully wrapped a hand around my waist. He coldly said, ¡°Thank you for your help today, Mr. Wood. I¡¯ll buy you a meal sometime. See you around.¡± Then, he forced me to leave with him. I hurriedly turned to look at Logan and saw him standing there with the bill in his hand. I couldn¡¯t read his expression properly, but he seemed disappointed. ¡­ Elijah only released me after dragging me to the basement parking lot. As soon as he let me go, I turned to head to the elevator.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. He roared, ¡°I¡¯ll break your legs if you take another step, Ariana!¡± I sneered. ¡°You already almost broke my arm, Mr. Linden. Are my legs the next to go?¡± I approached him and looked him in the eye. ¡°Go ahead then. Do it, or I¡¯ll forever think of you as a cowardly asshole!¡± I thought Elijah would fly into a rage and immediately get physical, so I was prepared for a beating. But suddenly, a gentle voice rang out behind us, ¡°Elijah, how can you speak to Ms. York like that?¡± I was taken aback. I looked past Elijah to see Jocelyn sitting in his car. She then got out and came to stand between us. Iughed mockingly. ¡°Not bad, Mr. Linden. You bring Jocelyn with you wherever you go, huh?¡± A trace of awkwardness flitted across Elijah¡¯s face. He exined, ¡°She had to go to the opera house for a rehearsal today. It was on my way, so I was just dropping her off.¡± I scoffed, my mockery evident. This aggravated Elijah. He was about to fly off the handle again when Jocelyn gently held his hand. Then, she earnestly said to me, ¡°I was the one who insisted oning with Elijah, Ms. York. I was worried after hearing that you were injured.¡± I looked at their tightly sped hands, thinking that the world had finally gone to shit. Regardless of whether or not Jocelyn and Elijah were involved together, I didn¡¯t recall ever seeing a mistress try to show a woman up by bringing her cheating husband to her. Was she deliberately showing me how deeply she and Elijah loved each other? At the next moment, I pulled out my phone and snapped a photo of them. Chapter 10 Elijah and Jocelyn were startled. Elijah asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Jocelyn didn¡¯t understand my actions either. I waved my phone and indifferently said, ¡°It¡¯s proof that you¡¯remitting adultery, Mr. Linden. I don¡¯t mind you two continuing to be affectionate with each other to my face, but don¡¯t me me for being harsh if I get a photo or video of it.¡± Only then did Elijah seem to realize how inappropriate he and Jocelyn were being. He hurriedly broke free of her grasp. Meanwhile, a trace of awkwardness flitted across Jocelyn¡¯s face. She said in embarrassment, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry about that. I only wanted to soothe Elijah. I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± She sounded like she was about to cry. Oh, what a pitiful sight. I turned away, feeling disgusted It was such a repulsive trick to pull, but Elijahpped it up. He immediately wrapped an arm around Jocelyn¡¯s shoulders and snapped at me, ¡°Apologize, Ariana!¡± I sneered. ¡°Again? What¡¯s it for now? Because I snapped a photo of you two holding hands and being intimate?¡± Hepsed into silence. Then, Jocelyn said, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, Ms. York. I really didn¡¯t mean anything I looked at her seriously. ¡°To tell the truth, Ms. Comell, the current me doesn¡¯t love Elijah. You can bet that I¡¯ll divorce him. But all I ask is that you stop pulling these cheap tricks.¡± She frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± I sneered. ¡°Aren¡¯t you? Why do you keep calling me Ms. York, then? Before Elijah and I divorce, you should address me as Mrs. Linden. Also, you keep addressing my husband so intimately to my face. Anyone else would¡¯ve already pped you silly.¡± Jocelyn¡¯s face immediately turned red. She covered her face and hurried back into the car while sobbin Elijah stared at me. After a while, he asked, ¡°What did you just say? What do you mean you don¡¯t love me? Exin yourself!¡± I didn¡¯t want to talk to him anymore, but I still had to make him get the situation straight. I enunciated, ¡°I don¡¯t love you anymore, Elijah.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. 18¨Cyear¨Cold Ariana York didn¡¯t love Elijah Linden. Even if the old me had been madly in love with him, his actions clearly showed how he could disrespect and insult his wife. So what if he was the most outstanding man in the world? He was like poison to me. I took advantage of Elijah¡¯s momentary daze to turn and leave. However, he grabbed me from behind and roared, ¡°Make yourself clear, Ariana! What do you mean you don¡¯t love me anymore? Who have you fallen for then? That Wood guy?¡± He was initially doubtful, but he soon felt sure that he was right. ¡°When did you secretlytch onto him? Is it because he¡¯s richer than me and has more connections?¡± I shook his hand off. ¡°You¡¯re seriously insane. You should get your head checked at the hospital¡± Eliah calmed down and continued, ¡°What exactly do you want, Ariana?¡± ¡°A divorce,¡± I said ¡°No way! I can agree to anything but that neered Elijah then looked at my bandaged shoulder and arm and softened his tone. He said. ¡°Enough of this, Arijana Let¡¯s talk about this when we get home | then pointed at Jocelyn who was still crying in the car ¡°Three¡¯s a crowd¡± ¡°Til With an awkward expression, Elijah pulled out his phone and said, ¡°Il call a cab for you? |ughed. He was making his wife take a cab while his mistress rode in his car, huh? 1 said. ¡± must¡¯ve been blind in the past, Elijah¡± Without waiting for him to respond, I turned and hurried out of the parking lot. Every second I spent there made the nauseous. i tumed aer outside the parking lot and started puking into one of the bushes My head buzzed, and 1 telt a little dizzy I knew that Dr. Quinell was night. I was in a lot of danger now because I¡¯d yet to recover from my head injury Chapter 11 I was about to hail a taxi when an inconspicuous¨Clooking ck car gradually drove before me. Its window. rolled down, and a voice rang out, ¡°Ari? With my head still spinning, I looked up at the person. Then, a handsome face came into view, stunning me. ¡°Woody-¡± I stopped to correct myself, ¡°Mr. Wood? Logan exited the car, opened the front passenger seat door, and helped me in. It took me ages to process what was happening. After a while, I asked, ¡°What are you still doing here, Mr. Wood?¡± Logan drove while casually exining, ¡°I figured you¡¯d still be at the hospital, so I took a drive around the area. And as expected, you were still there. Then, he thoughtfully handed me a napkin. ¡°Did you puke earlier?¡± I epted it, wiped my lips, and murmured, ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m a little dizzy. It¡¯s probably an unpleasant side effect of the concussion.¡± Logan¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze hardened behind his sses. That was when I noticed my entire back was drenched in sweat. As Logan drove, he reassured me, saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Get some rest today, and I¡¯ll bring you to the hospital again tomorrow for a check¨Cup.¡± At that moment, I looked up and happened to meet Logan¡¯s profound yet gentle gaze. My heart inexplicably throbbed as I lowered my head in a panic. T¨CThanks, Mr. Wood¡­¡± A faint smile graced Logan¡¯s face. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you calling me Woody anymore?¡± My cheeks turned a bright shade of red. ¡°About that¡­ I was childish when I was younger-¡± Logan¡¯s airy voice rang out, interrupting me, ¡°Call me Logan from now on. Jonathan and I are old schoolmates and best friends, so I consider his sister as my own. It¡¯s not like you¡¯d be losing anything by calling me Logan.¡± For some reason, my heart sank ever so slightly when he said that. Logan¡¯s car swiftly traveled past the stream of traffic. He was patient and focused when driving, and because of that, the steering wheel turned smoothly under the control of his slender hands. Watching him drive was satisfying. However, I dared not look for too long after sneaking some nces at him. Then, Logan asked, ¡°Where are you headed, Ari?¡± I sighed. ¡°I want to see Teri.¡± Logan nudged his sses higher up on the bridge of his nose and frowned. ¡°Is that your friend?¡± I nodded. ¡°My best friend.¡± That was when Logan pressed on, ¡°Is this friend reliable?¡± I nodded. ¡°Give me her address. I¡¯ll drive you there,¡± he eventually replied. I didn¡¯t bother refusing since I had already troubled him once So, it wouldn¡¯t matter if I asked him for more help now. T Immediately, I phoned Teri. However, the call never connected, and I only received an automated response when I tried calling again. ¡°The number you have dialed is unreachable.¡± I frowned. ¡°I think her phone may be dead.¡± Logan heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°That best friend of yours is the same woman who fought off all those other women at the mall, right?¡± I nodded. Things were too chaotic at the time. All I knew was that I had fainted from the pain, but I had no idea what had happened to Teri. That was when I realized I had to do something and said, ¡°No, I should look for Teri. She might be in trouble.¡± Logan pinned my failing arm down and shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to search for her. She¡¯s likely at the police station giving her testimony of the incident. 1 froze momentarily before panicking. ¡°Well, I need to go to her! Hurry! Let¡¯s go to the police station!¡± | nearly jolted from how anxious I was. However, Logan simply stared at me with an odd expression. There was an overwhelming sense of affection, helplessness, and the slightest hint of sorrow in his eyes. He then retracted his gaze before fishing for his phone. As heforted me, he dialed a series of numbers and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll call to check if she¡¯s still there.¡± He then made a phone call before turning to me, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve already asked. Your friend¡¯s gone home after giving her testimony. Her phone probably ran out of battery, so it died. Don¡¯t worry though. My friend said she¡¯s alright.¡± Logan¡¯s calmness and certainty put me at ease. I was about to hail a taxi when an inconspicuous¨Clooking ck car gradually drove before me. Its window rolled down, and a voice rang out, ¡°Ari? With my head still spinning, I looked up at the person. Then, a handsome face came into view, stunning me. ¡°Woody-¡°I stopped to correct myself, ¡°Mr. Wood?¡± Logan exited the car, opened the front passenger seat door, and helped me in. It took me as t Wood?¡± process what was happening. After a while, I asked, ¡°What are you still doing here, Mr. Logan drove while casually exining, ¡°I figured you¡¯d still be at the hospital, so I took a drive around the area. And as expected, you were still there.¡± Then, he thoughtfully handed me a napkin. ¡°Did you puke earlier?¡± I epted it, wiped my lips, and murmured, ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m a little dizzy. It¡¯s probably an unpleasant side effect of the concussion.¡± Logan¡¯s brows furrowed slightly, and his gaze hardened behind his sses. That was when I noticed my entire back was drenched in sweat. As Logan drove, he reassured me, saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Get some rest today, and I¡¯ll bring you to the hospital again tomorrow for a check¨Cup.¡± At that moment, I looked up and happened to meet Logan¡¯s profound yet gentle gaze. My heart. inexplicably throbbed as I lowered my head in a panic. 17¨CThanks, Mr. Wood¡­¡± A faint smile graced Logan¡¯s face. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you calling me Woody anymore?¡± My cheeks turned a bright shade of red. ¡°About that¡­ I was childish when I was younger- Logan¡¯s airy voice rang out, interrupting me, ¡°Call me Logan from now on. Jonathan and I are old schoolmates and best friends, so I consider his sister as my own. It¡¯s not like you¡¯d be losing anything by calling me Logan.¡± For some reason, my heart sank ever so slightly when he said that. Logan¡¯s car swiftly traveled past the stream of traffic. He was patient and focused when driving, and because of that, the steering wheel turned smoothly under the control of his slender hands. Watching him drive was satisfying. However, I dared not look for too long after sneaking some nces at him. Then, Logan asked, ¡°Where are you headed, Ari?¡± I sighed. ¡°I want to see Teri.¡± Logan nudged his sses higher up on the bridge of his nose and frowned. ¡°Is that I nodded. ¡°My best friend.¡± That was when Logan pressed on, ¡°Is this friend reliable?¡± I nodded. ¡°Give me her address. I¡¯ll drive you there,¡± he eventually replied. your friend?¡± I didn¡¯t bother refusing since I had already troubled him once. So, it wouldn¡¯t matter if I asked him for more help now. Immediately, I phoned Teri. However, the call never connected, and I only received an automated response when I tried calling again. ¡°The number you have dialed is unreachable.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I frowned. ¡°I think her phone may be dead.¡± I Logan heaved a sigh of relief. ¡°That best friend of yours is the same woman who fought off all those other women at the mall, right?¡± I nodded. Things were too chaotic at the time. All I knew was that I had fainted from the pain, but I had no idea what had happened to Teri. That was when I realized I had to do something and said, ¡°No, I should look for Teri. She might be in trouble.¡± Logan pinned my failing arm down and shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to search for her. She¡¯s likely at the police station giving her testimony of the incident. I froze momentarily before panicking. ¡°Well, I need to go to her! Hurry! Let¡¯s go to the police station!¡± I nearly jolted from how anxious I was. However, Logan simply stared at me with an odd expression. There was an overwhelming sense of affection, helplessness, and the slightest hint of sorrow in his eyes. He then retracted his gaze before fishing for his phone. As heforted me, he dialed a series of numbers and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll call to check if she¡¯s still there.¡± He then made a phone call before turning to me, saying, ¡°I¡¯ve already asked. Your friend¡¯s gone home after giving her testimony. Her phone probably ran out of battery, so it died. Don¡¯t worry though. My friend said she¡¯s alright.¡± Logan¡¯s calmness and certainty put me at ease. Chapter 12 I was too flustered to thank Logan. Meanwhile, he was gently holding the steering wheel, his wless and defined hands resembling sculpture.This is from N?velDrama.Org. bling that of a I recognized the watch on his wrist. It was an Audemars Piguet watch¨Ca subtle luxury brand that cost a fortune. Just then, Logan met my eyes. ¡°Woody¨CNo, Logan, where should I go now?¡± I asked, awkwardly lowering my head to avert his stare. I was at a loss. ¡°I don¡¯t remember where Teri lives.¡± Logan sighed. ¡°Have you actually forgotten it?¡± I nodded. ¡°The doctor says I have intermittent amnesia, and it¡¯s unclear when I¡¯ll remember the things I¡¯ve forgotten.¡± Logan frowned. ¡°It¡¯s that bad? Does Elijah know?¡± I let out a bitter chuckle while shaking my head. ¡°He doesn¡¯t believe me at all. He thinks I¡¯m lying.¡± Logan seemed slightly upset upon hearing this. For a long while, he stared at me with utmost seriousness before changing the topic. He said, ¡°Do you have WhatsApp?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± I uttered in confusion. But quickly, I realized that he was asking to add my phone number to his WhatsApp. So, I frantically dug for my phone and apologized, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Logan. I should¡¯ve added your number earlier. I must¡¯ve forgotten because my mind was all over the ce.¡± Logan took his phone out while we were waiting for the traffic light. After a few taps on his phone, he scanned my WhatsApp QR code. Once we added each other¡¯s contacts to our WhatsApps, I clicked on his profile picture for a quick look- it was an abstract painting in ck, white, and gray. I couldn¡¯t understand what it meant, but itplimented Logan¡¯s overall air well. There was something cold, distant and enigmatic about it. I then said, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer you the medical fees¡­¡± Suddenly, Logan reached out. His slender and slightly cold fingertips touched mine, causing my face to redden. With a light chuckle, he replied, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. We¡¯ll discuss it after I help you get settled.¡± After that, Logan didn¡¯t speak to me for the rest of the journey. It seemed like he disliked talking, and I had no clue what to talk about either. After a while, Logan casually tapped a button in his car and the radio began ying a pleasant piano tune. My nerves¨Cwhich had been tense all day¨Cfinally rxed upon hearing the music. Before I knew it, I fell asleep against the car window. I slept soundly as if I had returned to being a baby nesting in a warm, swaying crib. When the car stopped, I blearly opened my eyes, ¡°Are you up?¡± Logan asked. The faint scent of pinewood wafted toward me as he leaned in to unfasten my seatbelt. The pine scent intensified when he got closer, so I sank deeper into the seat to avoid him. Logan¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile as he pointed to a corner of my lips. ¡°You should wipe that.¡± Confused, I touched my lip. However, I soon realized that I had been drooling in my sleep! I wanted to bash my head against the car window! My hands shot to my mouth as I wiped my lips in a panic. Meanwhile, I stammered while making up an excuse. ¡°A¨CAbout that¡­ Oh, I slept like a pig! How could have slept so soundly¡­?¡± Logan shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t say that about yourself, An. Even if you were a pig, you¡¯d be a piglet, and you¡¯d be the cutest one to ever exist too.¡± I wanted tough, but I tried to hold it in. However, my efforts were for naught because I soon burst out inughter. Iughed so hard that tears nearly flowed from my eyes. Logan innocently stared at me, his lips upturned in the softest smile. Afterughing my heart out, I exhaled and gave him a sincere look. ¡°Thanks, Logan. I wouldn¡¯t have known what to do if you weren¡¯t here.¡± Logan abruptly stated, ¡°You look good when you¡¯re smiling. You should smile more.¡± My heart skipped a beat. Chapter 13 Logan had already exited the car and was standing outside while smiling softly. ¡°We¡¯re here, Ari.¡± I got out of the car and froze once I saw the ce we were in. It was obscure, but it had an incredibleContent ? N?velDrama.Org. view. As I looked around, I realized that we were at a mountainside. The view ahead was an endless coastline, and the sunset¡¯s brilliant glow reflected off the sea¡¯s surface. Meanwhile, behind me was a lush forest, where an antique¨Clooking house sat amid its trees. Logically speaking, a lone house like that should havee off as terrifying, but that wasn¡¯t the case now. The walls that fenced the house were covered in rampant vines of climbing roses. Many red, pink, and yellow roses bloomed amid the vines, and it felt as though I were gazing at a stunning sea of flowers. I Excitement bubbled within me as I circled the wall of roses. The names of each rose variety popped up in my mind, and I passionately listed them all out. Logan tucked one hand in his pocket while leaning against the car, grinning at me. Then, the wind blew, ruffling the roses and leaves on the wall. At that moment, a symphony of rustles filled the air, and a lovely floral fragrance enveloped me. I was so over the moon that I wanted to cry. I¡¯d dreamt of having a flowering vine¨Cfilled garden wall when I was younger. But unfortunately, my mother was allergic to flower pollen, and I had no time to tend to nts anyhow. I¡¯d never imagined that Logan would have such a dreamy garden wall. Excitement sparked through my veins as I ran to him and asked, ¡°How did you grow such flowers, Logan?¡± Logan lowered his head as he looked at me. ¡°How would I know? I paid good money to have someone professionally deal with it.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true. You know these things.¡± I fervently shook my head. ¡°It had to be you who asked the gardener to nt them!¡± ¡°Oh?¡± Logan casually responded, ¡°And how would you know?¡± I couldn¡¯t exin why, but I insisted, saying, ¡°You must have asked the gardener to nt them! I know it!! just do!¡± Logan took in my child¨Clike behavior and let out a helpless chuckle. ¡°Let¡¯s go inside. It¡¯s windy out here.¡± His hand naturally hovered above my shoulders but didn¡¯t touch me. I was about to enter the gates when a very displeased young woman in a pink dress stopped me. ¡°Why would you bring this crazy bitch home, Logan? That¡¯s Ariana!¡± The young woman red and couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes at me. I didn¡¯t recognize her, but she seemed to know and loathed me. Logan nced at her a ndly hummed in acknowledgment before leading me past the gates. The young woman was furious that he had ignored her. She stomped her foot while shrieking. ¡°Logan! Logan! Did you hear me? She¡¯s Ariana! Aren¡¯t you afraid of humiliating yourself by letting her stick around?¡± Upon hearing that, Logan paused, and his brows creased into a frown. ¡°Who taught you to treat our guests so rudely, Ruby Quare? Ruby was caught off guard. Then, she begrudgingly retorted, ¡°But Logan! How¡¯s she a guest? She¡¯s just a bad woman with a nasty reputation¡­¡± I I felt flustered and subtly took a few steps back. Logan¡¯s expression turned cold. ¡®Apologize, Ruby!¡± Ruby was shocked. ¡°Are you asking me to apologize to her, Logan? Have I misheard you?¡± Logan repeated himself, ¡°Apologize Only then did Ruby realize that her older cousin was serious. Her cheeks reddened in rage. ¡°Logan, you¡¯ve just returned to the country, so you¡¯re unaware of how bad her reputation is. She-¡± ¡°Apologize!¡± Logan said it for the third time more fiercely. His voice could send shivers down one¡¯s back. I instinctively cowered. Meanwhile, Ruby no longer dared to refute. She then fixed her gaze on me and snarled through gritted teeth, ¡°I¡¯m s¨Csorry.¡± After that, the rims of her eyes reddened, and she ran off I awkwardly stood in the same spot, my gaze shifting to Logan. ¡°Logan, I think¡­ it¡¯s best if I go back.¡± Then, I quickly added, ¡°I have some money in my ride¨Chailing app. I can get a ride home.¡± Logan seemed unhappy as he said, ¡°Where will you go? Back to Elijah?¡± Chapter 14 Logan¡¯s question stumped me, and my throat constricted as I failed to get my words out Ultimately, Lexined in a low, subdued voice, ¡°But I have a bad reputation. I¡¯ll only trouble you if I stay here.¡± I dared not meet his eyes after saying that. All I could do was stare at my feet. But even then, I could still sense Logan¡¯s stares and decided to stay bowed. A long time passed before I heard a sigh. Then, Logan said, ¡°Don¡¯t overthink things. Hurry up and get inside. I help you settle down.¡± He then walked ahead and into the house. I hesitated for a few seconds before catching up with him. Logan¡¯s house was quiet, and the maids were doing their tasks in an orderly fashion. I didn¡¯t know why, but I feltfortable here. Unlike Elijah¡¯s empty vi, this ce felt more lived¨Cin and homey Just then, I spotted a wooden bookshelf with some paint peeling off it and a firece with ck cinder marks along its edges. There was even arge and well¨Cmaintained leather couch. 1 stiffly sat on the couch, waiting for Logan to change his clothes upstairs. My mind was empty, and I couldn¡¯t process anything Being here felt like a dream. Did I really leave the suffocating Elijah so easily? Loganter returned downstairs in a casual gray shirt. His pants outlined his long legs, and his loose top made him seem like a more casual and friendly person. That was when I noticed Logan¡¯s broad shoulders and narrow waist. He looked even more handsome in this outfit than when he wore a suit. Everything about him felt softer, and it was as if he had a halo that cast a gentle glow onto his entire body. I gaped at him in awe, forgetting how to speak. Logan weed my stares, his gaze softening as he asked, ¡°Are you tired?¡± I shook my head. He then sat opposite me and exined. ¡°This ce is my family home. It¡¯s a little old, but it has many rooms-¡± He paused, then continued, ¡°My parents are still abroad in Switzia. My two younger brothers are also Overseas ¡°The girl you saw earlier is my younger cousin, Ruby Quare. She ns to take the entrance exam for Halton University¡¯s art department. She¡¯s been searching for a mentor to provide her with specialized art training in the city during these two months.¡± Hearing that only made me feel more awkward. ¡°I¡¯m fine, Logan. I¡¯ll leave tomorrow. I¡¯m actually fine on my own I can also book a hotel room.¡± While I bbered on, I realized just how many alternative solutions I had Why on earth had Ie with Logan to his family home? How embarrassing! I couldn¡¯t bear such humiliation Id practically revealed my ws by listing my options out to Logan. Logan chuckled lightly. ¡°I¡¯d be too worried to let you stay at a hotel alone. Besides, Dr. Quinell said that you require three days of acupuncture treatments and hospital visits for check¨Cups. You can stay here during this period.¡± Hed before adding, ¡°I can also arrange for you to stay elsewhere if you don¡¯t like it here.¡± I shook my head at once. ¡°No, no! I love it here. I really do!¡± My cheeks grew warm and red once I finished saying that. Logan inspected my face in detail and chuckled. ¡°Ari, why do you seem to like blushing so much?¡± I cupped my cheeks and lowered my head. ¡°I don¡¯t know either. Perhaps it¡¯s because I lost my memories the moment I awoke. In my remaining memories, I¡¯m technically still a freshman.¡± At that point in my life, I was still 18 and had just fallen in love. My 18¨Cyear¨Cold self had no clue how to be around a perfect man like Logan. Not only was Hike that with Logan, but the younger me was too flustered to act normally even around the rotten Elijah. In losing seven years of my memories, my tactfulness andposure as an adult had also vanished. Although I was 25 years old now, my emotional intelligence was equivalent to that of the nk te it was at 18. Logan pensively responded, ¡°So, you only remember things that happened before you were 18. What about those from after?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve forgotten about them. I genuinely can¡¯t remember. I shrugged. Then, I kept my eyes on him as I asked, ¡°Do you believe that I¡¯m telling the truth, Logan?¡± I was deathly afraid that he would have even the slightest amount of doubt. For some reason, I felt I would be miserable if he hesitated to trust me for a second or even less. Apart from Teri, Logan was the only person who could show me kindness now that I¡¯d lost my memories. ¡°I believe you.¡± Logan nodded and shot me a warm smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts. ¡°I, Woody, trust you, Ari.¡± I beamed back at him with tears brimming in my eyes. However, Logan didn¡¯t let me dwell on my emotions and promptly motioned me to the dining room for a meal. The maids at the Wood residence had made a light meal with fish, red meats, and some scrambled eggs. It wasn¡¯t thevish dinner spread I¡¯d imagined the Wood family to have, but regardless, I enjoyed the meal lot since I had been starving for an entire day. Logan was charming even when he ate. He had decent spoonfuls of food at a time before sipping on some soup. And while eating, he never made a sound or spoke. Halfway through my meal, I realized that Ruby¨Cwho had snapped at me earlier¨Cdidn¡¯t join us downstairs to eat. I wanted to ask Logan about it, but I wasn¡¯t sure how to bring it up. So, I peeked at him. However, Logan didn¡¯t seem to care that Ruby wasn¡¯t with us. He simply and leisurely ate before heading. to the living room to read some newspapers and magazines. Upon realizing that I had fallen behind, I quickly ate my dinner and joined him. ¡°Are you full?¡± Logan asked I nodded before asking back, ¡°What about Ruby? We shouldn¡¯t just ignore the fact that she¡¯s noting down for dinner, right?¡± Logan smiled. ¡°She¡¯s old enough to know better. She¡¯lle downstairs for food when she¡¯s hungry, so you don¡¯t need to worry about her.¡± Logan then ordered the maids to set up a room and prepare some clothes for me. Then, he turned to face me and said, ¡°Get some proper rest tonight. I¡¯ll bring you to the hospital for a check¨Cup at 8:00 am tomorrow.¡± ¡°I can go on my own!¡± I uttered while standing up at once. Logan nced at me and shook his head. ¡°No way. I said I¡¯d bring you there, so I¡¯m doing it.¡± I wanted to keep insisting, but Logan had already left with his phone to make some business calls. So, I could only helplessly follow the maid upstairs. There were indeed many rooms in the Wood residence. The maid brought me to the third floor, where at least ten rooms lined both sides of the hallway. I was speechless. From what I recalled, none of my family¡¯s houses were this massive or grand. Was I finally experiencing the kind ofvishness that wealthy people lived in? The kind that was only heard of in rumors and tales? The Wood family seemed to be several social ranks higher than Elijah, who was considered nouveau riche. After all, Elijah didn¡¯t look like he owned many houses under his name. He was nothing like Logan, who appeared to be a part of the vieux riche crowd of Halton City. The maid politely led me to a guest room. Once she opened the door, I froze from head to toe in sheer awe.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. The room was massive! It wasn¡¯t a guest room¨Cthis was more like a small suite with three bedrooms and one living room. Upon entry, the washroom was to my left. As I walked further into the room, I found a medium¨Csized closet and a bedroom with a huge bed beside it. Meanwhile, opposite the bed was a bathroom that even had a bathtub! This specific bedroom was fully decorated in warm tones and had wooden flooring with pale, yellow wallpaper. The bed frame itself was made of pure oakwood. Chapter 15 I sat on the bed, feeling like I was in a dream. The room wasn¡¯t fancy, but it felt warm and cozy. The maid ced my change of clothes on the bedside before smiling and saying, ¡°Mr. Wood picked these pajamas for you, Ms. York. Please inform us should you find them unsuitable.¡± I nced at the powdery pink pajama set and nodded right away. ¡°Please thank Mr. Wood on my behalf.¡± The maid soon left after teaching me how to use thendline phone on the bedside table and the buttons. in the bathroom. That was when my phone rang.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. It was a call from Teri. Once the call connected, sheined, ¡°Why did it take you so long to answer the phone? I was worried sick! Elijah didn¡¯t do anything to you, did he? And how¡¯s your hand?¡± I briefly exined everything that happened at the hospital to her. Teri sounded baffled. ¡°Thomas? Thomas Quinell? The orthopedic expert? Holy cow! Who¡¯s that handsome man that rescued you? How can he be so capable?¡± I gave it a thought before answering, ¡°He said his name is Logan and that he used to be ssmates with Jonathan.¡± ¡°Oh my God!¡± Te Teri shrilled. ¡°What? What did you say? Did you say ¡°Logan?¡± You aren¡¯t mistaken, are you?¡± I frowned. ¡°That¡¯s his name. What about it?¡± Teri took some time to calm herself down before saying. ¡°Logan, duh! Do a quick search of him now! ASAP! Right away!¡± I I did as I was told and froze in utter shock. My heart beat wildly as I asked, ¡°Is he the man in the first search result?¡± Teri gasped. ¡°Wait. Did you say you¡¯re currently at Horseshoe Bay?¡± I nodded, ¡°Yeah. This ce has such great views, and there aren¡¯t any other houses around.¡± Teri shrilled again. ¡°Obviously there won¡¯t be any other houses! Several mountains at Horseshoe Bay belong to the Wood family! They inherited it from their ancestors, so it¡¯s a given that nobody can build houses on their family¡¯snd! ¡°Oh my freaking God, you silly girl! God has favored a naive girl like you. He¡¯s blessed you with the chance of encountering Logan!¡± Upon listening to Teri¡¯s ramblings, I finally understood Logan¡¯s background. To put it simply, the Wood family was the wealthiest among the wealthy. Logan¡¯s great¨Cgreat¨Cgreat- grandfather got rich in Halton City and built a highlyplex business empire. And because of the industry they¡¯d built, they were far more than leaders of the industry. The Wood family¡¯s generations of umted investments indicated that they had investments in various business industries. Nobody could begin to estimate the total sum of their investments The Wood family¡¯spany was Wood Group. Identifying thepany¡¯s exact investment sum or status in only one industry would be challenging. Yet, one would have a different oue if one examined dozens of profitable Industries or physical businesses. One would find that Wood Group or its subsidiarypanies had investment shares in 20% of the renownedpanies. Thus, it was hard to urately describe the scale of Wood Group¡¯s influence with numbers. If Elijah was a rare and outstanding unicorn in the business world, Logan represented a century¨Cold wealthy family with many intricate connections to the world. Anyone could tell which of the two men was more powerful and had a stronger backing. I muttered, ¡°But Logan looks like an ordinary guy! He doesn¡¯t seem to behave too ostentatiously.¡± However, he did seem slightly more fancypared to Elijah. Teri sounded offended and disappointed, as if I had failed to understand what she was getting at. ¡°Ariana, do you think Jonathan¡¯s an incredible person?¡± Chapter 16 I grew sullen at the mention of my brother. ¡°He¡¯s incredible. Jonathan¡¯s been the York family¡¯s pride and joy ever since he was a child-¡± Teri rudely interrupted me, ¡°What about Elijah? Do you find him incredible?¡± The mention of Elijah made my entire body tense with difort. ¡°Can we please not talk about him?¡± Teri¡¯s tone eased up as she said, ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s talk about Jonathan first. ¡°He¡¯s also considered nouveau riche and a renowned figure in Halton City. Meanwhile, Elijah is merely an up¨Cander beneath him. Yet, even the two menbined aren¡¯t enough to reach Logan¡¯s level of power.¡± My brows furrowed. ¡°Are you exaggerating? Jonathan¡¯s exceptional! He can¡¯t possibly be inferior to Logan. Teri scoffed. ¡°I never said that Jonathan¡¯s inferior. However, your family¡¯s foundations don¡¯t run as deep as the Wood family¡¯s. You can search it up if you don¡¯t believe me.¡± I was speechless. Of course I knew my family¡¯s history and influence didn¡¯t run as deep as the Wood family¡¯s. Teri scoffed again. ¡°Oh, forget it. Your lovesick brain only has eyes for Elijah, so you don¡¯t even notice other men. Fortunately, the water in your brain has mostly drained. Now that Logan¡¯s willing to help you, I believe your luck will soon change.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. She let out a cheekyugh before adding, ¡°It would also benefit me significantly if you seed in ditching that jerkwad, Elijah the boot, and be something more than friends with Mr. Wood.¡± The tips of my ears heated up as I shattered Teri¡¯s hopes. ¡°Quit thinking about such things! Logan¡¯s only helping me because of my brother. He has no other motives.¡± Teri watched to say something more, but someone knocked on my door just then, so I hurriedly hung up the phone. I opened the door to see Ruby. She stood outside my room with a scowl and spoke in a straightforward manner, ¡°Leave, Ariana. You¡¯re not weed here.¡± My temples throbbed as I felt the onset of a headache. With a sigh, I responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know you, Ms. Quare. Must you target me like this?¡± Ruby shot me an odd look before sarcastically sneering, ¡°I know you don¡¯t know me, Ariana. But you know Jocelyn, don¡¯t you?¡± Jocelyn, again? I eyed Ruby from head to toe and asked, ¡°Is Jocelyn taking the same major as you?¡± Ruby puffed her chest in pride. ¡°Jocelyn¡¯s my fellow senior. She¡¯s gifted and is my teacher¡¯s favorite student. You want to know why I hate you, huh? It¡¯s because we all know about what you did to her!¡± At that moment, an inexplicable, fiery rage spread within my chest. Although I¡¯d lost seven years of memories and didn¡¯t know what I had done to Jocelyn that was so awful, it still frustrated me to be yelled at and insulted no matter where I went. My voice turned frosty as I stated, ¡°What happened between me and Jocelyn is between me and her. What does it have to do with you, Ms. Quare? Who are you to Jocelyn, and what gives you the right to defend her?¡± Ruby never imagined that I would fight back, so she raised her voice. ¡°This is the Wood residence, Ariana. And I¡¯m asking you to get lost now! Do you hear me?¡± That only angered me more. I snorted and said, ¡°Yeah, this is the Wood residence¨Cbut you¡¯re not a member of the Wood family. So, what right do you have to kick me out? Even if I¡¯m not weed here. Logan should be the one asking me to leave. What makes you think you can order me to do so?¡± Ruby¡¯s nose scrunched up as she shed me a taunting smirk. ¡°Logan? Ariana, I knew you were shameless, but I¡¯d never imagined you¡¯d be this shameless. Do you seriously think you can address my cousin by his name? Are you even worthy of doing so? ¡°I doubt you two have a close rtionship when Logan has only been back in the country for less than three months. Plus, it¡¯s your first time meeting him.¡± I was annoyed now. I¡¯d initially wanted to exin things, but Ruby was being unreasonable. She continued to mock me, saying, ¡°You stooped so low as to be a mistress when you were in university. You knew Elijah and Josie were dating, so you broke them up! And now that Elijah doesn¡¯t want you anymore, you¡¯ve decided to go after my cousin! ¡°Are you unable to live without a man, Ariana? Or are you naturally such a despicable bitch who insists ontching onto men? Ruby hurled all the insults I could imagine at me. Chapter 17 My head started to hurt, and a ringing filled my ears. Dizziness soon overwhelmed my senses as I willed. all my energy to speak, ¡°I wasn¡¯t the third person in that rtionship! I¡¯m not-¡± ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± Ruby¡¯s voice grew shrill. ¡°You publicly pursued Elijah in your second year of university. What else are you, if not a despicable man¨Cstealer? ¡°Let me make this clear¨Cyou ruined Elijah and Jocelyn¡¯s rtionship! It¡¯s because of you that they broke up!¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not true¡­ No, Teri said that wasn¡¯t the case. I muttered. At this point, I was also trying to convince myself that I couldn¡¯t have torn their rtionship apart. Teri said I had onlymittedly pursued Elijah after hearing that Elijah and Jocelyn had broken up. I couldn¡¯t be the person who broke them up. There was no way. Yet, how could I exin such things to Ruby? I had lost my memories, so I didn¡¯t even know the truth about what had happened. My entire body couldn¡¯t stop trembling as cold sweat coated my skin. Now, I regretteding to the Wood residence. I could have averted such attacks had I just arranged an overnight stay at the hospital this afternoon. That would still be better than staying here and feeling miserable. Ruby noticed I had covered my ears and wasn¡¯t speaking anymore when she finished hurling insults at me. Then, amid her fury, she pped me. I was already struggling to stand because of my dizziness, so her p sent me falling to the ground. The nausea I felt was so intense that I couldn¡¯t bring myself to get up from the ground for a long time. Even then, Ruby continued to yell at me, ¡°You shameless bitch! Don¡¯t think Logan will pity you just because you¡¯re pretending to be frail! What else do you have, apart from your looks and identity as the York family¡¯s heiress? You¡¯re just a useless piece of trash!This is from N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Unlike Jocelyn, you¡¯re like the dirt everyone steps on! How dare you keep smearing her name? Don¡¯t you know you nearly caused her to end her life?¡± Ruby¡¯s insults were incessant. I could no longer hear as clearly by then. The ringing in my ears continued, and my head was spinning so much I nearly vomited. My only hope was that Ruby would stop prattling on soon. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Ruby!¡± Logan thundered, shutting Ruby up for good. At that moment, my chest heaved in relief. Then, Logan carried me off the ground and gingerly ced me on the bed. Unable to hold it back anymore, I grabbed Logan¡¯s sleeve and hurled everything I ate during dinner onto him. My vomiting was worse this time. 1 kept vomiting until the world spun, and tears streamed down my face. It felt as if I¡¯d almost vomited all my organs out. Even then, Logan¡¯s voice remained warm and gentle. He said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Everything¡¯s okay. Let it out if it¡¯s making you ufortable¡­¡± Meanwhile, Ruby seemed shocked by the scene. ¡°Why¡¯s she like this? I bet she¡¯s pretending! I didn¡¯t even push her with that much force. I only nudged her because I was annoyed. She fell to the ground herself!¡± I could hear the warmth vanishing from Logan¡¯s voice as he reprimanded her, ¡°She injured the back of her head and may have post¨Cconcussion syndrome. It doesn¡¯t matter that you nudged her. You¡¯re at fault for doing it in the first ce. ¡°I want you to go to your room now. You¡¯re not allowed toe out anymore!¡± ¡°But Logan!¡± Ruby faltered briefly. Then, she snarled, ¡°I¡¯m not leaving! She¡¯s the one who should leave, not mel¡± Logan then harshly said, ¡°Martha, please pack Ms. Quare¡¯s things and take her to Sunny Seas Hotel.¡± Rattled, Ruby yelled, ¡°You¡¯re making me stay at a hotel, Logan? I can¡¯t believe you¡¯re kicking me out because of this woman¡­¡± I didn¡¯t have the heart to listen to the rest of their conversation, but I could hear chaotic noises soon erupt from inside and outside the room. It seemed like one of the maids had dragged Ruby away while I continued to vomit. Eventually, I managed to empty everything in my stomach. Only then did I properly look at Logan. He had been holding me this entire time. et stay at I bitterly chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s best if I a hospital, Logan¡­ I¡¯ve ruined your room because of my condition¡­¡± Logan supported me and seemed to be thinking about something. Then, he carried me bridal style and spoke to a maid, ¡°Please clean this up. After that, I want you to make a call. Have Frank Drakee over.¡± Then, Logan carried me up to the fourth floor. He carried me so effortlessly, as if I was a light feather However, my intense nausea prevented me from opening my eyes to see my surroundings. I could only sense that Logan had brought me into a big room and that there was a faint scent of pine in the air. In the next second, Logan ced me on a big bed, where Iy stiffly like a statue. Meanwhile, Logan shuffled about in the room. After some time, a warm towel patted my face. Someone was tenderly wiping my face. I opened my eyes and saw Logan¡¯s indifferent side profile. Chapter 18 Upon seeing that I¡¯d opened my eyes, he said, ¡°Given your circumstances, do you want to call Jonathan?¡± I froze, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, a bitterness spread across my chest as I recalled Teri saying that Jonathan had shunned me over the past five years. Logan studied my expression before slowly saying, ¡°Your condition isn¡¯t looking too good, so I¡¯ll still phone him in a bit. You¡¯re his biological sister. No matter how tense your rtionship is, there¡¯s no ignoring that you two share blood rtions. ¡°Frank will be here shortly to perform a check¨Cup on you. If he says you¡¯re not doing good, we¡¯ll have you admitted into the hospital for tonight.¡± He then added, ¡°It¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t want you to stay in the hospital today. I was merely worried that you¡¯d have no one to look after you if you stayed there alone, I could still hold back my tears when Logan was speaking about my brother. However, my tears uncontrobly streamed down my cheeks when he said thatst part. ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± Loganforted me after seeing me cry. ¡°Everything¡¯s okay. You¡¯re okay. He then picked up the phone to make a call while I cried in silence for some time. When Logan re¨Centered the room, I stared at him with hopeful eyes. Logan¡¯s features tensed up in aplicated emotion. It took him a moment before he smiled at me. ¡°I¡¯ve phoned your brother. He¡¯s currently abroad but will return to visit you in two days.¡± Instantly, the small mes of hopefulness within me were extinguished. I retracted my gaze and let out a self¨Cdeprecatingugh. ¡°Jonathan still refuses to forgive me, huh?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Logan didn¡¯t say anything. With a sigh, I replied, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know he¡¯s still upset.¡± Although that was what I said, disappointment still crushed my very being, and tears soon fell from m eyes again. Just then, I felt the spot on the bed beside me dip as Logan leaned closer to look at me. He was staring at me so intensely that I was too flustered to continue crying and frantically wiped my tears instead. ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± he asked. I absent¨Cmindedly nodded. Logan was about to speak when his phone rang. His eyes lit up as he answered the phone in front of me That was when a familiar voice rang out, ¡°Hey, Logan. How¡¯s she doing?¡± I recognized who it was at once. Jonathan¡­¡± I snatched the phone and sobbed, ¡°I miss you, Jonathan.¡± Silence came from the other end of the line. For a while, there was only the sound of my ceaseless sobs. It took forever before a helpless sigh came from Jonathan. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Ari?¡± What¡¯s wrong? What else could be wrong with me? I nced at Logan before tears and snot rolled down my face. ¡®I¡¯m afraid, Jonathan! Please take me home. I want to go home!¡± Before I could say more, Logan took the phone away from me and left the room to speak on the phone. This time, he was on the call with Jonathan for a long while. When he returned, I was already dozing off. Logan seemed more rxed now. After some time, Frank Drake¨Cthe person that Logan had mentioned¨Cfinally arrived. I¡¯d thought that only one person woulde, but to my surprise, an entire team had shown up. Frank Drake was a doctor. He¡¯d brought two nurses and someone who was likely a pharmacist with him. They¡¯de with some lightweight equipment to perform a check¨Cup on me. Then, they dispensed my medication and began softly discussing my condition among themselves. A whileter, they set up IV drip for me, and I started feeling sleepy. Just then, Logan¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Does she need to be admitted into a hospital?¡±¡± Frank answered, ¡°Her condition isn¡¯t too severe. It¡¯s likely post¨Cconcussion syndrome, so she needs to stay in bed and rest for two days. She should avoid intense exercises and anything that could trigger extreme emotions.¡± I wanted to listen in on their conversation, but the drugs kicked in, and I fell asleep. Chapter 19 I slept better this time and only awoke at noon the next day.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. When I looked up, I realized the IV drip was still connected to my arm, and a female nurse was measuring my blood pressure beside me. I shifted slightly and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Logan?¡± The nurse stared at me in confusion. I corrected myself right away. ¡°Where¡¯s Mr. Wood?¡± The nurse smiled. ¡°Mr. Wood left for work this morning! He¡¯ll probably be back soon.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but beam upon hearing that. I was very much pleased to be able to see Logan after waking. from my slumber. Yet, amid my giddy smiling, I suddenly realized that something was amiss. up Why was I so excited to see a man that I met yesterday? Could it be that I had moved on to someone else. this quickly? As that thought filled my mind, it made me feel very awkward. Perhaps I really was someone with a severe tendency to fall blindly in love, like Teri said. After all, I fell for Elijah, who¡¯d made me suffer endlessly for seven years. He was also why all of Halton City knew me as the notorious bitch. Was I about to fall for Logan this easily now that he was in the picture? The thought of that made me want to p myself silly Fortunately, the nurse left the room after inspecting my IV drip and didn¡¯t notice my abnormal behavior. After that, I examined the room that I was in. It was entirely different from the guest roomst night. This ce had a more modern style with a vivid color palette. The pale yellow wallpaper had a silver sheen to it, the bed was colored a cool shade of gray and ck, and the bedsheets were dark blue. I nced at the wall where a futuristic calendar was hung onto it. Everything else on the wall was modern. paintings. I then stared at one of the paintings for the longest time and found it oddly familiar. After staring at it for ages until my eyes grew sore, I realized that it was Logan¡¯s WhatsApp profile picture. Logan seemed to be a person who prioritized convenience since he¡¯d conveniently used that painting as his profile picture. That was when it hit me¨Cthis was Logan¡¯s room! This realization hit me like a ton of bricks. At that moment, a warmth spread from my lower body to my limbs, and finally, to my face. I cupped my cheeks and took in the entire room¡¯s interior while growing numb. I I couldn¡¯t believe that Logan had brought me to his bedroomst night. Where did he sleep then? A ringing sound began filling my head again, but the dizziness I felt now was due to my guilt. Just then, I heard a phone buzzing on the bedside table My eyes darted over to it, and I was surprised to see that it was my phone. For some reason, my instincts told me that Logan had thoughtfully brought it to this room. ? I unlocked my phone and saw a message on my WhatsApp. It read, ¡°Where are you? Are you done throwing your tantrum?¡± After looking at the profile picture, I exited the chat log at once. The text had been from Elijah. It sounded harsh, and he didn¡¯t seem concerned about me at all. I could even picture how annoyed he was when sending me that text. Then, my phone continued buzzing from Elijah¡¯s barrage of iing texts. ¡°We will have dinner with my parents tomorrow night. You have to be there.¡± ¡°Where are you?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother to ever return if you don¡¯te home now, Ariana.¡± Elijah was evidently enraged and began sending crueler texts the more I ignored him. I couldn¡¯t help but reply, ¡°I want a divorce. I¡¯m never going back there!¡± However, that only made my WhatsApp blow up with even more messages. ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve, Ariana!¡± ¡°You should know your limits even when throwing a tantrum. You¡¯ve gone too far this time.¡± ¡°Where are you? Get back here now!¡± Chapter 20 ¡°If you don¡¯te back, you can forget about negotiating a divorce!¡± Elijah texted. I watched as my phone continuously chimed from his iing messages, When myst shred of patience had vanished, I blocked Elijah¡¯s WhatsApp for good. But he seemed to have noticed that I¡¯d blocked him. So, he phoned me instead. At that point, I decided to block his phone number too Now, I had finally gotten rid of him from my world. Every muscle in my body rxed as if I had just let out a breath I was holding in. I should have gotten rid of Elijah a long time ago. I wasn¡¯t an easy target for others to pick on, so why didn¡¯t I fight back when Elijah had previously kept. showing off his true love to my face? Now, I started to regret not going berserk and trying to reim my spot two days ago. Just then, the door suddenly swung open, and Logan entered as a light cast a glow from behind him. I immediately hid my phone and smiled at him, saying. I¡¯m feeling much better, Logan.¡± Lame close to examine my face. Then, he nodded. ¡°You seem better, but you should still go to Dr. Quinell and have him examine you. On top of that, you should also get some tests done. had only a I nodded obediently. Although I disliked check¨Cups, I knew that Logan me to get them. done because he genuinely cared for me ¡°What did Jonathan say to you yesterday?¡± I cautiously asked. Logan¡¯s hand stiffened as he poured himself a ss of water. ¡°He asked me to take good care of you because he¡¯s temporarily unable to return,¡± he replied. I was a little disappointed but still understood Jonathan¡¯s decision. ¡°What else can you remember?¡± Logan suddenly asked. There was an expectant yet doubtful look in his eyes that I couldn¡¯tprehend. After some thought, I answered, ¡°I remember what happened before I was 18. I can recall what happened before the summer vacation of my freshman year, but nothing after that time in my life.¡± Logan stayed silent for a while before slowly raising his head and smiling softly at me. ¡°It¡¯s okay if you¡¯ve forgotten. Those memories weren¡¯t anything important anyway.¡± My lips pursed into a bitter smile. ¡°What do you mean they aren¡¯t important? That was seven years of my youth!¡± It felt like God had deliberately taken away those seven years of memories, I couldn¡¯t recall anything from that period, no matter how hard I tried. Ever since waking up, it was like I had be a despicable side character. I was stuck with an indifferent and overbearing husband. Not to mention, his heart yearned for his true love¨Canother woman he could never be with. Their love story was the reason for my disastrous and loveless marriage. Just then, Logan¡¯s phone rang. He nced at the caller ID before casually declining the call. Yet, the caller stubbornly called again. I stared at Logan in confusion, wondering why he refused to answer the call. Once again, he tapped the decline button, ¡°It¡¯s Elijah,¡± he spoke in a dull tone, as though he were discussing something mundane like the weather. He sounds slightly upset, which differs from how the rumors describe him. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that someone of his caliber should be able to manage his family affairs well. s, how he¡¯s doing it in reality seems very disappointing.¡± Logan¡¯s criticism of Elijah shocked me, but a bigger question arose in my mind when I finally realized who was phoning. When did Elijah be this crazed and obsessed with me? He¡¯d even resorted to calling Logan because he couldn¡¯t reach me. Wasn¡¯t Elijah my greatest hater and the person who most eagerly wanted me to go away or die? If that was the case, what was he up to now? ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering it if it¡¯s from Elijah?¡± I asked Logan retorted, ¡°Why should I answer him?¡± His response abruptly cut the conversation off. Soon, a nurse soon entered the room to change my IV drip and bring me lunch. After making sure that I was okay, Logan headed out. He seemed busy, yet he¡¯d managed to make the time to visit me amid his packed schedule. I found it challenging to understand Logan as a person. He was obviously down¨Cto¨Cearth, yet he put up walls and distanced himself from everyone. I just couldn¡¯t figure him out Time went by quickly.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. In the afternoon, Frank dropped by to check in on how I was doing before taking me to the hospital for a check¨Cup. As expected, Dr. Quinell was specially waiting for me at the hospital. He performed acupuncture and some massages on my sprained waist and legs. Then, he applied some medicated cream onto my arms before telling me what I needed to pay attention to. Everyone took great care of me, and Frank had even stayed with me throughout my check¨Cup. The only thing that bothered me was that Logan hadn¡¯t shown up even though he¡¯d said he would apany me. My chest sank in disappointment, but I quickly shrugged the thought off. Chapter 21 To be fair, Logan wasn¡¯t rted to me. It was good enough that he had already done this much for me. Perhaps he only helped me for my family¡¯s and brother¡¯s sake. With those thoughts in my mind, I shook off my unrealistic hopes. The check¨Cup results came out decent, and I showed signs of slightly reduced swelling in my brain. As for why I vomitedst night, it was due to my post¨Cconcussion syndrome. I picked up the health report and no longer felt a weight on my shoulders. I was still young, after all. I didn¡¯t want to die this soon. I didn¡¯t know what gave me the impulse to jump off a building before I¡¯d lost my memory. But if I could do it again, I would drag that scummy Elijah down with me! ¡°The doctor says you¡¯re fine, so why are you causing such a fuss, Ariana?¡± Elijah¡¯s dreaded voice that gued me rang out again. I frowned when I saw him. He approached me with broad strides, and chills tingled my scalp as ! instinctively hid behind Frank. Frank defensively stood before me with the utmost dissatisfaction. He said, ¡°Mr. Linden, the doctor says Ms. York is fine for now. But he didn¡¯t say that she¡¯spletely healthy. So, please refrain from triggering her any further.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Elijah sneered. ¡°I admit you¡¯ve gotten quite far with your temper tantrum this time, Ariana. Jocelyn ns. on leaving now, so you must be pleased.¡± Jocelyn? Jocelyn, again? My expression soured. ¡°What does her leaving have to do with me? Quit ming me for everything, Elijah! I won¡¯t take the me for this.¡± Elijah snorted. ¡°Didn¡¯t you aim to force her away? You¡¯ve achieved your goal now, so shouldn¡¯t you be happy?¡± That infuriated me, and I scoffed. ¡°Is this even the first time Jocelyn¡¯s leaving you? If she truly loved you, wouldn¡¯t have left you back then.¡± Upon hearing this, Elijah stiffened from head to toe. Surprisingly, he didn¡¯t refute me with his silver tongue. I hated saying things without having or knowing the full picture. But even so, I couldn¡¯t stand seeing Elijah act like a know¨Cit¨Call when, in reality, he had a concerning intelligence level too. I didn¡¯t recall why Jocelyn left Elijah in the past. Yet, ording to what Teri described, Jocelyn could have married Elijah if she wanted to. But Jocelyn determinedly chose to further her studies abroad. Anyone with good judgment would know Jocelyn valued her studies and future in her heart. Elijah could neverpare to those things. After all, who would break up with someone they loved deeply over being long¨Cdistance? There was a saying that love would prevail despite whatever obstacles stood in the way. In that case, it could ultimately mean that couples who break up just don¡¯t love each other enough. Elijah was dumbstruck by my words. He stood frozen and unable to say a word. I tugged at Frank¡¯s arm. ¡°We can leave now. Frank shot the dazed Elijah a nce before coldly stating, ¡°Please let us through, Mr. Linden.¡± d Eh s Only then out of his daze. His gaze darkened as he blocked our path. ¡°You can¡¯t go, Ariana.¡± I suppressed my rage and asked, ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°Come home with me,¡± he instructed. It wasn¡¯t a request, but instead, amand. Still, I sneered. ¡°I won¡¯t return with you. Elijah scoffed like he had heard a joke. ¡°I won¡¯t hold it against you because I know you¡¯re still upset. I¡¯ll give you three days. You have three days to be a good girl ande home.¡± I questioned, ¡°What will I do after I go home? Be the wife you loathe? Then, are we going to argue and make a joke of ourselves in front of others every day?¡± Elijah was stumped by my words again. After what felt like ages, he forced himself to say, ¡°We don¡¯t have to fight. As long as you stop your tantrum, we can still-¡± I sneered. ¡°Still what? Still be a loving couple in the eyes of others? Let me make this clear to you, Elijah¨Ci refuse to be your wife. I¡¯m unqualified to, I¡¯m tired, and I¡¯ve given up. Alright?¡± Elijah¡¯s expression turned a ghastly, pale shade. ¡°Ariana¡­¡± At that point, I didn¡¯t want to waste my breath on him anymore. Chapter 22 ¡°I want a divorce. Elijah, let¡¯s part ways peacefully if you have any decency as a man,¡± I said. I looked him in the eyes with determination. ¡°I was young and naive back then. I made mistakes. Let¡¯s set. each other free. Elijah¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. With that, I turned and left the hospital with Frank by my side. After that, I saw Elijah standing alone in the hallway as the elevator doors slowly closed. I lowered my eyes and refused to look at him again. I couldn¡¯t quite describe the feeling in my chest, but I knew I felt lighter. I was proud and beautiful when I was 18. However, I fell in love with the wrong person and became emotionally damaged because of that But I was still just 25 and could still start over. I just had to be more careful with my heart this time. When I returned to the Wood residence, Frank continued administering my IV drip and medication, and I cooperated without protest Then, before Frank left, he looked at me and seriously said, ¡°Ms. York, everything will be fine.¡± I was slightly surprised and asked, ¡°Dr. Drake, do you know about me?¡± Frank smiled ¡°It¡¯s a small circle. But don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t think you¡¯re like what everyone says you¡¯re like I felt a sense of warmth upon hearing his words. After that, I dozed off for a while after Frank left before being woken up by a call from Ter I picked up the call Ten sounded as if she was out of breath as she said, ¡°Ari, look at this! I can¡¯t believe this woman is so shameless She then sent me a screenshot i opened up the image¨Cit was a picture of a cozy candlelit dinner. Fine steak, red wine, glowing candles, and a striking bouquet of roses were on the table. In the picture. there were also two hands sped together The hand belonging to the woman had slender and fair fingers, and there was a dazzling pink diamond ning on it too Meanwhile, a man was gently holding her fingertips. Only a blurred glimpse of his tailored suit sleeve along with a blue diamond cufflink could be seen in the frame Immediately recognized the cuffink¨Cit belonged to Elijah He had worn the same suit earlier when he d confronted me that afternoon and harshly used me of forcing Jocelyn out of Halton City The caption on the photo read. ¡°With you I¡¯ve found my home Tert was getting impatient as she ated for my response ¡°Are you done? Did you notice anything?¡± I looked at the photo again carefully before saying the flowers are beautiful. That pink diamond ring is quiterge it might be around the carts and must be expensive Terlet out a fruitutedugh This post is from Jocelyes social medial i cant believe she a having a and dinner with Elgar het Lac de cing A Brigh sond ¡°Do you know what that means?¡± I certainly knew what it meant¨Cdiamonds had always symbolized unwavering and eternal love. I gently said, ¡°Teri, calm down.¡± Teri was momentarily stunned by my calmness. She asked, ¡°Ariana, are you alright? You normally would¡¯ve stormed over to catch them red¨Chanded by now!¡± Upon hearing that, I suddenly felt tired. ¡°Catch them? Have I ever done that?¡± Teri finally spoke up after a long pause, ¡°Yes, you have. It was quite a scene. You would embarrass Elijah every time. Meanwhile, Jocelyn, that perennial bitch, would cry her crocodile tears. People would then start to criticize you behind your back.¡± ¡°Exactly. You already know that Jocelyn is baiting me on purpose so that she can act as a victim and be all innocent. Why should I fall for her trap again?¡± I said. Teri¡¯s anger immediately subsided. She was puzzled and asked, ¡°Ari, are you truly not angry?¡± I pressed a hand to my aching chest. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to say that I was not angry. Chapter 23 How could I not be angry? It was infuriating to me that Elijah was dating another woman even before we were divorced. Not to mention, he¡¯d even given her flowers and a diamond ring. Although he and I had no feelings for each other, any woman would be furious in my shoes! I could imagine how easily I had used to fall apart whenever I was faced with Jocelyn¡¯s maniptive tricks before my memory loss. I said to Teri, ¡°Of course I¡¯m angry. But I¡¯m just falling into her trap if I show my emotions. Don¡¯t waste your energy either. Let¡¯s just sit back and watch them make fools of themselves.¡± Teri momentarily fell silent. Then, she said, ¡°Ari, I truly feel for you.¡± Her voice trembled. ¡°You¡¯re such a good person. Why doesn¡¯t Elijah love you? I¡¯m angry that everyone is blind to Jocelyn¡¯s obvious schemes!¡± I remained silent while Teri continued to vent her frustrations. However, I felt a strange calmness slowly washing over me from within. ¡°Teri, stop mentioning Elijah if you truly care about me,¡± I said. Teri sounded a little doubtful. ¡°Ari, are you sure you¡¯re okay? You used to cry, and you¡¯d forgive Elijah no matter what kind of awful things he did. It worries me that you¡¯re so rational now.¡± I let out a sigh. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m tired.¡± Despite how I felt, I ended upforting and convincing Teri that I was doing fine instead of the opposite. It wasn¡¯t until my throat was dry from all the talking that Teri finally believed that I was no longer the same person as before. After the call with Teri, I set my phone down. However, my phone started buzzing again just as I did so. I nced at my phone screen and saw an unfamiliar number. I frowned and instinctively felt that I shouldn¡¯t answer This feeling stemmed from the fact that only a handful of names were in my contacts. In fact, my WhatsApp had even been trimmed down to just a few dozen contacts. Clearly, my rtionship with people was rather poor before my memory loss.This is from N?velDrama.Org. Yet, my phone kept ringing. In the end, I picked up the call, ¡°Hello? Who is this?¡± However, all I heard was heavy breathing on the other end of the phone. I panicked for a moment before asking again, ¡°Who is this? Say something.¡± Elijah¡¯s weary voice finally came through, ¡°Ariana, add me back.¡± My heart skipped a beat, and I pressed a hand to my chest. This defeated version of Elijah felt foreign to me. My silence seemed to give him a boost of confidence, and his tone grew cold andmanding again. He said, ¡°Ariana, I said, add me back. Unblock my number too! You¡¯re not a kid anymore. Stop ying these ridiculous games.¡± ¡°I¡¯m n not ying any games. I don¡¯t want to talk to you. was surprised by how calm I sounded. Again, the heavy breathing sounded on Elijah¡¯s end, apanied by the sound of wind. I had no idea where he had gotten the phone or where he was calling from. After a moment of silence, Elijah gloomily asked, ¡°Ari, you didn¡¯t mean what you said, right? You don¡¯t really want a divorce, do you?¡± I remained silent. His frustration bubbled over. ¡°Answer me! Ariana, tell me where you are! I¡¯lle get you!¡± I asked back, ¡°Elijah, where are you?¡± At that moment, Elijah seemed to pause. My question seemed to have stunned him. After a brief moment, his words came out somewhat uncertainly, ¡°I just got off work and returned home.¡± I let out augh. ¡°Elijah, do you feel diffident when you lie?¡± He replied in frustration, ¡°Forget about where I am. Where exactly are you? I¡¯lle pick you up.¡± I calmly replied, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about where I am, Mr. Linden. You just made promises to Jocelyn and showered her with flowers and diamonds before turning to me, your wife, and asking for a reconciliation. ¡°Are you being fair to her?¡± What came after my question was a long silence. Chapter 24 The silencested so long that I thought that Elijah had muted his phone. Then, his voice came through again just as I was getting impatient and was about to end the call. He said, ¡°Ari, it¡¯s all a misunderstanding. Today is Jocelyn¡¯s birthday. I just took her out for a birthday dinner and gave her a gift I had promised her long ago to give. I truly¡­¡± I smiled faintly and could feel a strange lightness in my chest as I replied, ¡°Mr. Linden, thank you for showing me how much of a fool I¡¯ve been in this marriage. You¡¯ve used that exnation quite often, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Everything has been a misunderstanding. Nothing¡¯s going on between us. You¡¯re just overthinking things. Stop making a fuss and causing trouble. Haha¡­ Elijah continued to salvage the conversation. ¡°Well then, Mr. Linden. I hope you and Ms. Cornell have a wonderful dinner tonight. May you be there to celebrate all her future birthdays too,¡± I said softly. Then, I ended the call without waiting for his response and immediately blocked the number he¡¯d called. me with Now, my world was peaceful again. After the call, I took a deep gulp of water from the ss by my bed. I felt exhausted. Life without Elijah would be so much less draining. Suddenly, a gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I called out for the person outside toe in. It was Logan. He had just returned from thepany and was dressed in apletely different outfit today. Even his hair was slicked back. He wore a sleek, ck silk suit that perfectly highlighted his tall frame, and a pair of gold¨Crimmed sses was sitting on his nose. Meanwhile, his dark, striped tieplemented the sult¡¯s luxurious fabric and amplified his innate elegance. The man before me was so handsome that he looked like a figure straight out of a myth. I waspletely stunned. Elijah had nothing on Logan when it came to looks. Logan¡¯s previous down¨Cto¨Cearth demeanor was just him hiding his brilliance. But behind that facade, he exuded an undeniable charisma that was utterly captivating. Logan caught my stare and smiled slightly as he exined, ¡°I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m back sote. I had to host some important foreign clients today.¡± I hesitantly averted my gaze and responded, ¡°Logan, don¡¯t you have any social engagements to attend to?¡± Logan casually sat on the couch by my bed and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m not going. I¡¯m not good at drinking. I let the PR team handle it.¡± I fidgeted with my phone and felt slightly shy all of a sudden. ¡°Um.. Anyway, I¡¯m fine now. The doctor said I can return home to rest.¡± Logan gently smiled as he studied my face and nodded. ¡°I know. Frank called me at four in the afternoon to update me on your condition.¡± He then nced at his phone and seemed to be looking at a photo. He said, ¡°Frank said the swelling in your brain has improved, but you still need to go through two more days of IV treatment. He said that your arm had been treated as well and that the injury on your waist was just a soft tissue bruise. ¡°He also mentioned that he had changed the dressings on your other scrapes. That¡¯s all. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡± I curiously leaned over and saw the detailed report and even an MRI image that Frank had sent him. I felt moved. ¡°Logan, you were still concerned about my health even while you were hosting important clients.¡± Logan adjusted his sses and smiled. ¡°Of course. I was going to take you for your check¨Cup but got tied up at work.¡± I felt my heart race under his intense gaze and quickly turned away. ¡°Logan, you don¡¯t have to worry about me so much. I¡¯m truly fine.¡± Suddenly, Logan leaned in closer. Startled, I instinctively leaned back. However, all Logan did was stand up to check my IV drip. I felt embarrassed for overreacting. Something was clearly wrong with my brain. Logan wasn¡¯t even doing anything at all. Then, he faintly said, ¡°Don¡¯t ever say that again. It¡¯s my responsibility to care for you.¡± He added, ¡°You¡¯re Jonathan¡¯s sister. He¡¯ll me me if I don¡¯t look after you.¡± So, it turned out that it was because of my brother.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 25 I awkwardly smiled, ¡°Oh, I see. I¡¯ll tell my brother how kind you¡¯ve been to me when he¡¯s here and have him treat you to a fancy meal.¡± After a moment of thought, I felt someone like Logan wouldn¡¯t consider a meal anything special. I quickly corrected myself. ¡°Actually, no. I¡¯ll tell my brother to notpete with you and let you take on good projects.¡± Logan¡¯s gaze deepened. ¡°Is that how you n to thank me?¡± His question momentarily stunned me. Then, Logan smiled and casually patted my head as if he wereforting a child. ¡°There¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. I¡¯d still help you with anything rted to your affairs even if it wasn¡¯t for your brother.¡± MConfused, I asked, ¡°Why?¡± Logan blinked at me mischievously. ¡°Have you forgotten? I¡¯m your Woody.¡± I waspletely bewildered. However, Logan didn¡¯t seem inclined to exin further and left the room after a few pleasantries. After that, Iy on the bed and stared at the IV drip as my mind started to wander. But even after a long while, I still couldn¡¯t figure anything out: My mind still seemed utterly empty. I was frustrated that I couldn¡¯t remember much about my past with Elijah, and my childhood memories with Logan were just as hazy. I only recalled a few fleeting moments, and I remembered that I used to call him Woody. But besides that, everything about him in my mind was nearly a blur. But why d I it feel like Logan and I had shared a deep bond ever since my childhood? I was puzzled. Could it be that I was overthinking things? Was he particrly attentive to me because he was close to my brother? I nced at therge IV bottle beside me and sighed. It was such arge bottle. It looked like I would be stuck here for a while. raw It was already past eight in the evening when I woke up again. A nurse gently shook me awake and removed the IV drip. Then, she e around a bit. After that, I hurried to the bathroom to wash my face. me to get up and walk It was then that I realized how pale and puffy I looked. But on the bright side, the puffiness gave my overly thin face a hint of baby fat. I pinched my cheeks, and for some reason, I felt a sense of familiarity with myself again. As I looked in the mirror, I felt quite pleased with myself. My face still looked good. At least the beautiful daughter of the York family hadn¡¯t yet turned into a wom¨Cout housewife.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. At that moment, I silently vowed to eat well and exercise regrly once I recovered. After all, I needed to regain the youthful version of myself at 18 and reim my seven lost years. Just as I was stepping out of the bathroom, I nearly walked right into someone. I stumbled before I was grabbed by the arm by a strong hand. I looked up¨Cit was Logan again. He had changed into more casual clothes and was looking at me with a fresh and rxed expression. I awkwardly said, ¡°Lo¡­ Logan, you¡¯re here again?¡± I realized my mistake the moment the words left my mouth and quickly waved my hands. ¡°Oh, no, that¡¯s not what I meant. I meant to say, aren¡¯t you busy?¡± Logan was amused and adjusted his sses. ¡°When did I ever tell you I was busy?¡± I was embarrassed. ¡°But shouldn¡¯t you be busy?¡± Logan¡¯s smile widened. ¡°Do I give you the impression that I¡¯m always busy? There¡¯s always time to take a break even if I was.¡± ¡°Uh¡­¡± I hesitated, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t someone like you be outworking or handlingpany matters? | remember Dad was always swamped with work when I was little. My brother was overwhelmed with work too when Dad handed over thepany to him,¡± I couldn¡¯t help but ramble a bit at the mention of my family. I nostalgically said, ¡°He would often spend time with me back then before he was tied up withpany matters. I barely see him anymore now.¡± Logan¡¯s eyes flickered. ¡°Ari, are you missing your brother?¡± Chapter 26 I nodded. My body¡¯s memory seemed to stop at the age of 18. That was when my brother, Jonathan, first started taking over Dad¡¯spany. The brother who used to y with me and indulge my every whim had be someone I rarely saw after that. I tugged at Logan¡¯s sleeve and asked, ¡°Did my brother mention when he¡¯s returning?¡± ¡°Are you truly that desperate to see him?¡± he asked. I immediately nodded. Logan looked at me for a while before averting his gaze. ¡°He said it might be another month before he returns. The newpany abroad has just been established. He still needs to negotiate an acquisition deal.¡± He added, ¡°International acquisitions are quiteplicated and can take a long time. You should be prepared for that.¡± I started feeling anxious. ¡°Where is he? I can go and see him once I recover!¡± Logan gently smiled andforted me, saying, ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll arrange for you to see your brother once you¡¯ve fully recovered. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± 1 beamed in excitement and couldn¡¯t help but tug at his sleeve back and forth. ¡°Okay. Promise me, you¡¯ll take me abroad to see him when the timees.¡± Just then, I suddenly noticed something strange about Logan¡¯s expression as I tugged at his sleeve. I was slightly stunned before I realized that my gesture felt slightly intimate. I awkwardly let go of his sleeve and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡­¡± Logan smiled and eased the awkwardness. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I know you see me as your brother too. You also used to act like this with your brother when you were little. Your brother had no choice but to give in to you. ¡°I remember you once cried as you imed the Moon Lady had fallen into theke and insisted for him to save her.¡± He continued, ¡°He was at his wit¡¯s end and jumped into theke to pretend to rescue the Moon Lady. He wasn¡¯t a great swimmer back then and ended up swallowing a lot ofke water. He even vomited several times when he came ashore.¡± My face flushed with embarrassment, and my toes curled against the floor. I seemed to vaguely remember that story. I was a kid back then and used to watch a children¡¯s program on TV where the host called herself the Moon Lady. I watched her so often that I grew fond of her and would say that the Moon Lady was up in the sky whenever I saw the moon. Then, I started crying when I saw the moon reflected in theke once. Logan crniled faintly as he looked at my flushed and embarrassed face. He said, ¡°You were quite adorable as a child. You were chubby like a rice ball. Not only did your brother dote on you, but so did all your rtives and friends¡± Upon hearing that, I felt something stirring inside me. It was as if memories from my childhood which had been long forgotten seemed to be awakened. Chap I suddenly asked, ¡°How old was I back then?¡± Logan gestured with his hand. ¡°I think you¡¯re about seven or eight. Your brother is seven years older than you. I asked again, ¡°Are you the same age as my brother?¡± Logan nced at me with an unreadable look. ¡°I¡¯m not that old.¡± I was stunned. My brother was seven years older than me, so surely Logan was around his age? Shouldn¡¯t he be 32 now? However, Logan didn¡¯t continue the conversation further. Instead, he told me to go downstairs for dinner and that the maid had made me some nourishing chicken soup. I was puzzled as I went downstairs for the meal. Logan truly didn¡¯t seem that busy. In fact, as I had my meal, he was casually watching the news on the TV. I couldn¡¯t help but watch his silhouette from behind aste. How could this man look so youthful and mature at the same time? And what surprised me even more was that this man didn¡¯t seem to have a nightlife!T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. I had been observing Logan over the past few days. He would either meet with important clients for work or stay home watching TV and reading magazines or newspapers. Who still watched TV these days anyway? Wasn¡¯t it typical for young people these days to scroll through short videos or watch miniseries? Shouldn¡¯t Logan sit in front of hisputer and monitor the global stock market if he was such an intellectual? Shouldn¡¯t he be capable of making the stock market across the ocean fluctuate by a few points with just a click of his mouse? I just couldn¡¯t wrap my head around it. It truly confused me. Chapter 27 After I finished my meal, Logan asked, ¡°Do you want to go for a walk?¡± ¡°What?¡± I looked at him, clueless as ever. He then gestured toward my wrist where the IV was still attached. ¡°The doctor suggested that you move around a little. But no vigorous exercise, and don¡¯t overexert yourself.¡± I finally understood what Logan meant¨Che hade back specifically to look after me. He wasn¡¯t avoiding going upstairs to work on hisputer. Rather, he was quietly staying by my side to support my recovery. I quickly nodded in agreement. After that, Logan had someone bring out a pair of lightweight sneakers for me and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk then.¡± However, just as we were getting ready to head out, there was amotion at the door. I heard someone say, ¡°Ms. Quare, Mr. Wood is busy.¡± Ruby angrily replied, ¡°I don¡¯t care how busy Logan is. He has to see me! How long is he nning to leave me out there? I¡¯m done staying at the hotel!¡± ¡°Ms. Quare, please¡­¡± I instinctively shrank back. I truly didn¡¯t want to face Ruby¡¯s fiery temper again. I had no desire to get into another conflict with her. I valued my life too much to keep getting myself dragged into her drama, and I had to keep a distance from those who hated me. Logan sensed my difort and turned to me, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll go and handle this. Wait for me in the living room.¡± With that, he walked outside. Meanwhile, I sat in the living room for a while before curiosity got the better of me, and I quietly followed after him. Ruby stood with her suitcase and messy hair at the entrance. She looked quite disheveled. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of satisfaction deep inside. I knew it wasn¡¯t morally right, but seeing her in such a state vindicated me. Logan¡¯s voice was calm and firm as he said, ¡°Ruby, I¡¯ve told you. You need to apologize to Ari if you want toe back. But it¡¯s not the right time now even if you do. Ari is still recovering.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. I was shocked and silently let out a sigh of relief. This protective side of Logan really touched me. In contrast, Ruby absolutely lost her temper. She yelled, ¡°Logan, I¡¯m your family, not her! Since when did you be so close to that bitch, Ari? Are you under her spell now? She¡¯s nothing but a disgraceful woman!¡± Logan¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°Ruby, I don¡¯t like repeating myself. You should return to the hotel.¡± He then turned around and was about to walk away from her. However, Ruby continued to frantically yell, ¡°Logan, I¡¯m your family, not her! She¡¯s Jonathan¡¯s sister and has nothing to do with you. You¡­. I¡¯m telling Vera that you¡¯re treating me this way!¡± She burst into tears. As the night breeze blew by, Logan appeared distant and aloof. He said coldly, ¡°Ruby, you¡¯re just a distant cousin. It makes no difference to me whether I have one more sister or one less. I know very well whether or not Ari is my sister.¡± Ruby sobbed as she said, ¡°Why are you defending her then? You¡¯re kicking me out for an outsider?¡± She then grabbed onto Logan¡¯s sleeve. To my surprise, Logan quickly shook her hand off as if he had been touched by something filthy. He frowned. ¡°It¡¯ste now. Stop crying¡­¡°. Ruby thought that Logan was about tofort her, and I couldn¡¯t help but think the same too. But what he said next left her stunned in silence. ¡°Stop making a scene at this hour. It¡¯ll scare Ari. You should head back to the hotel immediately.¡± Instantly, the air wentpletely still. Ruby even forgot to cry, and I forgot to relish in her misery. Logan frowned again and looked at the nervous driver standing nearby. ¡°Send her back to the hotel. Make sure she doesn¡¯te back unless it¡¯s necessary.¡± Ruby broke down. ¡°I¡¯m not going back to the hotel! My mom told me to stay here, so I¡¯m staying!¡± Logan nced at her coldly. ¡°It¡¯s up to you whether or not you return to the hotel. But you¡¯re not wee here.¡± Chapter 28 Logan turned around and walked away from the door after speaking. Meanwhile, Ruby was devastated and was practically shoved into the car with her suitcase before being driven away. I quickly returned to the living room and pretended I hadn¡¯t seen or heard anything. Logan then walked into the living room and saw me quietly sitting there. He smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go. The weather is perfect right now. The dew will start to settle if we wait any longer.¡± So, I happily walked beside him as we left the house for a stroll. The walk was delightful. The night breeze was gentle, and the person beside me made me feel at ease.. I started bing chatty. But in contrast, Logan didn¡¯t talk much at all and just quietly listened to me. However, one thing I didn¡¯t ask him was why he would rather send Ruby away than stop siding with me. I hade to realize that ignorance truly was bliss sometimes.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. The next day, I went to the hospital for a check¨Cup and to get my bandages changed. Teri had rushed over to see me and seemed relieved when she saw that I looked well. She pointed at Frank. ¡°Is this him? Doesn¡¯t seem like it. I knew she had the wrong idea, so I exined, ¡°He¡¯s Dr. Drake. The Wood family doctor.¡± Teri clicked her tongue and started to tease with a hint of jealousy, ¡°How nice it is to be rich. It turns out that those romance novels weren¡¯t lying after all¡­¡± I quickly covered her loose lips and asked in a low voice, ¡°What brings you here?¡± Teri gave me a strange look. ¡°Do I need a reason to see you? Be honest with me, are you falling head over heels for Mr. Wood?¡± My face flushed with embarrassment, and I hurriedly exined, ¡°Stop talking nonsense! I¡¯m not. He¡¯s only taking care of me because of my brother.¡± Teri¡¯s expression grew even more confused. ¡°Arl, are you unaware that your brother¡­¡± I cautiously asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my brother?¡± Teri quickly changed the subject. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Your brother is fine. I came here because I¡¯ve got some. juicy gossip.* I frowned. ¡°What gossip?¡± I had a bad feeling that it was about Elijah and Jocelyn again. It honestly exhausted me just to hear Elijah¡¯s name these days. All I wanted to do now was to recover quickly, hire awyer, and sever all ties with him. I didn¡¯t even care about getting any of his assets. All my interest was drained when I thought about the five years I¡¯d spent with that man and that he had touched everything we¡¯d once shared. I couldn¡¯t deny that I was utterly disgusted by both Elijah and Jocelyn. Teri nced around and started to smirk. Then, she took out her phone and proudly waved it in front of me. ¡°Elijah somehow got my number and added me on WhatsAppst night, and I gave him a piece of my mind.¡± I was speechless, but Teri didn¡¯t seem to notice and continued proudly scrolling through the chat. I nced at it briefly and immediately looked away, fearing that those three words might taint my sight. Teri looked like a victorious rooster as she grinned. ¡°I listed all the ways he¡¯s wronged you over the years and gave him a full¨Con lecture. He seemed drunk and tried to exin at first, but he just went silent after that.¡± Teri forced me to read through the long string of insults that she had proudly thrown at him. I skimmed a few lines before pushing the phone away. ¡°I don¡¯t want to read it. What did Elijah say in the end?¡± Teri chuckled. ¡°He didn¡¯t say much, but he didn¡¯t seem to believe Jocelyn that bitch could pull off something like this. I told him to check for himself and even sent him screenshots of her usual posts on social media. I was stunned. ¡°You have screenshots of Jocelyn¡¯s posts?¡± Teri rolled her eyes at me. ¡°What¡¯s so surprising about that? Weren¡¯t you the one who asked me to create a fake ount and pretend to be her junior to blend into her alumni circle? ¡°That¡¯s how I got all her phony posts, I¡¯ve saved most of the screenshots because you asked me to back then, and I sent them all to Elijah. Chapter 29 I was left speechless again¡­ I could now fully grasp how irrational I must have been before I¡¯d lost my memory. I couldn¡¯t believe that i would ask Ten to create a fake ount and go undercover just to catch Elijah cheating. No wonder he and everyone around him disliked me. i frowned in disbelief. ¡°Wait, I even had you create a fake ount? Why didn¡¯t Elijah believe me if I had Those screenshots back then?¡± Ten shot me another sharp look ¡°That¡¯s because you didn¡¯t dare send them to him. The first time you did. Jocelyn imed they were doctored and that you were framing her. Elijah believed her instead of you. I was shocked. ¡°That was how I got defeated by Jocelyn? Is Elijah a fool?¡± She sighed. ¡°He¡¯s not a fool. He simply doesn¡¯t love you. He¡¯ll never believe you no matter what you say because he doesn¡¯t love you. I think you always knew that deep down. That is why you never tried to convince him with those things.¡± I fell silent. Ten was night. He didn¡¯t believe me because he didn¡¯t love me. He wouldn¡¯t need proof to believe me if he truly loved me. If he truly loved me, he would keep a distance from Jocelyn without requiring any evidence because my happiness mattered to him Just then, I suddenly thought of how Logan had treated Rubyst night. Logan¡¯s words had shown me what real protection looked like. At that thought my mind began to wander. However, Teri waved her hand in front of me and asked, ¡°What are you thinking about? Why are you smiling like that? I snapped back to reality. ¡°Oh, nothing I was just thinking that Elijah is truly a fool.¡± She scolded, ¡°Exactly¡± I bitterlyughed ¡°Ten, was I truly that pathetic when it came to love?¡± Teris smile faded, and she fell silent. I let out a self deprecatingugh ¡°I get it. I must¡¯ve beenpletely insignificant and lowly in front of Elijah back then Ten patted my shoulder ¡®Don¡¯t worry What goes aroundes around. Elijah¡¯s getting his payback now Jocelyn will get what¡¯sing to her too shook my head ¡°All I want is a divorce¡± Ms York you Jocelyn stood at the examination rooms door and stared at me in shock fred. She truly was impossible to get rid of She and Elgah were a perfect match in that sense. The two of them always managed to find me and say or do sothathing disgusting in front of me Ter jumped up like a defensive cat with its fur on end when she saw Jocelyn She blocked Jocelyn¡¯s path and said. ¡°What are you doing here, everything Jocelyn? I want you, don¡¯t try any of your drama here. I¡¯ll record Jocelyn hesitated momentarily before quickly straightening up and speaking to me in aposed and graceful tone. She said, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯m here to see you.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. I didn¡¯t w to look at her and asked her to leave. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t want to see you.¡± Her tone was sincere as she said, ¡°There¡¯s been a misunderstanding aboutst night. I¡­¡± My lips curled into a smile when I caught the glimmer of the pink diamond ring on her finger. Jocelyn followed my gaze and noticed the ring on her finger as well. She immediately removed it and handed it to me. ¡°Ms. York, if this diamond ring from Elijah bothers you, I can give it back to you.¡± Iughed. ¡°Ms. Cornell, that is his gift to you. I have no interest in it at all.¡± Teri stepped in front of Jocelyn as she mocked. ¡°Jocelyn, you¡¯re disgusting. Did you purposely bring that ring here to provoke Ari? I suggest that you save yourself the effort. Take it along with you and get out of here.¡± Tears welled up in Jocelyn¡¯s eyes as she pitifully said, ¡°Ms. York, I can exin. This pink diamond ring is¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough! I don¡¯t want to hear it,¡± I cut her off sharply. ¡°This is thest time I¡¯m going to say this. I no longer love Elijah. It¡¯s none of my concern whether he sends you flowers, takes you out, or shares a bed with you. Please leave my sight and don¡¯t ever show up again.¡± I held back my anger and said each word with rity, ¡°ll divorce him. If you want him, he¡¯s all yours.¡± Chapter 30 A wave of dizziness began to hit me again as soon as I finished speaking. My vision blurred with bright shes, and I knew that the pressure in my head was rising again. I gripped Teri¡¯s arm and said in a low voice, ¡°Get her out of here. I don¡¯t want to see her.¡± My body. trembled as I spoke. I could feel that my first instinct was anger. It was disheartening to realize that I wasn¡¯t capable of ignoring the effect Jocelyn had on me. I still got angry and furious, and it was even to the point where I felt on the verge of losing control. I wasn¡¯t sure if I was regaining my lost memories or if it was just the lingering effects of the concussion, but I knew something wasn¡¯t right about my body. I felt deeply ufortable whenever Elijah or Jocelyn appeared. It was a kind of pathological difort that was deeply rooted in my mind. Teri sensed that something was amiss and started to usher Jocelyn away. ¡°Jocelyn, Ari has nothing to say to you. We don¡¯t care whether you¡¯re here to apologize or show off.¡± She snapped, ¡°Flies are drawn to rotten eggs. You¡¯re that annoying fly while Elijah is the rotten egg. You two are a perfect match. Please stick together forever and stop bothering other people!¡± Jocelyn seemed overwhelmed by Teri¡¯s words and swayed on her feet. Shethen stepped forward to grab me before Teri waved a hand at her. Suddenly, Jocelyn let out a painful hum as she covered her eyes. At that moment, a voice rang out, ¡°What are you doing? Elijah stormed over with an angry expression. Teri nced at the pitiful sight of Jocelyn and sneered ¡°You¡¯re here, right on time. Jocelyn, you¡¯re the one who called him here, right? That same old trick of yours. Aren¡¯t you tired of ying this game?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s eyes reddened, and she looked to be on the verge of tears. She nced helplessly at the furious Elijah and extended her hand to pull him back. ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t be mad. Ms. York didn¡¯t do anything to me.¡± I looked at her coldly. Suddenly, Elijah did something unexpected. He avoided her grasp and held back his anger. ¡°Jo, go home. You shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± Both Jocelyn and Teri were stunned. 1, too, was taken aback as I met his eyes. Elijah was staring right at me with an unreadable look.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I nearly doubted whether I had misheard or was seeing things. Had Elijah asked Jocelyn to leave? Jocelyn was momentarily stunned before she burst into tears. ¡°Elijah, I know I shouldn¡¯t be here. I just wanted to exin things to Ms. York. I can return the diamond ring to her¡­¡± Elijah didn¡¯t even look at her face. Instead, his gaze was fixed intently on me. 1 awkwardly touched my face, wondering if there was something on it that was making him stare at me so intently. Elijah said without turning back, ¡°Jo, you should call her Mrs. Linden.¡± Now, the air in the ward grew heavy with tension. After a moment of shock, Jocelyn chose to break down. She let out a sorrowful smile as tears streamed down her face. ¡°Okay, I understand now. Mr. Linden, you won¡¯t see me again.¡± She turned to me and said, ¡°Mrs. Linden, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m deeply sorry for the trouble I¡¯ve caused you over all these years. I¡¯ll leave now.¡± With that, she resolutely turned around and walked away. I looked at Jocelyn¡¯s retreating figure for a long while before asking Elijah, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going after her?¡± There was a fleeting moment of sorrow and hesitation in his eyes. I derided. ¡°Go ahead. I don¡¯t mind.¡± Chapter 31 Elijah raised his voice, ¡°You don¡¯t mind? Now you¡¯re pretending to be all generous.¡± His smile mocking as he said, ¡°Ariana, you¡¯ve won. She¡¯s gone. She won¡¯t be bothering us anymore. So, can youe home with me now?¡± I clutched my chest as that familiar dull ache spread through me again. I was indeed a fool. I¡¯d thought for a fleeting moment that Elijah had suddenlye to his senses. I¡¯d thought he finally chose to believe me over Jocelyn and that the me from before the memory loss could finally win for once. I let out a softugh. ¡°Have I won?¡± I looked him in the eyes and asked, ¡°Have I truly won?¡± I smiled faintly. ¡°You only sent her away because you thought I was throwing a tantrum. You still don¡¯t respect me or believe anything I say in your heart.¡± Elijah¡¯s gaze faltered. So, I had hit the nail on the head regarding his thoughts. Iughed at myself. ¡°I lost a long time ago. Among the three of us, I should¡¯ve left.¡± Elijah looked as if he had something to say, but before he could do so, Frank walked in with my report. He looked puzzled as he nced at the three of us. medical Perhaps embarrassed, Elijah snatched the report from Frank¡¯s hand. ¡°Let me see. Let¡¯s see what kind of illness has been keeping you in the hospital¡­¡± His words got caught in his throat as his expression gradually darkened. He read the medical report before ncing back at me as if he couldn¡¯t believe that the report was mine. ¡°Minor brain swelling, concussion, joint dislocation¡­¡± He read every page aloud as he looked at me suspiciously. ¡°You¡­¡± Frank took the report back from his hand and frowned. ¡°Mr. Linden, let the patient rest if there¡¯s nothing else.¡± Elijah seemed as if he had just realized that I was truly Injured. ¡°Is this true?¡± I mockingly looked at him. ¡°You¡¯re right. I asked Dr. Drake to forge these results for me. I¡¯m perfectly fine. I just want to avoid seeing you.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. Anger shed across Elijah¡¯s face for a moment before he caught sight of the medication I had been using earlier. He snatched it over and inspected it closely. Teri could no longer hold herself back. She said, ¡°Elijah, are you out of your mind? Ari is lucky to be alive after falling from the second floor. How could you still think she¡¯s taking her injuries for your sympathy? Did a dog eat your brain?¡± She grabbed the medicine back from him and stuffed it back into my bag. Elijah moved his lips slightly and looked at me with aplicated gaze. His tone was surprisingly gentle as he said, ¡°Ari, I can take you to a doctor if you¡¯re hurt. You don¡¯t have to go through this alone.¡± Teri scoffed. ¡°You? You didn¡¯t even bother to visit Ari after she fell. What¡¯s with this sudden act of concern? You¡¯re disgusting.¡± Elijah¡¯s face hardened as he said, ¡°Ari, you used to scare me with your illness all the time. I thought you were just making a scene again this time¡­¡± Teri shot back for me, ¡°That was in the past. Ari fell right in front of you this time. What excuse do you have now? You clearly don¡¯t care whether she lives or dies!¡± I quickly pulled her back after hearing her harsh words. ¡°Stop it. Let¡¯s not waste time on this.¡± Elijah fixed his gaze intently on me. ¡°So, Ari, are you angry with me because I didn¡¯t tend to you after the ident? I can exin. I was truly very busy those days. Jocelyn¡­¡± He identally let something slip and found three pairs of eyes fixed on him when he realized it. Teri let out a mockingugh. ¡°Busy, were you? You were too busy taking care of your little mistress while your wifey in the hospital?¡± Elijah eventually lost hisposure after having endured Teri¡¯s continuous sarcasm. ¡°My business with Ari has nothing to do with you. It was because of a friend like you that she¡¯s be so unreasonable,¡± Enraged, Teri was about to unleash a torrent of insults. However, before she could, Elijah coldly red at her and said, ¡°The Stuart family is just an insignificant household. Are you sure you want to make a scene here?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Chapter 32 The familiar gentle and soothing voice made every part of me feel rxed. I looked up in surprise¨CLogan was here. Meanwhile, Elijah¡¯s expression darkened the moment he saw him. He strode over and stared at Logan. ¡°Mr. Wood, did you arrange for my wife to take these check¨Cups?¡± Logan nodded. ¡°Yes, I did. Is there a problem?¡± Elijah said coldly and sarcastically, ¡°You¡¯re so considerate, Mr. Wood. I suppose I should thank you.¡± Logan responded casually, ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me.¡± He then approached my ward and said, ¡± Everything¡¯s taken care of. Let¡¯s go.¡± I immediately packed my things and prepared to leave with him. However, Elijah blocked the way once again, He carried himself with determination and was unwilling to back down. He coldly said, ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mr. Wood. Ariana is my wife, and I¡¯m her husband. I¡¯m taking her home. now.¡± His gaze was locked on Logan. ¡°If you cross the line, I¡¯ll call the police.¡± Call the police? I drew in a sharp breath. Teri watched with great interest from the side. ¡°Elijah, you truly are something else. Call the police, huh? What are you trying to do? Force Ari to leave with you? Are you trying to abuse her and unleash your anger on her again?¡± She patted on the medical report. ¡°We could easily press charges for domestic violence with the injuries she¡¯s sustained.¡± Elijah seemed to regain his senses upon hearing her words. However, he ignored Teri¡¯s taunts, and instead, he looked at me before ncing at Logan. But I didn¡¯t care to guess what he was thinking. After packing my things, I turned to Logan and said, ¡± Logan, let¡¯s go.¡± Logan smiled faintly. ¡°Mr. Linden, there¡¯s no need to escte things.¡± Elijah¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Let Arianae home with me then.¡± Logan nced at him for a couple of seconds more before saying, ¡°Mr. Linden, you might as well call the police.¡± Elijah was furious. ¡°You!¡± But Logan ignored him and simply turned to me and said. ¡°Today¡¯s results were good.¡± He then looked at the time and said to Teri, ¡°This must be your friend. Would you both do me the honor of joining me for a meal? It¡¯s about time for dinner.¡± Teri¡¯s face lit up. A handsome guy like Logan had just invited her for dinner, after all. She quickly urged me to get going. Meanwhile, Elijah waspletely sidelined. He couldn¡¯t even find a chance to speak even after several attempts. I couldn¡¯t help but nce back at him as Logan led me and Teri out. Elijah¡¯s handsome face was ashen, and his gaze at me was intense.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. I couldn¡¯t help but feel a shiver down my spine as I quickly took Teri¡¯s hand and left. ¡°Mr. Linden, you might as well call the police. Hahaha¡­ Teri animatedly mimicked Logan¡¯s way of speaking. I quickly tugged at her arm. We had just finished our meal, and Logan had gone to fetch the car. Now, Teri and I were waiting for him outside the restaurant. The restaurant was a century¨Cold establishment in Halton City. It was quite famous, and I was quite familiar with it. My parents used to bring me and my brother here when we were young. However, we stoppeding for various reasons after that. I never expected that Logan would take me and Teri here today. He had even reserved a private room with a beautiful view. It was a pleasant and peaceful dinner. Chapter 33 As we waited for the car, we felt rxed after the wonderful dinner. My mood, too, had finally lightened a bit after the meal. Meanwhile, Teri was excited and keptplimenting Logan the entire time we were there. She went on and on so much that I felt secondhand embarrassment. She giggled before raising her fist in the air. That felt so good! Ari, didn¡¯t you feel good? Finally, someone put Elijah in his ce. Did you see his face? He looked like he was about to blow a gasket.¡± However, I merely absentmindedly responded to Teri and was barely engaged. Teri said, ¡°Ari, you better hold onto that big shot. He¡¯s way more reliable than Elijah. On top of that, he¡¯s loaded.¡± I felt awkward. ¡°What are you talking about? How could I possibly deserve him? Stop saying that, he¡¯ll be I here any minute.¡± Teri waved it off. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you deserve him? You¡¯re the daughter of the York family¡­¡± ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this the daughter of the York family? What are you doing here? Waiting for someone? A young man in a shy floral shirt swaggered over with a fewpanions. There were men and women, and they were all dressed fashionably. Then, I noticed several sleek and limited¨Cedition sports cars parked along the driveway, and some people. were stepping out of them. I frowned slightly as I nced over at the young man greeting us. Teri took a nce at him and said, ¡°That¡¯s Porter Pord. He¡¯s one of the dandies who hangs out with Elijah. He¡¯s with Evelyn and them. Let¡¯s just ignore him. Nothing good everes out of his mouth.¡± Porter twirled his car keys in his hand and arrogantly walked over. He then sized me up with a glint of surprise in his eyes. He said, ¡°Wow, Ms. York, looking pretty decent today. You should¡¯ve dressed like this a long time ago. That garish makeup you used to wear was just terrible and tacky.¡± He openlymented about my appearance. I had dressed down for the medical check¨Cup at the hospital today. After all, all of my nice clothes were still in Elijah¡¯s vi. I wasn¡¯t wearing any decent jewelry today too simply because I didn¡¯t have any Porter seemed intrigued by my silence. ¡°Hey, Ariana. Do you have any ns tonight? Why don¡¯t youe to the Pour House for a drink? Elijah will be there too.¡± I frowned. ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡± Porter looked surprised. ¡°You¡¯re noting? Didn¡¯t you used to beg me to take you there? Have you forgotten? You even recharged 100 thousand dors for me and purchased a bottle of ck Label.¡± I nced at Teri. Teri probably didn¡¯t expect that I would¡¯ve tried to curry favor with someone like Porter just for Elijah. She spoke up angrily on my behalf, ¡°Ari already said she¡¯s not going. You guys can have fun by yourself Why drag her along? Are you expecting her to be your sucker again and foot the bill?¡± Porter was momentarily stunned before shrugging it off with a casual smile. ¡°Why make it sound so bad? Sucker? Come on, Ariana. Have I ever made you feel like a patsy?¡± I looked at his smug grin and felt like I had just swallowed a fly. I had certainly been yed for a fool before without a doubt. It was probably even more than once. That was why Porter could so brazenly invite me for a drink. I knew it was just another attempt to get me to pay and couldn¡¯t help but feel sick at the thought. I coldly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Porter. I¡¯ve been on medication recently. I¡¯m not going.¡± He and the group behind him startedughing. Some of them even exchanged mocking nces as if they were watching a fool. However, I ignored their taunting eyes and tugged at Teri¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Teri was desperate to get me far away from them and immediately pulled me toward the parking lot. Porter called out from behind, ¡°Hey, we¡¯re not done talking. Ariana, why are you running off? I¡¯m not going to eat you. I swear that I¡¯m telling the truth. Elijah is meeting us for drinks tonight. I can show you the chat 1 quickened my pace without turning back.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Porter saw me walking away with determination and scoffed from behind. ¡°Oh, she sure is quick to run. It¡¯s funny how she had insisted oning with me to see Elijah. I only stood her up a few times. I never thought she would hold a grudge against me.¡± Chapter 34 I stopped in my tracks. The mocking voices continued to echo behind me. ¡°Is she Ariana? Hah, isn¡¯t she Elijah¡¯s biggest sycophant ? I remember she gave each of us 50 thousand dorsst time only to beg for his forgiveness.¡± ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s always chasing after Elijah. Every bar in the city has spies she¡¯s paid off to keep tabs on him. Such dedication¡­ Too bad that Elijah doesn¡¯t even care about her.¡± ¡°She¡¯s just pathetic for throwing herself at him. She¡¯s ruined the York family¡¯s reputation.¡± ¡°Keep it down. She¡¯s Jonathan¡¯s sister¡­¡± ¡°What do we have to be afraid of? We¡¯re Elijah¡¯s close friends. She should be trying to suck up to us.¡± ¡°The York family must be embarrassed to have such a disgrace like her.¡± Anger uncontrobly churned within me. Teri heard their outrageous remarks as well. She tugged at my arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go, don¡¯t mind them. They¡¯re just a bunch of brainless, spoiled rich kids who know nothing but spending money.¡± Just then, I abruptly turned around and pped Porter hard across the face. He had a cigarette between his lips and was utterly caught off guard by my p. The cigarette fell to the ground as he staggered back a few steps. He clutched his face as his eyes widened in shock. ¡°How dare you p me?¡± Without a word, I grabbed another guy who had been mocking me earlier and dug my nails into him hard. ¡°Oh my God! She¡¯s attacking us!¡± I continued tosh out at them with a dark expression. I didn¡¯t even know where I¡¯d found the strength to go after four or five of them like a lunatic. After a while, Teri quickly rushed over to grab them for me and cursed at them, ¡°You bunch of mannerless, spoiled brats. Do you guys eat shit a lot? Is that you guys have such nasty mouths? Do you all think you can afford to offend the York family? You bunch of petty losers, lowlifes¡­ ¡°You actually think you deserve Ariana¡¯s respect just because she¡¯s been nice to you? Pah!¡± Teri scolded as she grabbed them and evennded a few punches on them for me. At that moment, my mind went nk. All I could see was their twisted faces, and the only thought I had was to make these fools shut up. They could insult me all they wanted, but not the York family and my brother! I would make them all regret it!This is from N?velDrama.Org. When the group finally came to their senses, they rushed over to grab back at me. However, I fought back fiercely. I fought back with everything I had at everyone who came at me. Even the four or five of them couldn¡¯t manage to catch me and Teri. Then, some of them started shouting for security guards, while others threatened to call the police. Eventually, I was overpowered and was grabbed multiple times before being pushed down to the ground. Porter cursed, ¡°She¡¯s crazy! Hold her down! Damn, she¡¯s insane. She made me bleed!¡± Just then, a figure swiftly pushed through the crowd and forcefully shoved everyone off me. This happened just as the security guards were approaching, ready to hold me down. The figure was tall and precise in his actions, and I was quickly pulled into his arms and shielded by him. The man shouted, ¡°All of you, stop it right now!¡± I wasn¡¯t sure what power his words held, but it made the crowd back off significantly. He then looked down at me in concern. ¡°Ari, are you alright?¡± I looked up and smiled. ¡°Logan, I¡¯m fine.¡± I wiped my nose as I spoke, only to see my hand covered in blood. Chapter 35 Logan¡¯s expression darkened when he saw me bleeding. He nced at Porter¨Cwho was still itching for a fight¨Cbefore subtly signaling to the man beside him. At the next moment, all I saw was a burly shadow darting from Logan¡¯s side andnding a couple of quick ps on Porter before delivering a powerful kick at him Porter had been in the crowd earlier, shouting that he would make me pay. But now, he¡¯d been instantly put in his ce after those hits. He scrambled to his feet and was about to charge at me again until he saw the man standing before him. His face went pale, and his lips trembled. ¡°M¨CMr. Wood?¡± Logan stared at him. ¡°Did you hit her?¡± Porter held his face and looked aggrieved. ¡°That crazy woman hit me first! Look, just look¡­ He leaned forward and tried to show Logan his injuries. Logan looked away in disgust. Meanwhile, the burly man from earlier intently red at the crowd before him. Intimidated, the group of dandies remained silent in the man¡¯s presence. Each of them turned mute once they caught sight of Logan too. Soon, the manager of the restaurant and the security guards rushed over. The manager paled at the sight of Logan. ¡°M¨CMr. Wood, this must be a misunderstanding. Pleasee inside to rest and clean up the blood.¡± The manager looked at me in concern. ¡°Ms. York, you¡¯re bleeding! Pleasee in and let us take care of that. You¡¯ve lost quite a bit of blood.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Logan stared at Porter and his group before he said to the manager in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t let any of them leave.¡± With that, we were nked by several fawning managers as Logan led me back into the restaurant. I wiped my face with the hot towel handed to me by one of the waiters in the lounge. ¡°Let me see,¡± Logan took over the towel and wiped my hands. There were a few scratches on my arms from the scuffle, but my face was rtively unscathed. The blood from earlier was merely a nosebleed caused by the hit. Logan then carefully checked my limbs. He leaned in close enough that I could feel his breath brushing against the back of my hand. It sent a shiver through me, and I awkwardly pulled my hand back. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Logan nced at me and adjusted his sses. ¡°Whether you¡¯re fine or not Isn¡¯t for you to decide.¡± I nced at the row of people standing outside the lounge. They looked defeated, and I couldn¡¯t help but feel satisfied. Logan seemed to have read my thoughts and said, ¡°Feeling proud of yourself, hmm?¡± I pretended not to hear him. Chacteas In contrast, Teri chimed in beside him and chattered away, ¡°Logan, they were the ones who started it with their nastyments first. Ari is usually timid and gentle. There¡¯s no way she would¡¯ve hit them first if they hadn¡¯t been so nasty.¡± Logan shot me a look and adjusted his sses. ¡°Gentle, huh?¡± Teri suddenly found herself at a loss for words, especially since she had also been shocked by my outburst earlier. We had been friends since childhood. We had gotten into many troubles and pulled pranks together, but she had never seen me take on a whole group like I did earlier. I had single handedly made those dandies flee in terror. Logan took my slender hand and asked, ¡°Does it hurt? I nodded. ¡°A little.¡± My hand was red and swollen all the pping I did. However, I was sure those jerks were hurting a lot more. Logan then ced some ice on my hand and slowly said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so impulsive next time¡­¡± I casually hummed in response to assure him. Then, Logan said, ¡°Just remember to grab something before you hit someone. You wouldn¡¯t want to hurt. your hand, would you?¡± I was speechless. Suddenly, amotion seemed to have broken out outside the lounge as we were talking. I frowned and looked over to see what was happening Sure enough, I saw Elijah storming in with a darkened expression. Porter hurried over to him and chattered away as he pointed at his face and injured arms. The others also seemed to have found their savior and flocked around him toin about what had happened. Teri and I exchanged nces before she cursed, ¡°What rotten luck!¡± Chapter 36 I tugged at Logan¡¯s arm. ¡°I dont want to see him.¡± Logan took a nce at me. ¡°Wait in the car then.¡± I hesitated. ¡°What about here? It seems like they¡¯ve called the police.¡± Logan replied. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You and Teri get in the car. I¡¯ll let the driver take you both home first.¡± I nodded and immediately took Teri¡¯s hand to leave. However, Elijah spotted this and blocked our ways. I coldly said, ¡°Get out of our way!¡± Elijah suppressed his anger and extended his hand to grab me. ¡°Come home with me.¡± I took a step back and avoided his hand as I frowned. I¡¯m not going back.¡± Then, Teri stepped in between us. ¡°Elijah, so what if we beat up your pack ofckeys today? They were the ones who insulted Ari first. They deserved it!¡± Elijah stared at me with a hardened face. ¡°Ariana, you never learn, do you? I thought you were serious this time. But it turns out that you were just making a scene¡± He sneered. ¡°Who taught you this?¡± He then nced at Logan and distinctly insinuated that he was the one to me. I sneered. ¡°Mr. Linden, what does it have to do with you that I hit someone who deserved to be hit? You didn¡¯t think that I did it just to get your attention, did you?¡± Elijah smiled disdainfully. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what this is all about? You used to bribe them just my to get to know whereabout5. ¡°What? Now that you¡¯re out of money, you¡¯ve resorted to getting my attention by hitting them?¡± I turned to Teri and said, ¡®Is something wrong with this man? I can¡¯t believe he thinks I hit people just for his attention.¡± Ten clicked her tongue. ¡°I know. Who would¡¯ve thought the president of the Linden Group was mentally ill? Ari, we should stay away from him. Who knows? We might get caught in the fallout when he acts. foolishly¡± Elijah grew angrier at our words. He extended his hand to grab me before a hand firmly stopped him in his tracks. Elijah looked at Logan and coldly said, ¡°Mr. Wood, we meet again.¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. Logan didn¡¯t let go of Elijah as he turned to me and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you heading to the car?¡± I quickly took Teri¡¯s hand and walked toward the car. I heard Elijah¡¯s mocking voice behind me, ¡°Mr. Wood, you have quite the unique taste Logan was unfazed ¡°I don¡¯t understand your joke, Mr. Linden Eljalis voice was neither too loud nor too soft. It was perfectly pitched for everyone to hear what he said. ¡°I never expected that your preference is for married women, Mr. Wood Since you¡¯re so interested in the woman I discarded. I suppose I can consider that this lingering hassle has finally been dealt with.¡± The air went still, and Teri tightly clutched my hand I stared at Elijah with reddened eyes He held his head high and met my gaze with defiance. I could smell the metallic pang of blood in my nose, and my heart turned cold as the warm blood flowed out from my nose. I heard one personughing before others followed suit. At that moment, my vision blurred. I nced around and saw everyone looking at me with a pitiful and disdainful expression. They¡¯d destroyed my self¨Cesteem with such loud humiliation. I didn¡¯t even remember how I got out of there, but I was already at the Wood residence when I regained my senses. Teri was wiping my face and my hands beside me. I It was only then I realized my palms were covered in deep red marks from where I had dug my nails into them. I let out a deep breath. Teri patted her chest in relief after seeing that I had calmed down. ¡°Good heavens. I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. You looked truly terrifying just now.¡± I felt a strange calmness wash over me as I asked, ¡°Did Porter call the police?¡± Teri pursed her lips in disdain. ¡°So what if he did? The police came and left. Elijah didn¡¯t let hisckeys make a fuss about it. It¡¯s all over now.¡± I asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Logan?¡± Teri took a nce at me. ¡°It seemed like he went off to take care of something.¡± She seemed slightly worried as she nudged me. ¡°Ari, what are you nning to do next?¡± I answered without hesitation, ¡°Divorce.¡± Chapter 37 Teri rxed for a moment before quickly growing anxious again. ¡°But if you ask for a divorce, you probably won¡¯t get back the money you funded Linden Group with back then. That bastard, Elijah, is quite shameless. He might try anything to not give it back.¡± I calmly said, ¡°I¡¯ll get the best attorney and sue him. I have to get back everyst cent. If Elijah refuses, I¡¯ll fight him to the death.¡± Upon seeing that I was adamant, Teri promptly said, ¡°Good. Since you¡¯re so driven, I¡¯ll support you.¡± I then turned to her. ¡°It¡¯s the weekend tomorrow. Pick a time to go back with me so I can grab some stuff.¡± Teri was surprised. I said, ¡°I have a lot of goodies at Elijah¡¯s vi.¡± Teri finally caught on and nodded. ¡°Yes, right! I remember that you used to love buying designer bags and jewelry. Can¡¯t let Elijah and Jocelyn get those for nothing.¡± At the next moment, I fell silent. Upon noticing my gloom, Teri sat beside me andforted me. Just then, the door opened. Logan, who had returnedte, walked in. Tactfully, Teri got up and said goodbye,nd soon, Logan and I were left alone in the room. I looked at him, held back all my emotions, and thanked him. He looked into my eyes earnestly. ¡°Are you alright?¡± I nonchntly replied, ¡°I¡¯m alright. Why wouldn¡¯t I be alright? Just treat it as if I were bitten by a dog in public. He can¡¯t hurt me.¡± Logan grabbed my hand and looked at the pinch mark I had made. I wanted to retract my hand, but he took the lodophor close by and slowly applied it on my wound. I clenched my teeth.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. He asked, ¡®Does it hurt?¡± I shook my head. ¡°No.¡± Slowly, Logan cleaned my injuries. I couldn¡¯t see his face because he was tending to my scratches with his head bowed, but I could hearl him lightly say, ¡°Say something if it hurts. If you don¡¯t, how would anyone know you¡¯re injured?¡± At that moment, I felt an unfamiliar sense of warmth growing within my heart. My voice was hoarse as I said, ¡°But if I do, nobody would sympathize. They would just insult me more. I don¡¯t want-¡± Logan held my hand, and I dumbly looked at him. Up close, he was even more handsome. His beauty was mesmerizing. Then, he suddenly smiled at me. ¡°So long as you don¡¯t allow yourself to think that way, you won¡¯t feel bullied. Remember how brave you were today?¡± 2/2 I was taken aback for a moment before my actions that evening came to mind. I lowered my head, embarrassed. Logan rubbed my head. ¡°It¡¯s over now. Get some rest. Everything will be alright.¡± And with that, he left. For a very long while, I sat in the room. It wasn¡¯t until I was exhausted that I washed up and went to bed. Enlightenment had likely dawned on my 18¨Cyear¨Cold mind at that moment. Suddenly, I felt as if there were a lot of things I understood better now. Early the next morning, I woke up and got dressed. Frank arrived pretty early. As usual, he examined me before giving me an IV drip. My condition was great, and the post¨Cconcussion syndrome was fading as well. Aside from the scratches and bruises I had gottenst night, I appearedpletely fine. So, I asked Frank if I could go out. He looked at the scratches on my arm, vignt. ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± I gave a sheepish grin. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just going out to take care of some business.¡± Frank solemnly said, ¡°Mr. Wood said you¡¯re not allowed to go running about.¡± I frowned. ¡°Did he really? Frank threw his hands up. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be stopping you if he didn¡¯t. Do you think I enjoy giving myself more work to do?4 S I deted. After a while, I pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m just going back to grab some of my stuff. I¡¯m not actually running around.¡± Frank was shocked. ¡°You¡¯re going back? Didn¡¯t you break up with Elijah?¡± However, I didn¡¯t reply Frank as I had no desire to exin things to him at that moment. Chapter 38 Thankfully, Frank wasn¡¯t that nosy either. After giving me a few reminders, he let me go. Then, I quickly called a cab, found Teri, and went home together. Of course I had to return to Elijah¡¯s vi to get my things. At the very least, I had to leave with a few changes of clothes, As we were in the car, Teri chattered as she tried toe up with a n for me. After I¡¯d picked Teri up, I even noticed that a golf club had been ced in the trunk. It was made from pure steel and feltfortable in the grip of my hands. Getting hit by it would surely be quite painful. Once we arrived at the entrance of Elijah¡¯s vi, we observed it from inside the car. It was It was dark inside the vi, and no one seemed to be home. I took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m going in.¡± Teri wanted to follow, but I told her to wait for me in the car. However, she was worried and said, ¡°What if you run into Elijah? I could at least help you deal with that scumbag. I shook my head. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Elijah¡¯s with Jocelyn right now.¡± Teri asked in surprise, ¡°How do you know?¡± I opened WhatsApp and tapped on a random person.This is from N?velDrama.Org. Teri moved closer to look She didn¡¯t know that person, but they had written a huge paragraph of insults in their update. ¡°A certain someone is the ultimatep dog but still won¡¯t admit it. She even believed she was a badass when she attacked someone. Pft, She¡¯s just a nobody. ¡°Did she forget how ridiculous she looked when she sucked up to him back then? Right now, he spends every day with a goddess and is attending the art festival¡¯s opening ceremony with her.¡± Below the caption was a photo. Teri was angry when she read it, but in the end, she was more speechless than anything. She asked, ¡°Why do you keep this kind of person in your contacts? Why didn¡¯t you snap back at them?¡± I smiled. ¡°Last night, those people said that I bribed them, didn¡¯t they? I searched around, and unsurprisingly, found this. ¡°The opening of the art festival is at 10:00 am today. Jocelyn is an honored guest at the ribbon¨Ccutting ceremony, and Elijah is with her.¡± I pulled up the photo that the person had taken. Teri was dumbfounded. ¡°I suppose that works,¡± she said. I then grabbed arge bag and told her, ¡°Wait for me in the car. It will take me a few trips to bring back everything.¡± After that, I used the facial recognition system to unlock the vi¡¯s gate and walked in. Once again, I was back at Elijah¡¯s vi. I felt a bit nervous and had maintained myposure just to set Teri at ease. In truth, I didn¡¯t want toe. But I had to. After all, some of my personal documents and undergarments, as well as the clothes, bags, and jewelry I¡¯d bought over thest five years, were all here. Yesterday, I¡¯d spent the entire night thinking it over and preparing for the worst. What would I do if Elijah refused to give me any money? If our divorce proceedings took a long time, how would I survive? After mulling it over, I¡¯d realized that taking the valuables I owned from the vi was my only option. I was Ariana York. I had wasted seven years of my life in the social circles of Halton City¡¯s scions, and I wanted to leave now. I couldn¡¯t be humiliated again. Money was the only thing that could grant me dignity. I needed money. I drew a deep breath and opened the inner door to the vi. There was no one inside, and it was quiet. Not even the maid in charge of housekeeping was here. So, 1 hurried to the second floor, opened the door to my room, and packed my belongings. It was fortunate that Elijah probably didn¡¯t expect me toe back. Or perhaps, he never imagined that! would be back to take away my things. I used my fingerprint to unlock the jewelry cab, and at the next moment, all the jewelry was then swept into my bag. There were also a lot of women¡¯s watches. I didn¡¯t have time to scrutinize my identification card, passport, and things such as contracts and agreements. They were all swept into the bag as well. Those were the most important, after all. After that, I rushed downstairs, gave them to Teri for safekeeping, and ran up the stairs again. Chapter 39 This time, it was for clothes. I picked out about five sets of pajamas and some changes of clothes. Then, I started to swoop up the well -made haute couture pieces, While doing so, I was grateful for my good taste. My keen eyes had spotted so many garments that were the works of masterful couturiers. Those clothes were bought for their appreciation in value over time. There were also some coborative pieces, as well as clothes from seasonal collections that were no longer avable. Thest items I wanted to take were the bags. Without even looking at the lower shelves, I swept up the Hermes crocodile leather bags on the top shelf. I felt satisfied. After these things were sold, they could provide me with a decent living for a very long time. However, absorbed in looting, I didn¡¯t notice how much time had passed. On my sixth trip back to the vi, as I was busy packing up, I heard the sound of a car outside. I froze. Was Elijah back? Quietly, I peeked through a window. As expected, Elijah was getting out of the car. Meanwhile, behind him was Jocelyn¡¯s disgustingly familiar silhouette. I chuckled. Jocelyn had said that she wanted to leave, didn¡¯t she? Yet now, she¡¯de back with him. It seemed that the two were quite eager to start their new life without me. So, I swiftly went back to the master bedroom to tidy things up a little. Then, I hid in the closet. After a while, I heard their footsteps. Eventually, the footsteps stopped at the bedroom door I shrunk back and sent Teri a message. ¡°Wait for me somewhere farther. Elijah is here.¡± She replied, ¡°Should I get help?¡± I thought it over before replying, ¡°No need.¡± At that moment, someone spoke at the door. ¡°Elijah, you¡¯ve been listless today. What¡¯s wrong?¡± It was Jocelyn. Elijah¡¯s voice sounded, ¡°I¡¯m alright. Jo, you¡¯re tired, aren¡¯t you? Go inside and get some rest. I¡¯ll take you out for a mealter.¡± The lock on the door was turned open, and they walked in. Jocelyn seemed to be surveying the room. Her voice betrayed her delight as she said, ¡°Elijah, Ms. York hasn¡¯t returned in the past few days, has she?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Elijah sounded somewhat glum. ¡°No.¡± Jocelyn gently said, ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t be sad. Since she wanted to leave, you can¡¯t keep her. After all¡­ she might have already fallen for another man¡­¡± I sneered inwardly. Jocelyn, that bitch, y couldn¡¯t wait to reveal her true intentions.. Elijah¡¯s voice grew deeper and more somber. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t.¡± Jocelyn froze, and as did I as I hid in the closet. Elijah sounded rather displeased. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t fall in love with someone else. She¡¯s just sulking. She¡¯ll be back after a while.¡± Then, he chuckled. ¡°When she¡¯s back, I¡¯ll make sure she gets what¡¯sing¡­¡± Frustration roiled within me. Meanwhile, his words seemed to upset Jocelyn. She softly said, ¡°Elijah, I know you still love Ms. York.¡± Like a cat whose tall had been stepped on, Elijah retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t! I have no love for her at all.¡± Jocelyn continued, ¡°But if you don¡¯t love her, why don¡¯t you let her go? She¡¯s no longer valuable to Linden Group now. You promised me. Once Linden Group¡¯s problem has been dealt with, you would¡­¡± She seemed to have started crying. She croaked, ¡°It¡¯s been so many years. Do you even remember your promise?¡± Elijah sounded irritated. ¡°Jo, stop crying. Have I ever failed to keep my promises to you? Didn¡¯t you want that five¨Ccarat pink diamond? I gave it to you, didn¡¯t I? ¡°Because of that, I¡¯d even offended her. If it weren¡¯t for that pink diamond, she wouldn¡¯t have asked me for a divorce.¡± Jocelyn sobbed, ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re actually ming me for offending Ariana for showing off the pink diamond. Are you afraid of her? You¡¯re evenining that it was my fault that she asked you for a divorce? ¡°You. Elijah, you¡¯ve gone too far! I¡¯ve waited seven years for you. ¡°I had such a difficult time abroad, all because I was waiting for you. Do you know how painful it was for me when I couldn¡¯t help you back then? When I watched you marry another woman, I felt like I was dying¡­ Jocelyn started to recount her hardships. I waspletely stunned. Chapter 40 At that moment, a thunderp jolted my mind, and my vertigo returned. I felt my body shaking, and my heart inexplicably started to throb in pain. It hurt so much. This was different from the dull pain in the past. Now, my heart felt like it was splitting apart from this excruciating pain. So, a painless amnesia was truly impossible. This body remembered everything. All of this was a sham. It was all a ruse set up by Elijah and Jocelyn! During our five years of marriage, Elijah had kept in touch with Jocelyn. They¡¯d even believed that I deserved to be used and sacrificed by them. For I was dumb, so dumb that everyone knew. My limbs turned cold. I had assumed that before losing my memory, everyone had hated me because I looked for trouble in seeking out unreciprocated love. Now, I realized it was all a scheme¨Ca nasty plot. By Elijah and Jocelyn¡¯s designs, Elijah had epted my pursuit and agreed to our marriage. It was a deliberate ruse. People called this a ¡°romance scam¡°, and I was the pathetic victim. I wanted tough, but I couldn¡¯t. The pain in my heart was real. I clutched my chest, and my tears flowed uncontrobly. Meanwhile, outside the closet, the two of them were still arguing.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. But I didn¡¯t want to listen anymore. Disgusting. Elijah was disgusting, as was Jocelyn. This ce was even more disgusting. I wanted to scream and go on a rampage, but I did nothing. I could only crouch in the closet as the voices outside slipped into my ears. Elijah began, ¡°That¡¯s enough! Jo, do you have to dredge up the past now? Have I ever mistreated you? ¡°For you, I¡¯ve put up with that madwoman, Ariana, for five years. Have I not done enough? I¡¯m tired too. Can you try to understand me?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s sobbing stopped. Then, she said, ¡°Then swear that you love me, Elijah.¡± There was annoyance in Elijah¡¯s voice as he said perfunctorily, ¡®Yes, I love you.¡± Jocelyn seerned to have moved closer to him. She sounded bashful as he continued, ¡°Elijah, I love you so much. If Ariana wants a divorce, let her go. We¡¯ll think of a way to keep the money¡­¡± Elijah was silent for a while. ¡°We can¡¯t get a divorce yet Jocelyn raised her voice. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s a bother to get a divorce¡­ Some stocks would be affected¡­ You wouldn¡¯t understand,¡± Elijah replied. Now, I felt like throwing up. And so, I did. I flung open the closet door and vomited on the floor. After wiping my mouth, I looked up at the two. Iughed so hard that my eyes watered. ¡°Well done! You¡¯re impressive, Elijah. You lied to me about everything. You tricked me into marrying you. You swindled the York family¡¯s money. You yed with my feelings¡­¡± Elijah¡¯s face was pale. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t¡­¡± After realizing what he had said, he shut his mouth. Meanwhile, Jocelyn clung to Elijah as if she were startled. She whined, ¡°Elijah, why is she here? I¡¯m scared ¡­..Get rid of her, quickly.¡± I stood up, swaying. As I stared at Jocelyn, I saw a sh of glee in her eyes. I asked, enunciating each word, ¡°Jocelyn, do your parents know how disgusting you are?¡± Chapter 41 Jocelyn whimpered, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. Ms. York, you misunderstood me¡­¡± While sobbing, she furtively threw me a challenging look. I looked at her expressionlessly. ¡°So, you didn¡¯t mean to conspire with Elijah to steal my money?¡± 1 turned to Elijah and scoffed. ¡°Elijah, you¡¯re so disgusting that you made me throw up.¡± I wanted to leave right away. However, he suddenly grabbed my hand. ¡°Let go.¡± My voice was cold. But Elijah didn¡¯t let go. He waspletely tense as he said, ¡°Ari, nothing you heard was true. I didn¡¯t want to steal your money.¡± I sneered. ¡°Alright then. Since you weren¡¯t stealing from me, give me back the money with interest.¡± Elijah hesitated. As expected, he couldn¡¯t bear to give up such arge amount of money. I gave him a mocking nce and shook off his hand. Suddenly, Jocelyn screamed, ¡°Elijah, she took everything!¡± As she spoke, she entered the closet to check. When she saw the empty jewelry safe, with all the watches and limited edition Hermes bags cleared out, she let out a pained shriek. ¡°Elijah, she took everything valuable She ran over to me and red at therge bag in my hand. ¡°Let me inspect it.¡± Iughed. ¡°Ms. Cornell, do you have the right to inspect my stuff?¡± Jocelyn visibly froze. Then, she threw all sense of pretense and pointed at my nose. ¡°Ariana, Elijah bought you all those things. They¡¯re not even yours. I lifted therge bag and tossed it to her. ¡°Take it then. They¡¯re junk that I¡¯ve worn. If you like them, they¡¯re yours Jocelyn quickly opened the bag, but all she found was in clothes. She went mad and tossed them back to me. ¡°Not these. Where¡¯s the jewelry? And those bags. You took them. Give them back!¡± She threatened, ¡°Or else, I¡¯ll call the cops.¡± I simply stared at Elijah. ¡°Mr. Linden, your lover wants to call the cops. What do you say?¡± Elijah¡¯s eyes gradually darkened. Without giving me an answer, he asked instead, ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± I was annoyed. ¡°Not only am I leaving, but I also want a divorce.¡± Elijah suddenlyughed. Then, unexpectedly, he pushed Jocelyn out of the room and locked the door. Stunned, I watched him approach me. At that moment, an inexplicable sense of fear rose within my heart. Elijah walked over and backed me into a corner so that was forced to face him. His handsome face looked erged and distorted I was scared. After all, he was stronger than me. I started to regret telling Teri that I didn¡¯t need help now. Discreetly, I grabbed my phone to call the cops. However, Elijah threw my phone to the ground and broke it. The screen shattered, and the light on the screen faded away. I yelled, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Elijah grabbed my arm. He was so close that his unbridled breath tickled my face. I held back my disgust. ¡°Elijah, if you¡¯re a man, let me go. You¡¯re giving me a hard time. Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself?¡± But Elijah said nothing and simply stared at me. His voice was hoarse when he spoke, ¡°Ariana, what do you want exactly? A divorce?¡± I did not answer. All of a sadden, he let go of me and took something from a slot in the closet. I froze. With malice in his eyes, he carried it over to me. ¡°If you take one step outside, I¡¯ll break this.¡± Jocelyn whimpered, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. Ms. York, you misunderstood me..¡± While sobbing, she furtively threw me a challenging look. I looked at her expressionlessly. ¡°So, you didn¡¯t mean to conspire with Elijah to steal my money?¡± I turned to Elijah and scoffed. ¡°Elijah, you¡¯re so disgusting that you made me throw up.¡± I wanted to leave right away. However, he suddenly grabbed my hand. ¡°Let go.¡± My voice was cold. But Elijah didn¡¯t let go. He waspletely tense as he said, ¡°Ari, nothing you heard was true. I didn¡¯t want to steal your money.¡± I sneered, ¡°Alright then, Since you weren¡¯t stealing from me, give me back the money with interest.¡± Elijah hesitated. As expected, he couldn¡¯t bear to give up such arge amount of money. I gave him a mocking nce and shook off his hand. Suddenly, Jocelyn screamed, ¡®Elijah, she took everything! As she spoke, she entered the closet to check. When she saw the empty jewelry safe, with all the watches and limited edition Hermes bags cleared out, she let out a pained shriek. ¡°Elijah, she took everything valuable. She ran over to me and red at therge bag in my hand. ¡°Let me inspect it.¡± Iughed. ¡®Ms. Cornell, do you have the right to inspect my stuff?¡± Jocelyn visibly froze. Then, she threw all sense of pretense and pointed at my nose. ¡°Ariana, Elijah bought you all those things. They¡¯re not even yours.¡± I lifted therge bag and tossed it to her. ¡°Take it then. They¡¯re junk that I¡¯ve worn. If you like them, they¡¯re yours.¡± Jocelyn quickly opened the bag, but all she found was in clothes. She went mad and tossed them back to me. ¡°Not these. Where¡¯s the jewelry? And those bags. You took them. Give them back!¡± She threatened, ¡°Or else, I¡¯ll call the cops.¡± I simply stared at Elijah. ¡°Mr. Linden, your lover wants to call the cops. What do you say?¡± Elijah¡¯s eyes gradually darkened. Without giving me an answer, he asked instead, ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡± I was annoyed. ¡°Not only am I leaving, but I also want a divorce.¡± 1000 Elijah suddenlyughed. Then, unexpectedly, he pushed Jocelyn out of the room and locked the door. Stunned, I watched him approach me. At that moment, an inexplicable sense of fear rose within my heart. Elijah walked over and backed me into a corner so that I was forced to face him, His handsome face looked erged and distorted. I was scared. After all, he was stronger than me. I started to regret telling Teri that I didn¡¯t need help now. Discreetly, I grabbed my phone to call the cops. However, Elijah threw my phone to the ground and broke it. The screen shattered, and the light on the screen faded away. I yelled, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Elijah grabbed my arm. He was so close that his unbridled breath tickled my face. I held back my disgust. ¡°Elijah, if you¡¯re a man, let me go. You¡¯re giving me a hard time. Aren¡¯t you ashamed of yourself?¡± But Elijah said nothing and simply stared at me. His voice was hoarse when he spoke, ¡°Ariana, what do you want exactly? A divorce?¡± I did not answer. All of a sudden, he let go of me and took something from a slot in the closet. I froze. With malice in his eyes, he carried it over to me. ¡°If you take one step outside, I¡¯ll break this.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Chapter 42 I looked at the pair of emerald bracelets that had appeared out of nowhere. The form of the bracelets was familiar, but I couldn¡¯t recall who they belonged to. My first instinct told me that they must be very important to me. Upon noticing my confused expression, Elijah took out a yellowed photograph. After only one nce, I was thunderstruck. It was a photo of my family! It was a photo of me, myte grandma, Dad, Mom, and Jonathan, In the photo, I was wearing a pink dress and was about ten years old. Meanwhile, Grandma¨Cwho was seated at the center¨Cwas dressed in an old¨Cfashioned blouse with a kind smile on her face. She looked ahead quietly, as if she were staring at me through the photo. Suddenly, a loud bang went off in my head. Something had smashed through the railings of my memory with a roar. ¡°Grandma!¡± My legs went limp, and I crumpled to the ground. Elijah stared down at me coldly. I looked at the emerald bracelets. I remembered¨CGrandma gave me the bracelets before she died! My voice shook as I said, ¡°Give it back.¡± a tear. Elijah sneered, ced his hand on the yellowed photograph, and made a I screamed, ¡°Don¡¯t tear it! That¡¯s the only photo I have. It¡¯s Grandma¡¯sst photo before she died. That¡¯s the only one!¡± I rushed over to grab it, but Elijah held up the photo and the bracelets. Every time I tried to jump, he held me down. I Elijah looked at me as if I was a clown as I failed time after time. Frantic, I said, ¡°Give it back. Give it back, please?¡± Elijah was apathetic. ¡°Are you still leaving then?¡± My tears kept falling.This is from N?velDrama.Org. He then raised his voice, saying, ¡°Are you leaving, or not? If you leave, I¡¯ll tear up this photograph.¡± As he spoke, he tore at it anyway. Now, the photograph had been torn in two. Screaming, I pounced over to catch it. Tears blurred my vision, and I sobbed as I tried to put the photo back together. Elijah was wretched. He¡¯d ripped the middle, and Grandma¡¯s face was split in half. I couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore and bawled. ¡°Give me back my photo. That¡¯s Grandma¡¯sst photo. I don¡¯t have any photos of her anymore.¡± I lost myposure and lunged at Elijah to hit him. But Elijah was strong. He grabbed my hand, and pain shot through it. However, I kept struggling. I was going to kill us both. Soon, Elijah could no longer restrain me. With a growl, he threw me onto the bed and pinned me down. For a moment, I couldn¡¯t breathe under his weight. Then, I heard his voice beside my ear. He sounded like he was pleading. ¡°Ari, cut it out. Don¡¯t leave, and I¡¯ll return your grandma¡¯s belongings to you.¡± I looked at the emerald bracelets in his hand. My tears nowed unrelentingly. I was distraught. Grandma had raised me. Both my parents were busy traveling for work, and once I was seven, I was taken back to the city. But Grandma was worried and came with me. Grandma was an illiterate old woman from the countryside and could only speak a rural dialect. People would tease her when she went grocery shopping. In the city, she¡¯d even struggled with using electric home appliances. But nheless, she took great care of me and my brother, especially me¨Cshe doted on me. Early in the morning, she would make for me my favorite bread pudding. She would even make ravioli. When I headed to school, she would give me a warm egg. She was an illiterate old woman. Yet, worried that I wasn¡¯t used to the food in the school cafeteria, she woulde to my school by bus in the afternoon to feed me her homemade spaghetti. She would make sure my stomach was full before allowing me to return to the ssroom. When Grandma was with me, I was healthy and plump. When Grandma was with me, I was a happy and beloved princess every day. I was Grandma¡¯s ¡°Aria¡°, the most blessed Aria. Chapter 43 But Grandma died when I was about ten. Her death was quick. In the hospital, she gave me this pair of emerald bracelets. She had looked at me on the hospital bed, reluctant to part with me. She said, ¡°Aria, I don¡¯t have much to give you. I¡¯ve been wearing these bracelets ever since was young. When you find someone you like, treat these bracelets as your wedding gift.¡± I was choking with sobs. On top of me, Elijah said, ¡°Ariana, don¡¯t leave. We¡¯ll be okay. I pped him hard and red at him. ¡°We¡¯ll never be okay! You tore Grandma¡¯s photograph!¡± Trembling, I picked up the photograph as my tears continued to fall. At that moment, the door opened, and Jocelyn looked at us on the bed in shock. Her expression shifted. ¡°Elijah, what are you doing?¡± I took that chance to grab the bracelets from Elijah¡¯s hand. I was about to run outside, but Jocelyn blocked me. ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to leave.¡± She stared at the bracelets in my hand in suspicion.. I noticed the greed in her eyes and instinctively hid the bracelets behind me. My eyes were blood¨Cred as ! growled, ¡°Get out of my way.¡± Perhaps Jocelyn was riled up because she dropped all pretense at that moment. She reached out to grab what was mine. However, I snapped and tried to hit her. She shoved me. ¡°That is not yours.¡± In a fury, I bit down on her wrist, and Jocelyn let go in a pained yelp. At the next moment, my face was pped with a loud smack¡°. Jocelyn became sober andunched herself into Elijah¡¯s arms. She tearfullyined, ¡°She bit me. Elijah, I was just trying to get back what was yours.¡± My face quickly became red and swollen, and I could taste rust in my mouth. I red daggers at Elijah, who was looking down at me ¡°You hit me¡­¡± Elijah stared at his palm. Suddenly, he coldly said, ¡°Ariana, apologize. ¡°Apologize?¡± I wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and looked at him with derision. ¡°These bracelets are my grandma¡¯s! Who does Jocelyn think she is? How dare she try to snatch them from me.¡± He said dispassionately, ¡°You hurt Jocelyn, so you need to apologize.¡± I spat out a glob of bloody saliva. Jocelyn shrieked. I¡¯d aimed the spit at her. Elijah¡¯s expression shifted, and he raised his hand again. However, I simply looked at him coldly as if he was my sworn enemy. Reason overruled impulse, and he put his hand down and said, ¡°You want to leave, right?¡± His voice suddenly became vile. ¡°Ariana, if you want to leave here today, leave on your knees.¡± While protecting Jocelyn, he blocked the bedroom door Meanwhile, Jocelyn nestled in his arms and sneered at me. She must have felt ted that Elijah was humiliating me like this.. I said, ¡°No. I¡¯d rather die.¡± Elijah grinned. ¡°Fine.¡± He then snatched a bracelet from my hand and threw it onto the ground. Instantly, the bracelet broke into pieces. I wanted to scream, but my voice wouldn¡¯te out. Shattered. It shattered¡­ Grandma¡¯s bracelet. I fell to my knees with a ¡°thud¡°. My hands shook as I touched the emerald fragments. It was gone. The memento Grandma left me. No. I still had one. I snapped out of my daze, yet Elijah had already snatched another bracelet. He held up the other bracelet. His expression was frighteningly cold. ¡°Apologize, then crawl out. I¡¯ll let you leave then.¡± I went berserk. ¡°Elijah, do you even have a heart?¡± Elijah seemed crazed as well. His expression was terribly unfamiliar.T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 44 ¡°Do you not want it anymore?¡± The bracelet in Elijah¡¯s hand swayed as though it was about to fall. An invisible de dragged across my heart at that moment. I slowly got down on my knees. By the side, Jocelyn sardonically said, ¡°Oh, what a devoted granddaughter.¡± She then told Elijah, ¡°Elijah, look how desperate she is for a divorce from you. She¡¯s- Elijah suddenly flew into a rage at her. ¡°This doesn¡¯t concern you. Get out!¡± Jocelyn was startled. She wanted to cry, but she didn¡¯t dare to do so when she noticed Elijah¡¯s odd expression. She looked me up and down, her eyes suspicious. However, I acted as if I didn¡¯t see or hear any of that and slowly crawled out of the room. Under my knees was soft, premium wool carpeting. But it felt as if I was kneeling on a floor covered in ss shards. It hurt. It hurt so much. Regardless, I wanted what Grandma had left behind, I wanted to have something of hers with me. Tears relentlessly rolled down my cheeks and fell onto the carpet. I kept wiping them away, but my face remained wet. So, I quit trying and focused on crawling out. It was a short distance, yet it felt as if it had taken me a lifetime. Finally, when I was out of the room, I straightened my back and looked at Elijah. ¡°Can you give me back Grandma¡¯s stuff now?¡± I extended my hand.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Elijah¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°You were actually willing to crawl out just to leave this ce?¡± I repeated, ¡°Can you give me back Grandma¡¯s stuff now?¡± I looked at the only bracelet in his hand with longing. Of the other bracelet, all I had were a few broken pieces. I couldn¡¯t lose this one as well. I deeply regretteding here today. I should have been more careful when snitching Grandma¡¯s stuff, but I messed up. Why didn¡¯t I remember them? Elijah¡¯s hands were shaking. He stared at me as if I hadmitted an unforgivable sin. ¡°Give it back,¡± I urged again. Then, I abruptly said, ¡°Do you want me to grovel? I¡¯m begging you. Please give the bracelet back.¡± At that, I threw myself prostrate. Elijah¡¯s voice was strained. ¡°You want your grandma¡¯s belongings that badly?¡± My voice was tearful as I pleaded, ¡°Elijah, please let me go. Grandma gave her things to me, not to you. Give it back. Please!¡± I broke down and madly knocked my head against the floor, I truly had none of Grandma¡¯s belongings. Grandma had never taken a photograph before when she was. in the countryside. But now, her only photo had been torn by Elijah. She died when I was ten, and when I realized I could return to the countryside, her old house had been demolished. Now, an unfamiliar building stood in its ce. Her stuff had all been burnt or thrown away too. The only things I could find were our family photo with Grandma before she got sick and the bracelets she gave me. I kept knocking my head on the ground, and I could feel something warm drip down from my head. Then, I heard Jocelyn hesitantly say, ¡°Give it to her. The bracelet is not worth much.¡± I looked up at Elijah once more. ¡°Please give it to me. I won¡¯t ever stand between you and Jocelyn again. I don¡¯t love you anymore. I won¡¯t fall in love with you again. You¡¯re free, Elijah.¡± As I spoke, Elijah¡¯s face grew more upset. I was about to keep begging when Teri¡¯s yells rang out from downstairs, ¡°Elijah, you¡¯re bullying Ari again! Let go of her!¡± ¡°m!¡± A loud noise sounded downstairs I looked over and saw Teri waving a golf club around, smashing a vase. She yelled, ¡°Elijah, let her go if you¡¯re a man! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll destroy this pigsty of yours!¡± The golf club smashed through the ss coffee table with a tter. Jocelyn shuddered. ¡°Give it to her quickly. Call the cops! Call the cops!¡± Once Elijah was distracted, I leaped up, grabbed the bracelet, and frantically darted down the stairs. However, I ran too quickly and fell down a few steps. Teri swiftly helped me up. ¡°Are you okay? Are you okay, Ari? Your face¡­ Your head¡­¡± Chapter 45 Without saying anything. I grabbed Teri and ran out. We reached the road and got into the car. I was shaking all over as I clutched the bracelet, unable to speak. Teri noticed my unusual behavior and resolved to p me. ¡°What is it? What happened exactly?¡± I looked at Teri and cried as I showed her the tom family photo. ¡°Elijah tore my family photo. He shattered one of the things Grandma left me.¡± Teri¡¯s expression shifted. After being stunned for two seconds, she cursed, ¡°That fucking scum. I¡¯ll break him.¡± She grabbed the golf club, opened the car door, and darted inside once again. While listening to the sounds of things crashing and breaking inside, I tried my best to calm down. Then, I used Teri¡¯s phone to make a call. The call connected. Logan¡¯s voice was as gentle as ever. ¡°Hello. What¡¯s the matter, Ms. Stuart?¡± I choked up. ¡°Logan, it¡¯s me. Could youe over? I¡­I might be in trouble.¡± After saying that, I couldn¡¯t control myself and started crying again. Logan¡¯s voice immediately became solemn. ¡°Ari, where are you?¡± So, I gave him my address. And before I could even tell him what happened, he said, ¡°Stay where you are. Someone will pick you up in ten minutes.¡± I wiped my tears away, feeling much calmer now. ¡°Logan, where are you?¡± I When I saw the broken pieces of the bracelet and the photo on my knees, I burst into tears again. Logan said, ¡°I¡¯m at the airport. I can¡¯t get there in time. Wait there.¡± With that, he swiftly hung up. Meanwhile, I stayed in the car. After a few minutes, Teri walked out just as a cop car arrived. It seemed that Jocelyn had called the cops, I pulled Teri into the car and locked the door.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Her hands were still shaking with rage. She looked livid as she said, ¡°Ari, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take full responsibility for this.¡± Ten minutester, more people arrived. Two well¨Cmannered Individuals circled the cops and talked for a while. Then, someone knocked on our door ¡°We¡¯re Wood Group¡¯s attorneys. He¡¯s Mr. Campbell, and myst name is Guzman. We¡¯ll handle the following legal affairs for the both of you.¡± Teri was stunned. I was, too. Before long, we were brought to the police station. I had no idea how the two attorneys negotiated, but ultimately, we came out in less than an hour. All the while, Teri wasn¡¯t worried about herself. Instead, sheforted me. ¡°Ari, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m alright. Don¡¯t feel bad about it.¡± But I felt guilty and said, ¡°It was all my fault. I screwed up.¡± Teri sighed. ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Don¡¯t feel guilty.¡± After that, Teri was taken home by Mr. Campbell, while I was taken to the hospital by Mr. Guzman for a physical examination. Once I was cleared, I was brought back to the Wood residence. Back at the Wood residence, I saw Logan and a kind¨Clooking old man with white hair sitting in the living room. The sprightly old man was dressed in a suit. His eyes were astute, and he appeared stately. He was surprised when he saw me. This is the girl from the York family?¡± Logan replied, ¡°Yes, she¡¯s Jonathan York¡¯s sister. She¡¯s been staying with me temporarily for the past few days. Logan then waved at me. ¡°Come and meet Mr. Pearson. He¡¯s the chairman of the chamber ofmerce. He knows your father, and he¡¯s met Jonathan as well. I had no idea who the old man was. However, since Logan had personally introduced him, he had to be someone important. I bowed. ¡°Pleased to meet you, Mr. Pearson. I¡¯m Ariana York, Philip York¡¯s daughter.¡± Mr. Pearson looked at me carefully with a smile. ¡°Oh, Philip¡¯s daughter is all grown up now.¡± I asked, ¡°You know my dad, Mr. Pearson?¡± He smiled. ¡°Yes, I know him.¡± My tears welled up. I wanted to find out more, but the man was already getting up to leave. He told Logan, ¡°Regarding what you said, I¡¯ll head back and do some research with my people.¡± Logan¡¯s face didn¡¯t reveal much. He simply smiled, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll be waiting to hear from you, Mr. Pearson. Let me see you out.¡± The two then chatted as they walked out. Meanwhile, I sat in the living room, staring dumbly at the emerald fragments and torn photo in my handkerchief. I knew I had to look like a sorry spectacle. I was a wreck. After showing Mr. Pearson out, Logan walked back in. He noticed the stuff on my knees and approached me. Ari, what happened?¡± Large drops of tears fell from my face, and I gave him a rough ount of what had happened. Chapter 46 As Logan listened to me, his face turned colder and colder. I was deeply remorseful. ¡°How could I forget to take Grandma¡¯s belongings? How could I forget? How could my brain forget?¡± I hit my head. Logan grabbed my hand. ¡°It¡¯s because you lost your memory. You only remember the things that happened before you were 18. You forgot everything after that.¡± I lowered my head and sobbed. ¡°But I shouldn¡¯t have forgotten. How could I leave something so important at Elijah¡¯s home? I regret it so much.¡± Logan¡¯s voice was as gentle as usual. ¡°Ari, don¡¯t be sad. The broken bracelet can be fixed. The photograph can be fixed too.¡± My eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡± He smiled. ¡°Really. When have I ever lied to you?¡± I smiled through my tears. ¡°Thank you. Thank you, Logan.¡± Logan then epted a warm towel from a maid and helped me wipe my face. The warm towel made me feel refreshed, and I softly thanked him. Then, Logan suddenly pointed at my forehead. ¡°What happened to your forehead?¡± As he spoke, his fingers brushed over my injured forehead. I I quickly dodged his touch. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just groveled and hit my head on the ground.¡± Logan¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, and he asked someone to bring him some ice. ¡°Ice it for a while, or you might get a bruise.¡± He paused. ¡°Why are you always getting hurt and making me worry?¡± I raised my head and nced at Logan. His eyes were immensely deep. It was as if they were filled with starry sky. Suddenly, there was a pang in my heart, and a strange feeling spread throughout my body. ¡°I¡± I faltered. A sense of awkwardness filled the air. Meanwhile, I pretended not to notice and continued wiping my face with the cooled towel. Logan then took the items wrapped in my handkerchief and said, ¡°Leave these with me. I¡¯ll get someone to fix them for you. They will be as good as new. Though I was skeptical, I still handed him the things anyway. Then, Logan nced at me and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± I promptly shook my head. ¡°No, I believe you. I¡¯m just¡­ reluctant to part with them.¡± He smiled. ¡°Reluctant to give them to me?¡± For some reason, my face flushed red again. I swiftly changed the subject. ¡°What brought Mr. Pearson here?¡± Logan casually exined, ¡°He came to visit my father, but my father¡¯s not home.¡± I was confused by his words. If Logan¡¯s father was not home, wouldn¡¯t Logan have told Mr. Pearson in advance? Was it possible that Mr. Pearson was actually here for Logan? 1 looked at Logan in suspicion. He was checking the torn photograph and broken bracelet with his head bowed, so he didn¡¯t notice my gaze. The longer I looked at him, the more I suspected that Mr. Pearson was here to see him. However, Mr. Pearson seemed to be a man of high standing. He hade to the Wood residence at this time. So, could it have been for my screw¨Cup today instead? I was apprehensive. After a while, Logan made a call, and soon, someone arrived. Then, they packed the items in a box and took them away. I was told that the people who took the items were expert museum conservators. They even told me not to worry and promised to restore the items to their proper state. I couldn¡¯t be more relieved. I was so relieved that I started worrying about how I could pay Logan back. Then, once everything was settled, Logan told me to go upstairs and get some rest. While on the stairs, I suddenly turned to look at him. He was standing at the foot of the stairs, watching me leave in silence. I quietly asked, ¡°Logan, how long can I stay here?¡± Logan was slightly stunned. Then, he smiled. ¡°You can stay here as long as you like.¡± I bit my lip and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how I can repay youContent ? N?velDrama.Org. Logan pushed his sses up. The lights in the living room illuminated the lenses, and I couldn¡¯t discern his expression He waved his hand slightly. ¡°Get some rest. We can talk about thatter.¡± With that, he walked off. It was only after a long while of nk staring that I turned and headed up the stairs. Chapter 47 When I woke up the next day, Frank was already waiting outside my door with a nurse. He looked at my new injuries and shook his head. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have allowed you to leave. Mr. Wood gave me an earfulst night.¡± I felt guilty and replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t know I woulde across Elijah either. Sorry for troubling you.¡± Frank shook his head. ¡°Yeah. You almost made me lose my job. Quit running around.¡± I nodded In truth, I couldn¡¯t go anywhere either since this matter was still being processed at the police station. Moreover, I needed to recover from my injuries as well. The Wood residence was huge, and it had a lovely garden too. There were also outstretched walls of roses in the garden, However, just as I was admiring the walls of roses, Ruby appeared with someone I¡¯d never want to see. I frowned. ¡°Ms. Cornell, why are you here?¡± Ruby raised her chin and looked at me in disdain. ¡°She¡¯s my senior, and I¡¯m a member of the Wood family. Why can¡¯t I bring her here?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. So, I turned to leave. Behind me, Jocelyn spoke softly, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯d like to speak with you. I raised a brow. ¡°What could we possibly talk about?¡± Without Elijah by her side, Jocelyn didn¡¯t bother putting up the pure and frail angel facade. She gave a half¨Csmile. ¡°We¡¯ve never spoken before. Since you want a divorce from Elijah, and I want to be with him, we must have a lot inmon.¡± I understood what this was about¨CJocelyn couldn¡¯t wait to put her cards on the table. I remained silent for two seconds before saying, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s talk.¡± Jocelyn smiled. ¡°As expected, you¡¯re a smart woman, Ms. York. ¡°I¡¯ve only got one thing to say. Divorce Elijah. I can get him to give you arger share in terms of property division.¡± I snickered. ¡°Then how much do you n to make Elijah give me, Ms. Cornell?¡± She hesitated for a while then put up a finger. ¡°10 million dors.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Iughed until my eyes were teary. Jocelyn red at me. ¡°Is that not enough for you, Ms. York? I¡¯ve already taken into ount that you stayed with Elijah when he made hiseback. If you weren¡¯t from the York family, you wouldn¡¯t even get a cent. She moved closer to me, her expression smug. ¡°I know a hundred ways to not only stop you from getting any money, but also put you in debt.¡± Iughed. After patting my chest, I quipped, ¡°How scary. Please have mercy, Ms. Cornell. Don¡¯t make me lose everything I have.¡± Jocelyn smirked. ¡°Ariana, I know you must be upset. But I¡¯d advise you to be sensible. Take the money. and get out of Elijah¡¯s sight. Otherwise, your reputation will be ruined, and you¡¯ll get nothing.¡± I couldn¡¯t be bothered to talk any more nonsense with Jocelyn. My face turned cold as I said, ¡°Ms. Cornell, if you hadn¡¯t learned math from your PE. teacher, you¡¯d know that I put 50 million dors into Linden Group five years ago. That 50 million dors, converted into Linden Group¡¯s stock, has a market value of over 100 million dors. *100 million dors. And you¡¯re going to convince Elijah to pay me 10 million dors to get me to leave?¡± I chuckled. ¡®Ms. Cornell, your tricks are too obvious.¡± Jocelyn looked livid as she clenched her teeth, ¡°20 million dors then. That¡¯s enough, right?¡± I smiled and said nothing. But Jocelyn was intent on persuading me. ¡°Elijah has fed you well for the past five years. You can hardly say that he mistreated you. ¡°Besides, can you get proof for the 50 million dors? Can you prove that it was yours? You should know that if Elijah didn¡¯t give you stock dividends, your 50 million dors would be lost.¡± I simply chuckled, but my heart was in pain. I felt sorry for the person I was before losing my memory. I had sacrificed my money and my heart. I stayed with a man when he was trying to get back on his feet. Yet in the end, his mistress threatened to make me lose everything I had. Observing my silence, Jocelyn assumed that I was afraid. Her eyes glinted with delight as she continued, ¡°20 million dors is enough for you to live out your life in luxury. Even if you¡¯ve been driven out of the York family, it would be worth it¡­. Chapter 48 My anger was ignited yet again. I glowered at Jocelyn¡¯s exquisitely painted lips. ¡°What did you say?¡± I said.This is from N?velDrama.Org. Jocelyn huffed. ¡°You¡¯re no longer the heiress of the York family. Five years ago, the York family stated in newspapers that they had severed ties with you.¡± At that moment, something erupted in my brain, and my head felt like it was splitting from the pain. I clutched my head while my breathing quickened. Jocelyn didn¡¯t notice my unusual state and continued her mockery, ¡°You can no longer get anything from the York family. All you can rely on is what Elijah gave you. So, Ms. York, you don¡¯t have to hold on anymore. ¡°Elijah doesn¡¯t love you. He won¡¯t give you what you wish for either. He won¡¯t give you money, much less love.¡± However, the pain in my head was excruciating, so I couldn¡¯t even hear what Jocelyn was saying. All that was on my mind was those words, ¡°Five years ago, the York family stated in newspapers that they had severed ties with you.¡± Was that true? Why didn¡¯t Teri tell me? Why didn¡¯t Logan tell me? I raised my head, tears already staining my face. Jocelyn froze. Then, I pointed to the entrance in the distance. ¡°Leave. I¡¯m done with this conversation.¡± Jocelyn refused to give up. ¡°Ms. York, I know you love Elijah, but he doesn¡¯t love you anymore. There¡¯s no point in forcing this marriage to continue.¡± As I endured my severe headache, I sneered. ¡°Ms. Comell, you¡¯re mistaken. I don¡¯t love him either. And I will divorce Elijah. But I won¡¯t leave empty¨Chanded.¡± I wiped my tears and looked at her. ¡°In our marriage, he¡¯s the one who made a mistake, not me. I was the one who invested 50 million dors, not you. What gives you two the right to make me, who has done nothing wrong, pay for everything?¡± My attitude angered Jocelyn. She scoffed and folded her arms. ¡°Fine. You¡¯re as tough as I expected. You¡¯d oppose me until the very end. ¡°We¡¯ll see how this goes then. I¡¯ll make you leave the Linden family with nothing.¡± With that, she turned to leave. I taunted her coldly. ¡°If you¡¯re so capable, get Elijah to divorce me. You¡¯ve onlye to negotiate with me because you couldn¡¯t convince him. Seems like Elijah doesn¡¯t love you all that much either. Otherwise, why would he have kept you waiting for five years?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s back became stiff, and her walk became unsteady as well. Then, I watched her as she left in a flurry. By then, the stuffiness in my chest had somewhat subsided too. After she left, I clutched my head. My heart was pounding. It hurt. It hurt so much. It felt like a knife was being twisted around in my brain. My dearest Mom and Dad. My brother who doted on me the most. Why did they cut ties with me? Tears rolled down my cheeks. I realized I had been too naive. I was no longer rted to the York family. So, what now? What should I do? Just then, Ruby walked over and snidely said, ¡°Ariana, I¡¯d advise you to be tactful and leave quickly.¡± She looked at me with disgust. ¡°You¡¯re crying. All you know how to do is act weak and pitiful. I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t use the same tricks on Logan. He¡¯s out of your league.¡± But I had no desire to speak with her. I just wanted to leave. My brain was in a jumble. I needed to calm down. Ruby trailed me like a ghost. ¡°Ariana, your reputation has long been ruined. Even if you divorce Elijah, you¡¯ll only be a hand¨Cme¨Cdown. Logan has such a high status and is so remarkable. He¡¯d never be interested in you.¡± Chapter 49 Annoyed, I turned around and sneered. ¡°He¡¯s out of my league, but not out of yours, right? You wish you could marry into the Wood family, don¡¯t you?¡± As though I had seen through her hidden desire, Ruby flew into a rage. She snapped, ¡°Ariana, you bitch! Do you think everyone is as shameless as you?¡± My head hurt badly, and my heart was aching, I didn¡¯t want to argue with Ruby, so I turned to leave. Relentless, Ruby grabbed me. ¡°Stop right there. We¡¯re not done yet.¡± I staggered. Ruby then yanked down the cor of my dress, and my shoulders were exposed to the sunlight. I quickly pulled it back up and scolded, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ruby was startled. She still remembered that previously when she pushed me, she was driven out of the Wood residence. Now, she was much more civil with me and dared not attack me again. ¡°Oh, where did this fiery beautye from? I love the flushed look on your face,¡± anguorous voice sounded from behind me. The voice was nonchnt andnguid, much like a sunbathing leopard. I furrowed my brow. Just then, a tall figure ambled over from the living room entrance. Because of the backlighting, I couldn¡¯t see his face, but he appeared to be enveloped by a ring of light. He was dressed in a light gray zer and snow¨Cwhite dress pants. Three buttons on his shirt were left. open, and a light gray silk tie rested untied on his neck His entire being exuded a distinctive sense of ease andnguor. He walked closer to us, and I could finally see his face I was stunned for a moment. This man was gorgeous! His deep facial features were as distinct as those of a marble sculpture. His prominent brows dipped into his sideburns, and his slightly narrowed eyes were enchanting. He had a straight nose while his lips were thin and sensuous. His soft facial shape gave him a somewhat androgynous appearance too. He raised his brow and looked at me with a half¨Csmile. His gaze pierced through my heart like a knife. I was shocked. This man bore some resemnce to Logan. However, while Logan¡¯s beauty was ssic and gentle, that of a charming gentleman, this man¡¯s beauty seemed to be more unique. I figured that he was rted to the Wood family. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have shown up here, nor would he look so simr to Logan. Unsurprisingly, when Ruby saw him, she appeared as if she had spotted an ally. She rushed over to him and asked, ¡°Norman, what¡¯s brought you here?¡± The young man pushed her away with a grin. ¡°Ruby, how could you argue with our guest? Where¡¯s your manners?¡±T¨ºxt ? N?velDrama.Org. Ruby¡¯s expression shifted. She pointed at me. ¡°Do you know who she is? She¡¯s Ariana York! Logan brought her home. I have no idea why.¡± The young man walked to me, his insolent eyes scanning me up and down. I couldn¡¯t stand his impolite gaze. My face turned cold, and I turned to go upstairs. ¡°Hey, Ms. York. Are you not going to say hi?¡± the young man spoke with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m Norman Wood. A musician.¡± I mechanically turned around. ¡°Hello, Mr. Wood.¡± Then, I looked at Ruby and drily said, ¡°Please excuse me. I¡¯m not feeling well, so I¡¯ll head upstairs.¡± Upon seeing that I was leaving, Ruby tugged at Norman and whispered, ¡°Norman, kick her out. Kick her out.¡± However, Norman ignored her and simply followed me up the stairs. I wanted to pretend that he was not there, but when he followed me to the door of my room, I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. As I held back my anger, I asked, ¡°Mr. Norman, what are you trying to do?¡± Norman grinned and ced his hand against the door His eyes became even more alluring as he said, ¡°Nothing. Ij Logan brought home is.¡± Chapter 50 Norman leaned in closer, and a faint floral scent wafted from him. I turned my head away. Everything about him indicated that he was a flirt. I had no doubt that if he wielded his charms, few women would be able to resist him. I moved away slightly. ¡°Mr. Norman, you¡¯re mistaken, I¡¯m not Logan¡¯s partner.¡± Upon saying so, my face flushed red. In my 18 years of memory, I had never had a conversation like this. Moreover, I was defenseless against a man who was so good at flirting and so handsome at the same time. And Norman could tell. Purposely, he bent his head and let out a breath next to my ear. ¡°If you¡¯re not his partner, what do you say to bing mine?¡± His warm breath tickled my skin. I shuddered and quickly took two steps back. I could feel the blood rushing to my face as I said, ¡°Mr. Norman, please behave yourself. I¡­ I¡¯m not here to look for that type of friend.¡± I suddenly thought of something and added, ¡°You¡¯re aware that my name is Ariana York, so you should know what kind of person I am.¡± Norman hummed in response, the curiosity in his eyes deepening. He said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about you. You¡¯re the York family¡¯s unrulydy.¡± His tone was pleasant and melodious, yet his words were anything but. ¡°Everyone says that you have a bad reputation. However, my reputation isn¡¯t great either. So, based on that, we¡¯re a perfect match.¡± My face darkened, and I rejected him tly, ¡°Mr. Norman, as I said, please behave yourself.¡± Norman could tell that my anger was genuine. He chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re angry? Don¡¯t be. I¡¯ll treat you to a feast.¡± I was truly annoyed. This man was persistent. I immediately pushed open the door and went in. However, just as I was about to close the door, it was blocked. Norman rakishly held a business card between his fingers and winked at me. ¡°Here¡¯s my private number and WhatsApp. Ms. York, do me a favor and add me to your contacts.¡± He was insane. With a cold expression, I shoved him away and firmly closed the door. Outside the door, his insouciant voice could still be heard. ¡°How feisty. She¡¯s a tough egg, but I like her.¡± I was so furious that I wanted to go out and beat him up, just as I had beaten up that shameless Porter. But nheless, this was the Wood residence, and I was a guest. That day, I stayed in my room and didn¡¯t go out. I didn¡¯t go downstairs for dinner either. I had no idea whether or not Norman, much less Ruby, had left. However, to avoid encountering strange people again, I chose not to have dinner.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. A maid had knocked on my door several times, but I simply said that I wasn¡¯t hungry and refused to eat. When evening arrived, and the lights had dimmed, I finally fell asleep in my hunger. That night, I had a dream. In the dream, I was kneeling and crying at the York residence¡¯s entrance. ¡°Dad, Mom, please forgive me. I¡¯m sorry,¡± I bawled. ¡°Let me in.¡± ¡°Ari, leave. You broke our hearts. You¡¯ve disgraced the York family¡­¡± I whipped my head around. My brother, Jonathan, was standing behind me in the shadows. He was dressed in a ck suit and holding a ck umbre. He looked glum and distressed. I hurried to him. ¡°Jon, please help me talk to them. I was wrong. I made a mistake¡­¡± Jon gradually pried my fingers off him. His voice was so cold. ¡°Ari, some mistakes are unforgivable.¡± ¡°No, no. Jon¡­ choked with sobs. ¡°Ari, wake up,¡± someone was calling me. I jolted awake to see a silhouette beside my bed. Chapter 51 ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± The gentle voice was soothing in the dark. My bedsidemp was turned on, and its soft, yellow light illuminated the person¡¯s face.. It was Logan. My face was soaked with tears, and I wiped my face in a trance. Silently, Logan got up, grabbed a warm towel, and helped me wipe my face. He said, ¡°You had a nightmare and kept crying.¡± I asked, ¡°Did I say anything?¡± He looked at me deeply. ¡°I heard you calling for your mom and dad. You called for your brother too¡­¡± So, I was in a dream. my face. Do you to Logan observed my face. ¡°Do you feel better now?¡± I nodded, feeling dazed. After a while, I said, ¡°Logan, you knew the York family had ties with me, right?¡± Logan¡¯s hand froze. After a long while, he hummed in affirmation. gave a bitter smile. ¡°None of you told me.¡± Logan¡¯s expression was calm as he said, ¡®Telling you wouldn¡¯t help. We all have to look ahead.¡± I covered my face. ¡°I can¡¯t go home anymore.¡± Tears slipped through my fingers once more. Logan stroked my hair gently. ¡°Don¡¯t cry. Get up and have dinner.¡± I wanted to refuse, but my feeble stomach grumbled. In the quiet room, the grumbling was noticeable. I thought I heard Logan chuckle. Then, I was dragged out of the bed by him. When we arrived downstairs, the living room and dining room was empty. Logan removed his suit jacket and told me, ¡°Sit for a while. I¡¯ll look for something to eat in the kitchen.¡± So, I sat dumbly at the dining table. A whileter, the aroma of bolognese wafted out of the kitchen. I hurried over and saw Logan boiling some spaghetti. I quickly approached him. ¡°Logan, I can¡¯t bother you with this. Let me cook However, he blocked me with his arm. ¡°Sit in the dining room. It¡¯ll be done in a few minutes.¡± I was short, so with just a shove, Logan had almost squeezed me out of the kitchen. However, I still craned my neck to see. There was water boiling in the pot.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. Logan was adept at this. After standing around for a while, I realized that I wasn¡¯t much help. So, all I could do was awkwardly return to the dining room. Five minutester, Logan walked out carrying arge te of bolognese. His every movement exuded elegance. It was as though he wasn¡¯t carrying a te of bolognese but rather, a priceless ancient scroll. He ced the bolognese in front of me. ¡°Dig in.¡± I was hesitant. ¡°I can¡¯t impose on you, Logan. What about you? Did you eat?¡± He said, ¡°I ate out. When I got back, I noticed that you hadn¡¯t eaten. So, I decided to make you something and let you try my cooking.¡± Slowly, I started to eat. At first, I ate unhurriedly to maintain my image. But after a while, I felt my stomach getting hungrier. So, I started scarfing down the food. Eventually, I finished the bolognese and put my fork down in satisfaction When I looked up, Logan was watching me with a smile I wiped my mouth, embarrassed. ¡°Uh¡­ I was a bit hungry. That¡¯s why I had so much. He smiled. ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯ll only be satisfied if you eat. If you don¡¯t eat, I might think I¡¯m bad at cooking.¡± Then, he asked, ¡°Was it good?¡± I quickly nodded. ¡°It was delicious¡± Logan smiled. ¡°That will do.¡± He then took a napkin and gestured at me. ¡°Wipe this spot.¡± I epted the napkin and wiped my face, somewhat dumbfounded But Logan shook his head. ¡°Not there ¡°As he spoke, he took the napkin and gently wiped my lips. His fingers brushed against my lips, and my face instantly turned red. All the while, Logan¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t shift. Instead, he simply stared at me in silence. Chapter 52 I lowered my head, avoiding Logan¡¯s gaze. Then, he suddenly asked, ¡°Did Ruby and Normane today?* His question caught me off guard. I hadn¡¯t expected him to ask about this. I nodded.This is from N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Did they say anything hurtful?¡± I shook my head. ¡°Really?¡± he asked again. I shook my head again. Logan stared at me for a long while before he said, ¡°Go upstairs and get some rest. I looked at him, unable to say the words that I have rehearsed all afternoon. When he turned around and noticed that I hadn¡¯t gone upstairs yet, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you not feeling well? Or do you have something to say to me?¡± I quickly shook my head. ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± With that, I hurried upstairs. Behind me, Logan suddenly said, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to what Ruby says. And as for Norman, just ignore him.¡± | absentmindedly nodded ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for you to stay somewhere else once I finish settling things tomorrow,¡± he added. This caught me off guard. ¡°There are too many peopleing in and out of here. It¡¯s not safe.¡± At that moment, I finally had the courage to say what I had thought about all afternoon. ¡°Logan, I actually have a ce I can go.¡± He frowned and asked, ¡°Where?¡± ¡°I can stay with Teri.¡± ¡°No.¡± Logan rejected the idea without hesitation. ¡°You¡¯re not staying with Ms. Stuart.* I was surprised. ¡°Why not?¡± For the first time, Logan¡¯s face showed a trace of displeasure. ¡°Can she take care of you? She has to work. I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone to take care of me.¡± He nced at me and said, ¡°I said no, and that¡¯s final.¡± I fell silent It was the first time I¡¯d noticed Logan¡¯s stubbornness. I couldn¡¯t argue with him, and I didn¡¯t have the courage to either. Logan then nced at the calendar at the wall and said, ¡°Go upstairs and rest. Don¡¯t go around tomorrow. I¡¯ll take you to look at some houses.¡± So, I went upstairs with mixed feelings. Then, at theer of the stairs, I heard Logan make a phone call. He spoke with deep displeasure, ¡°Norman, back off. It has nothing to do with you. That¡¯s it.¡± Then, he quickly hung up. At that moment, I could sense that Logan had nced up toward the second floor, so I didn¡¯t dare to eavesdrop any longer and quickly retreated to my room. Back in my room, Iid on my bed, feeling confused. There were so many things that I wanted to discuss with Logan. But for some reason, all my courage disappeared the moment I saw him. He was like an unfathomable abyss or a towering mountain. He was close to me, yet so out of reach. I took a deep breath. At the end of the day, I knew I had to depend on myself to solve my problems. The next morning, I woke early, washed up, and got dressed. Frank came to check on me as usual. However, this time the examination was brief, and there was no need for more IV drips. He simply left some medication and exined how to take it before he left. As usual, after breakfast, I took a walk in the garden. During my walk, I called Ten. She knew about my estrangement from my family. She sighed and said, ¡°Ari, I didn¡¯t mean to keep things from you. I just didn¡¯t want to cause you more shock in the midst of your amnesia.¡± ¡°Do you have my brother¡¯s number or his Whatsapp? I asked. She sighed again. ¡°How could I possibly have that?¡± Frustration welled up in me Teresa then asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t Mr. Wood close to your brother? Why don¡¯t you ask him to reach out for you? He¡¯ll definitely help you.¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°He¡¯s already helped me so much. Besides, if my brother wanted to forgive me, he would¡¯ve reached out by now. But it seems like he- I choked on my words, unable to continue. Chapter 53 Teresa Teres quicklyforted me, saying, ¡°Ari, don¡¯t be sad. Blood ties are a strong and strange thing. All you need to do is divorce Elijah, take back your money, and apologize to your family. They¡¯ll definitely forgive you.¡± A flicker of hope rose within me. ¡°Is that really possible?¡± ¡°Of course! You¡¯re still the daughter of the York family. Your parents are getting older, and your brother only has you. They were probably just disappointed before. Once you repent, they¡¯ll definitely forgive you.¡± Teresa¡¯s words gave me some confidence. She was right. My parents and brother had always loved and doted on me ever since I was a child. Th couldn¡¯t really abandon me. As long as I severed ties with Elijah, they¡¯d definitely forgive me. And even if they wouldn¡¯t forgive me, at least they wouldn¡¯t cut me offpletely.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Family rtionships could be mended over time, but this marriage with Elijah had to end immediately. I chatted with Teresa for a while more until the butler, Robert, approached me. ¡°Ms, York, the driver¡¯s waiting at the gate,¡± he politely said. ¡°What for?¡± I asked. Robert smiled and said, ¡°Mr. Wood sent someone to take you to look at houses. There are three options today. Choose the one you like best.¡± I was taken aback. ¡°So soon?¡± ¡°Yes, Ms. York. The driver is already at the gate.¡± So, I hurriedly left the garden. Sure enough, a Maybach was parked outside. I was still surprised when I entered the car The driver said, ¡°Ms. York, Mr. Wood is still at the office. He asked me to take you to the beach house first. If you don¡¯t like it, we¡¯ll head back to check out the one in the city center.¡± ¡°What about the third option?¡± I asked curiously The driver chuckled and said, ¡°The third one is on the top floor of Wood Group¡¯s building. Mr. Wood thinks that it¡¯s not clean, so it¡¯s only for reference.¡± I pondered for a moment and nodded. ¡°Alright. Thank you for taking me around.¡± He smiled, ¡°It¡¯s my job, Ms. York. You¡¯re too kind.¡± With that, he slowly drove out of the Wood residence. However, what I didn¡¯t know was that Norman saw the car leaving from the tennis court not too far away from the mountainside. He was dressed in a sports shift and sports shorts. He whistled, smirking as he grabbed the tennis. Meanwhile, Ruby was talking to a few young women. They were all dressed in tennis outfits, looking fresh and youthful Ruby walked over and followed Norman¡¯s gaze. She huffed. ¡°Why is Logan only going to the office now? Is that shameless bitch holding him up?¡± Norman smiled half¨Cheartedly as he watched the familiar car drive down the mountain. He squinted his eyes and said, ¡°Logan left for work early this morning. That car is taking his precious partner to look at houses.¡± Ruby lost herposure and yelled, ¡°What? What do you mean?¡± Norman rubbed his ears and replied, ¡°Ruby, you¡¯re going to make me deaf.¡± Ruby quickly lowered her voice and said, ¡°What is Logan thinking? Has he really fallen for her?¡± As she spoke, her face contorted in anger. ¡°I knew she wasn¡¯t that simple. What a maniptive bitch!¡± she added. Norman¡¯s expression grew more intrigued. ¡°To make someone as cold as Logan fall into a romantic trap¡­ Well, well, Ms. York, you sure are something else.¡± Ruby¡¯s eyes shed with jealousy. ¡°Norman, you can¡¯t just stand by and watch this happen. You need to get rid of this shameless bitch quickly. What if she bes our sister¨Cinw?¡± ¡°Huh? Sister¨Cinw?¡± Chapter 54 Norman gave a cryptic smile. ¡°It would be interesting if she really became my sister¨Cinw.¡± Ruby grew irritated. ¡°Norman, can you really ept a woman like b He nced at her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you jealous?¡± as a part of the Wood family?¡± Ruby quickly tried to conceal her feelings. ¡°No! That¡¯s not what I mean. I¡¯m just saying, who would want a used woman like her?¡± Norman smirked and replied, ¡°I think she¡¯s not bad at all. Certainly not as bad as how you¡¯re describing her.¡± Ruby was so furious that she was at a loss for words. Suddenly, she asked, ¡°Could it be that you¡¯re interested in her too?¡± However, Norman ignored her question andzily waved at the young women nearby.This is from N?velDrama.Org. They giggled and walked over, yfully teasing him. After exchanging a few words, Norman wrapped his arms around one of them and kissed her several times. Theughter from the tennis court grew louder. Ruby was gradually pushed aside, and she only force a smile and gather her tennis gears. The more she thought about it, the angrier she became. Suddenly, she thought of something and quickly took out her phone. Then, she ran to the side of the court to make a call. When she returned, she looked more at ease. Meanwhile, Norman continued to flirt with the few young women. Their stunning appearances together created a picture perfect scene. Casually, Ruby said, ¡°Hey, I heard Wanda¡¯s visiting a famous art exhibition in the city tomorrow. There will be a lot of celebrities there. I¡¯m so envious.¡± Norman nced at her and scoffed. ¡°What¡¯s there to be envious about?¡± Ruby smiled and replied, ¡°The art exhibition is a great ce forworking. Aren¡¯t you tempted to go? You never know what big shots you might run into.¡± Norman gave her a faint smile. ¡°I am the big shot. Why do I need towork?¡± ¡°I heard that Logan¡¯s going to make an appearance too. I wonder if he¡¯s bringing a date,¡± Ruby added. Norman merely nced at her and turned his attention to a pretty girl nearby. ¡°Come, let¡¯s have a match,¡± he simply said. The driver took me to a seaside vi. The scenery was amazing, and the vi was fully furnished. The only downside was the strong winds. I thought for a moment and asked, ¡°Is this vi for me to stay in temporarily?¡± 8 = F The driver smiled softly. ¡°Yes. Mr. Wood said that this would be a good option if you enjoyed the seal Chapter 54 view. But it¡¯s a bit far from the city, so you¡¯d need a car and a driver.¡± What he said made sense. The driver could sense my hesitation and suggested, ¡°Shall we check out the apartment in the city?¡± I nodded. Half an hourter, I stood on the 23rd floor of arge apartment unit, overlooking the busy city below. The driver noticed the smile on my face and knew that I liked the ce. He smiled and asked, ¡°Shall I Inform Mr. Wood that you prefer this apartment?¡± I quickly asked, ¡°How much is the rent here?¡± The driver was momentarily caught off guard before he tactfully replied, ¡°This is a high¨Cend apartment building. It is rarely rented out.¡± I felt uneasy and said, ¡°I can¡¯t just stay here for free. Please ask Mr. Wood to give me a price. I¡¯ll rent it from him.¡± The driver smoothly deflected my request. ¡°Ms. York, Mr. Wood only asked me to show you the properties. You¡¯ll need to discuss the details with him.¡± I understood his meaning and nodded in agreement. After the driver left, I couldn¡¯t contain my excitement any longer. I wandered all over the apartmen Chapter 55 The apartment was in a prime location in the heart of Halton City. A hospital, supermarket, and banks were conveniently situated just downstairs. But most importantly, the interior of this apartment was just how I liked it¨Csimple and modern. Not to mention, the furniture was all brand new and stylish too. I walked around the apartment andy on the king¨Csize bed to call Teri. However, her line was busy.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡°So busy,¡± I muttered to myself. Just then, my phone rang. It was Logan. I quickly answered, ¡°Hey, Logan?¡± Logan¡¯s calm and clear voice came from the other end, ¡°I heard from Collin that you liked the apartment?¡± ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s so convenient here. Even if I¡¯m hungry in the middle of the night, I don¡¯t have to order t There¡¯s a restaurant nearby downstairs. Then, I asked, ¡°Logan, can you rent this ce to me?! have money now.¡± There was a brief pause before Logan said, ¡°Rent? What are you thinking? Just stay there for now.¡± ¡°But 1- *Just stay there until everything is settled,¡± Logan firmly interrupted before I could finish my sentence. ¡°If your brother knew I was taking rent from you, he¡¯d cut ties with me,¡± he added. Upon the mention of my brother, I cautiously questioned, ¡°Will my brother reallye There was a brief silence before Logan calmly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± e see me?¡± I breathed a sigh of relief. onto the Although I wasn¡¯t sure if he just wanted tofort me, I still held onto the hope that it was true. Logan¡¯s voice remained calm and steady as he continued, ¡°Are you free tonight? I¡¯lle by and take you out for dinner to celebrate you moving into your new home.¡± I chuckled and asked, ¡°Is this a new house?¡± ¡°Yes. So far, you¡¯re the first person to live there.¡± His tone carried a hint of augh. His words caught me off guard. I looked around the apartment and noticed that some of the furniture was still in its protective wrapping. I was surprised and overwhelmed. Feeling embarrassed, I replied, ¡°Logan, is this your ce? It doesn¡¯t feel right for me to stay here. What if I mess up the ce?¡± But Logan justughed and replied, ¡°Silly girl. I¡¯ll pick you up at 7:30 pm tonight.¡± With that, he ended the call. 1 had a gut feeling that something was off, but I couldn¡¯t put my finger on it. I just felt awkward. But the apartment was so perfect. It was the exact ce I dreamed to live in. In the end, my excitement outweighed my worries, and I started to decorate my own room. Chapter 55 After a while, Collin brought over my belongings, including the things I had risked my life to sneak out from Elijah vi. Bags after bags of luxury goods were brought up, and left me dazzled. Suddenly, I noticed a ck bag. I must¡¯ve idently grabbed it that day. As soon as I saw that bag, that feeling of uneasiness crept back. Without a second thought, I quickly took the bag, hurried downstairs, and threw it into the garbage bin. As the lid of the bin closed, I let out a breath of disgust Goodbye to the days that I had groveled before Elijah. Goodbye to the foolish girl I once was. Just then, my phone rang again, It was from an unknown caller. I furrowed my brows and hesitated for a moment before I answered. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s me,¡± Elijah¡¯s tired voice came from the other end of the line. My instinct told me to hang up and block him immediately. ¡°Don¡¯t hang up. There¡¯s something that I need to discuss with you,¡± he said. I suppressed my emotions and coldly asked, ¡°What is it Mr. Linden?¡± There was a long silence on his end, and my patience was beginning to wear thin. Chapter 56 Elijah slowly spoke, ¡°Ariana, can we not get divorced?¡± I thought I heard wrongly. I didn¡¯t reply. Elijah¡¯s voice sounded weary and irritated. ¡°Ariana, let¡¯s talk this over nicely. Divorce is not a joke.¡± Still, I remained silent. Upon seeing that I was not responding, he continued to plead, ¡°I admit that I married you impulsively, but we¡¯ve been through so much over the past five years. Why can¡¯t we just make it work?¡± His tone was affectionate yet helpless. ¡°Ari, I know that I¡¯ve wronged you in many ways. But please, stop causing trouble ande back.¡± Instantly, I hung up the phone and blocked the unknown number. Then, I calmly went upstairs and looked at the unpacked luxury goods strewn all over the floor. I took out my phone and downloaded a second¨Chand goods app that Teri had rmended. After that, I took pictures of everything and listed them for sale. At 18 years old, I needed a passionate love. At 25 years old, I had paid a painful price for love and almost lost her life to it. Now, all I needed was money¨Ca lot of money. Enough money to leave Elijah.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Engrossed in my task of taking the photos, I lost track of time. It wasn¡¯t until the doorbell rang that I realized that it was already evening. I checked my phone and was rmed by the time. When I opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of Logan dressed in a suit and holding a bouquet of pure white lilies. He looked almost too good to be true. Logan noticed the messy floor and then nced at my disheveled hair and bare face. He chuckled and asked, ¡°Silly girl, what are you busy with?¡± I quickly invited him inside and said, ¡°Wait for me for a while. I need to wash my face and change my clothes.¡± I hurried into the bathroom and simply picked out a white dress. Then, among the disordered bags on the floor, I found an unopened box of cosmetics. Using my limited makeup skills from memory, I applied a basic.but presentable amount of makeup When I came out, Logan was examining an Hermes bag I smiled drily and took it from him. ¡°These will all be sold.¡± Logan pointed at the scattered luxury goods on the floor and asked, ¡°You¡¯ve been busy with this all afternoon?¡± and answered, ¡°Yeah. These are i 7 picked out a light blue Hermes bag to me now. I¡¯ll be able to make money from selling them.¡± 712 Logan raised his eyebrows in surprise, as if he hadn¡¯t expected my response. ¡°Are you in need of money?¡± he asked. I was momentarily taken aback but soon nodded. ¡°Yeah. I need money to fight Elijah in court and to support myself. Also, I want to find a job soon.¡± I listed the ns off my fingers. I sighed and added, ¡°I can¡¯t keep relying on you. Although you¡¯ve helped me a lot, I need to learn how to be independent. I have to rely on myself somehow.¡± Logan chuckled. Then, he looked at my outfit for the day and changed the topic. ¡°Ari, you look great today. Let¡¯s go to dinner, or else we¡¯ll bete for our reservation.¡± So, I quickly followed him out. Logan walked in front, and I followed behind him like a little follower of his. The scene felt oddly familiar. It was as if I had followed him this same way not too long ago, unwavering and devoted. Half an hourter, we were seated in a Chessian restaurant. I didn¡¯t understand the fancy name of the restaurant. I only knew it was a renowned Chessian restaurant in Halton City. Logan seemed to be in a good mood that evening. Soon, the restaurant manager personally brought out the menu and spoke in rapid Chessian. Then, he looked at me in admiration and awkwardlyplimented me in broken Haltonese, ¡°Ms. York, very pretty, very ssy.¡± Chapter 57 I forced a smile and replied, ¡°Thanks.¡± Logan then nudged the menu and said, ¡°Do you want to see what you¡¯d like to eat?¡± I nced at the menu and noticed it was all in Chessian. I awkwardly admitted, ¡°I can¡¯t read it.¡± ¡°There¡¯s a tranted menu.¡± The restaurant manager promptly gave me the tranted menu¡­ I took a look at it but still struggled to understand. Upon seeing my struggle, Logan smiled and asked, ¡°Still can¡¯t understand it?¡± Embarrassed, I confessed, ¡°My brain¡­ I don¡¯t really remember.¡± I felt dejected. My amnesia had caused me the loss of the past seven years of memories and the knowledge I had during university. Now, I felt truly clueless and silly. Logan understood immediately and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I overlooked this.¡± As we spoke, a couple walked toward us, holding hands. My expression shifted when I saw them, and I immediately covered my face with the menu. The couple stopped in their tracks when they saw me, and their expressions went from stunned to embarrassed.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. At that moment, Logan was still studying the menu and wine. He only realized this when he looked up and noticed that I was hiding behind the menu. His gaze flickered as he raised his head slightly to look at the couple in front of him. The couple quickly approached us. Elijah walked over and extended his hand. ¡°Mr. Wood, what a coincidence,¡± he greeted. Logan slowly looked up with a calm expression. ¡°It is quite a coincidence, Mr. Linden.¡± He then nced at Jocelyn who was dressed in a long, dark blue dress. His gaze flickered again. Jocelyn extended her hand, her toneced with a hint of ttery as she said, ¡°Mr. Wood, I¡¯ve heard so much about you. It¡¯s my pleasure to meet you today. ¡°Let me introduce myself. I¡¯m Jocelyn Cornell, a student of Professor Dale from Barkley College of Music. I¡¯ll be holding a solo recital in the city¡¯s concert hall soon.¡± Both of them extended their hands, but Logan showed no interest to reciprocate. Instead, he turned to the restaurant manager and said, ¡°Change the Lafite we ordered earlier to champagne.¡± He looked at me and gently said, ¡°Ari can¡¯t drink.¡± His behavior put Elijah and Jocelyn in an awkward position. Elijah¡¯s expression darkened as he stared at me with fiery eyes. Meanwhile, Jocelyn tugged at him andughed sweetly. ¡°What better day than today right, Elijah? Since we have something to discuss with Ms. York, let¡¯s just share a table.¡± 2/2 With that, she pulled Elijah to sit down at our table. Logan frowned slightly, clearly displeased with the situation. Elijah swiftly sat down, though it was evident that he didn¡¯t want to see me, especially not in this setting. Nevertheless, I regained myposure and continued to read through the tranted menu. I had nothing to say to either of them anyway. The strange silence made the atmosphere feel extremely ufortable. Finally, Elijah couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He said, ¡°Ariana, I wish to have a proper conversation with you.¡± I sarcastically replied, ¡°Mr. Linden, what is it that you¡¯d like to talk about? Is it about the 50 million dors. I invested in Linden Group? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m willing to schedule a time for a proper discussion.¡± Elijah¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°Ariana, you want money?¡± I sneered. ¡°Mr. Linden, you¡¯ve gotten it wrong. I don¡¯t want money. I want my money back. There¡¯s a difference between the two.¡± ¡°As for the profit generated by Linden Group from my 50¨Cmillion¨Cdor investment,¡± I shot a cold re at the nervous Jocelyn, ¡°I expect my share, to be returned. Not a penny less.¡± Chapter 58 ¡°You!¡± Jocelyn emotionally yelled out but soon quicklyposed herself. This was a public ce, and they were in front of Logan Logan¡¯s social status intimidated them, and they wouldn¡¯t dare to cause trouble and hurl shameless usations at me while he was here. So, the atmosphere grew awkward once again. This time, nobody spoke until the dishes arrived.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Logan took the te ofmb chops in front of me and carefully cut them into pieces before handing them to me. I looked at the sizzling, juicymb chops and smiled at him. ¡°Thanks, Logan,¡± Elijah suddenly said disdainfully, ¡°Ari doesn¡¯t likemb chops.¡± Logan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh?¡± Elijah was sure of himself as he said, ¡°I¡¯ve been married to her for five years. I know her preferences very well. She hates eatingmb.¡± I took a piece ofmb and ced it into my mouth. ¡°I love eatingmb. I¡¯ve loved it ever since I was a kid, ¡°I said to Logan. Logan¡¯s gaze was filled with affection. Yeah, I know. Your brother mentioned that you love eatingmb. I didn¡¯t forget,¡± he replied. Elijah¡¯s expression darkened as he red at Logan. ¡°Mr. Wood, she¡¯s only eating it to spite me. She doesn¡¯t actually like it,¡± he insisted, staring at me, as if trying to prove his point. However, I just ignored him and picked up another piece of deliciousmb, savoring it. Logan then calmly replied, ¡°Mr. Linden, has it ever crossed your mind that Ari might¡¯ve told you she didn¡¯t likemb simply because you didn¡¯t like it yourself back then?¡± Elijah¡¯s smugness suddenly vanished. ¡°Ari, when you told me you didn¡¯t likemb back then, was it really because I didn¡¯t like.it?¡± he questioned. I lowered my gaze and calmly replied, ¡°Mr. Linden, I lost my memory. I can¡¯t remember.¡± Elijah¡¯s face paled, as if something had shattered his cognition. His thin lips trembled. Jocelyn then broke the awkwardness with a yfulugh. ¡°Mr. Wood, I wonder if you¡¯ll have time to attend my recital with your busy schedule?¡± she asked. She took out an exquisite¨Clooking ticket from her crocodile leather bag. ¡°This is a front row There are only 15 seats avable- ront row VIP seat. ¨C But before she could finish, Logan coldly pushed the ticket away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ms. Cornell. I¡¯m not he interrupted. t avable, The smile on Jocelyn¡¯s face froze, and the ticket now seemed like a burden in her hands. Logan hadn¡¯t even looked at the date on the ticket! Chapter 58 If that wasn¡¯t a p on the face, what was? A loud ¡°ng¡± suddenly echoed as Elijah mmed his silverware onto the table. His expression had be more than unpleasant. Through gritted teeth, he asked, ¡°Mr. Wood, I have no grudges with you. Why are you treating me and Jocelyn with such hostility?¡± Jocelyn leaned softly against Elijah¡¯s shoulders, blinking herrge and heavily made¨Cup eyes. In a pitiful tone, she said, ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t be mad. Mr. Wood probably just has a misunderstanding about us. After all, Ms. York is staying with him. Maybe she told him something that gave him the wrong impression. She timidly nced at Logan with a humble yet pitiful attitude. ¡°Mr. Wood, please give us a chance to exin ourselves. We really have no ill intentions toward Ms. York,¡± she pleaded. Logan nced at her, his tone indifferent as he said, ¡°Ms. Cornell, we¡¯re not well acquainted, and I¡¯ve only met Mr. Linden a few times. But I¡¯ve known Ari since she was a child. I know her character and personality very well.¡± His thin lips curled up slightly as he shifted his gaze toward Elijah. ¡°Mr. Linden, you¡¯re a grown man who built your fortune using a woman¡¯s money. Yet, you still don¡¯t treat her well. That doesn¡¯t seem like the behavior of a responsible man, does it?¡± silently gasped at his words. Logan¡¯s words made it clear that he was on my side. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have said such harsh words to them. Chapter 59 Logan had practically insulted Elijah to his face, implying that he wasn¡¯t a real man. I anxiously gripped the napkin beneath the table. For a moment, I thought Elijah would flip the table out of rage, and my mind went nk as I reached for Logan¡¯s hand, Unexpectedly, his slender and strong fingers firmly grasped mine as soon as I touched his. His grip was firm yet rxed, as if reassuring me not to worry. Instantly, my anxiety eased at his touch. Then, I looked up and saw Elijah¡¯s face turn from pale to flushed. After a while, in a low muffled voice, Elijah said, ¡°Mr. Wood, there are things that you don¡¯t know of.¡± Logan adjusted his sses. ¡°I¡¯ve just returned to the county, so you¡¯re right. I might not know everything. but I won¡¯t make careless judgments either.¡± He then turned to me and added, ¡°One thing for sure is that I won¡¯t let Ari get hurt again.¡± Then, he gave Elijah a pointed look and questioned, ¡°Mr. Linden, is that something you can do?¡± Elijah¡¯s anger shifted to surprise at Logan¡¯s question. couldn¡¯t help but turn to look at Logan. He leaned back casually in his chair, gently swirling his wine ss. His expression was calm, but his gaze was direct Beneath his calm demeanor, I sensed an unspoken, almost powerful sense of authority from him. Was it a threat? Was he threatening Elijah? I started to feel dazed, unsure if my suspicions were correct. However, Elijah¡¯s expression had turned serious, and Jocelyn had dropped her delicate and innocent demeanor too. Soon, more dishes were served, and suddenly, Jocelyn pushed a mousse dessert across the table toward me. She smiled and said, ¡°Ms. York, this dessert is exquisite. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll enjoy it.¡± I looked at the garnish on the mousse and coldly pushed it away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t eat that.¡± Jocelyn persisted and said, ¡°Ms. York, don¡¯t be shy. I ordered an extra portion just for you. I know there are some misunderstandings between us, but I believe we can work through them.¡± She pushed the mousse toward me again.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I turned my head away in disgust. ¡°I¡¯m not eating it.¡± Elijah, who had been holding back his anger, finally snapped. He yelled, ¡°Ariana, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Tmet his gaze and coldly replied, ¡°It¡¯s just a mousse. Is it supposed to mean anything?¡± Elijah¡¯s face darkened in displeasure. ¡°Aren¡¯t you rejecting it just because it¡¯s from Jocelyn?¡± I coldlyughed. ¡°Is that what you really think of me, Mr. Linden?¡± Though Elijah didn¡¯t reply, his expression confirmed that that was precisely what he believed. Meanwhile, Jocelyn continuously persuaded me anyway. ¡°Ms. York, I honestly don¡¯t mean any harm. I promise.¡± However, I didn¡¯t want to look at her. I directed my words at Elijah and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that I¡¯d end up in the hospital if I ate this?¡± Elijah was startled for a moment before his expression darkened. ¡°Ariana, are you implying that Jocelyn¡¯s trying to poison you?¡± I lowered my eyes. ¡°I¡¯m allergic to nuts. Oh, right, you didn¡¯t know.¡± Iughed bitterly. ¡°Five years of marriage, and you don¡¯t even know that I¡¯m allergic to nuts. Why are you still holding on? What¡¯s the point? For a moment, the atmosphere froze, and Elijah¡¯s expression shifted as he stared at the nut crumbs on top of the mousse. ¡°I really didn¡¯t know,¡± he muttered quietly. Now, my appetite was gone, and I irritably set down my utensils. At that moment, Logan suddenly stood up and signaled for the restaurant manager before whispering something to him. The restaurant manager then approached Elijah with a smile and informed him, saying, ¡°Mr. Linden, I¡¯m terribly sorry. We¡¯re closing at 9:30 pm tonight. There¡¯s only half an hour left. Would you like to cancel the rest of your orders?¡± Before Elijah could reply, Jocelyn protested, saying, ¡°This ce usually opens until midnight.¡± The manager¡¯s smile remained professional. ¡°Unfortunately, the restaurant has to close early today.¡± ¡°I truly apologize for the inconvenience,¡± he added. Although the restaurant manager kept apologizing, he showed no signs of reconsideration. Chapter 60 After that, Logan pulled me up from my seat and said, Let¡¯s go somewhere else.¡± He then strode out of the restaurant without sparing Elijah and Jocelyn a second nce. Just then, I looked back and saw them awkwardly arguing with the restaurant manager. I imagined that they must¡¯ve reserved the table and the meal and were expecting a romantic evening. Instead, they were caught off guard when the restaurant suddenly refused to serve them. But could such an upscale restaurant really just close like that? Nevertheless, I followed Logan out. He walked quickly and firmly held my hand with no intention of letting go. He led me out of the restaurant. Then, we turned a corner and arrived on the second floor of the same restaurant. I was surprised, unsure of what he had in mind. When we were on the second floor, a well¨Cdressed walter greeted us and guided us to a cozy table on the terrace. As I looked down through the translucent window, I saw Elijah and Jocelyn angrily leaving. and elegant I stared nkly at Logan. However, he was already casually chatting with the restaurant manager who had followed us upstairs. The well¨Ctrained waiters then began serving our dishes. By the time the restaurant manager left, our table was already filled with the dishes we had ordered earlier. Upon noticing my surprised expression, Logan adjusted his sses and said, ¡°Come, let¡¯s eat. The atmosphere just now probably ruined your appetite. That was my fault.¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all content. I then came to a realization and said, ¡°It was you who kicked them out?¡± Logan gave a slight smile. ¡°They won¡¯t be dining here again.¡± I was stunned. Even though I had lost my memory, I had looked up this Chessian restaurant before. It was one of the two Michelin three¨Cstar restaurants in Halton City, renowned for its authentic Chesn cuisine. With its long history, it was a ce where the city¡¯s elites entertained their most important guests. Reservations were already difficult to secure, let alone to cklist someone like Elijah and Jocelyn. My eyes widened. ¡°H¨Chow did you do that?¡± Logan casually sipped his champagne, loosened his cor, and replied, ¡°The Wood family are investors of this restaurant.¡± I froze at his words. ¡°Y¨Cyou¡¯re the owner behind this?¡± I stuttered. The immense wealth of the Wood family made me feel like a small town girl who had never seen the world before. And yet, I had grown up in wealth as the pampered daughter of the York family. Logan made me realize that even among the wealthy, there were still such differences. Chanz60 212 Logan chuckled, and his eyes glimmered in amusement. ¡°Silly girl, no business would turn away external investors. Even if you¡¯re not the founder, there¡¯s still a good chance to buy inter.¡± As I savored the incredibly delicious food and relished themb chops that I hadn¡¯t tasted in ages, the heaviness in my heart gradually lifted. ¡°What are you thinking so deeply about?¡± Logan¡¯s question pulled me back to reality. met his gaze and seriously replied, ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how to get Elijah to agree to the divorce.¡± Logan casually responded, ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no rush for that. I looked at him, confused. ¡°Why? He pushed the dessert he had ordered for me closer to me. ¡°Since you¡¯ve had a seven year bond with him, there¡¯s no rush to cut him off.¡± Logan¡¯s gaze through his sses was warm and clear. He said, ¡°Life is long. Besides, you¡¯ve just turned 18,¡± he added. Iughed. ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. I¡¯m already 25.¡± Logan smiled with a tenderness in his eyes that I couldn¡¯t fullyprehend. ¡°In my eyes, you¡¯ll always be a little girl.¡± My face instantly flushed, and I hurriedly buried my head in the dessert, embarrassed to look at him. Chapter 61 I buried my head in my food for a while. Suddenly, it struck me that Elijah didn¡¯t know me at all. He had no idea what I liked and disliked. Feeling confused, I suddenly blurted out, ¡°So what were those five years I spent married to Elijah?¡± Logan took a sip of his champagne andzily replied, I suppose it¡¯s like feeding a genuine heart to the wolves.¡± I was left speechless. The next morning, I woke up to dozens of messages on my phone. They were mostly from buyers asking about prices on the app. I replied to a few interested buyers The steep discounts on these luxury items sparked mixed reactions. Some buyers expre others remained skeptical. trust, while I had little memory of the inte for the past few years. My mind was still stuck back when WhatsApp was introduced, I replied to each message as best as I could. In the blink of an eye, it was already noon. Only then did I Tealize I was famished. I hurried to the kitchen to see if there was anything to eat. Just as I reached the kitchen, the door opened. I was startled when a middle¨Caged woman walked in with her arms filled with groceries. ¡°Who are you? I asked. The woman introduced herself enthusiastically. ¡°Hello, Ms. York. I¡¯m Lora, the cook Mr. Wood hired.¡± I instantly knew that this was Logan¡¯s way of taking care of me. Lora was quick and efficient in the kitchen. Not long after, she brought out a te of pasta. She kept apologizing as she fussed around me. ¡°I was supposed to arrive by 8:00a.m. but I missed a stop. You must be starving. Hurry up and eat.¡± I took a bite and my eyes lit up. It was exactly how I liked it. As I ate my pasta, I asked, ¡°Lora, where are you from?¡± Lora smiled warmly and mentioned her hometown. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard it. ¡°That¡¯s where I¡¯m from too! My grandmother lives there.¡± When Lora heard that we were from the same hometown, she became much friendlier. We had a great time chatting. Suddenly, Lora said, ¡°I had been wondering why Mr. Wood insisted on hiring a cook from that specific area. Now I realize it¡¯s because that¡¯s where you¡¯re from.¡± Her words took me by surprise. I forced a smile. When Lora started to clean up, I slipped back into my room. My heart was racing and I felt uncertain about my emotions. I lightly pped myself on the cheeks and scolded myself. ¡°Get it together! Don¡¯t let a silly crush affect you!¡± It was obvious that my memories were in a state of confusion. Despite everything that I had lost with all infotted with Innan.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Though he was wonderful and cared for me greatly, I felt unworthy of him. After giving myself a few mental reminders, I let out a sigh of relief. That was close. I almost fell into another love trap again. Lora was great at her job, and her cooking suited my tastes perfectly. After I finished the te of pasta for lunch, she prepared an authentic dessert from my hometown. Later, she even brewed some green tea for me to boost my energy. By the time I had drunk two cups, she brought out some poached pears in syrup. I couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she had emptied the entire Wood family¡¯s pantry. Lora was extremely pleased when she saw that I had eaten everything. ¡°Mr. Wood said that I must take good care of you. You¡¯re too skinny, Ms. York. Men don¡¯t like girls who are too thin.¡± Embarrassed, I replied, ¡°I¡¯m not anything to Mr. Wood.¡± Chapter 62 Lora shot me a knowing nce, her face brightening with a smile as she looked in my direction. ¡°Oh, I wasn¡¯t referring to that. Ms. York, you¡¯re just too thin!¡± she said, taking the empty dishes to the kitchen. I felt so stuffed that I had to wander around the 2,150¨Csquare¨Cfoot apartment to aid my digestion. As I wandered into the kitchen out of boredom, I was surprised to find Lora preparing an impressive feast -chicken, duck, fish, and meat. I was taken aback. ¡°Lora, is all this food for me? There¡¯s no way I can eat that much tonight!* Without looking up, Lora replied, ¡°Mr. Wood ising for dinner. Since it¡¯s my first time co want to make sure I prepare my best dishes.¡± I froze in ce. ¡°Log¡­ he¡¯sing over?¡± Lora smiled and asked, ¡°Yes. Mr. Wood lives here, doesn¡¯t he?¡± I waved my hands frantically. ¡°No, no, no! He doesn¡¯t live here. We¡¯re not living together!¡± Lora waved her hand dismissively and went back to cleaning the chicken and duck.This is from N?velDrama.Org. Just as I was about to leave, I turned back and said, ¡°Lora, Mr. Wood is like a brother to me. Jon is currently abroad, and he is just helping to look after me.¡± Lora responded with a nomittal ¡°oh¡± and returned to cleaning the duck as if she wasn¡¯t fully convinced by my exnation. for him, I If I were a divorced woman in my mid¨C20s, I might not have been concerned about such a minor misunderstanding. But as an 18¨Cyear¨Cold, the thought of being misinterpreted was far too embarrassing I paced nervously and added, ¡°Lora, um¡­ I really don¡¯t have any rtionship with Mr. Wood.¡± To strengthen my im, I gritted my teeth and confessed, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m married.¡± Lora finally looked up from her work and scrutinized me for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°You don¡¯t look like it at all. Not even a little.¡± I rushed to rify, ¡°But I really am married! My husband cheated on me, and I¡¯m currently going through a divorce.¡± Lora pped her thigh and said, ¡°That¡¯s right! Divorce him! Get rid of that bad man and move on to someone better.¡± I was momentarily speechless. As she cleaned up the meat and vegetables, she continued enthusiastically, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯m only saying this because I consider you family. You can¡¯t judge a man by his appearance alone. It¡¯s not about what he says but what he truly does for you. A woman needs to stay clear¨Cheaded and know what she wants. Don¡¯t pin all your hopes on one man. Some men are terrible¨Cthey¡¯ll take advantage of you, both emotionally and physically. ¡°When a woman invests too much and gets nothing in return, it can lead to despair. Those women are Just being foolish.¡± I quietly retreated, realizing I was exactly the kind of foolish woman Lora had been talking about. Sigh¡­ everything felt soplicated. When I returned to my room, the doorbell rang. Lora answered it and soon returned with arge bouquet of roses Beaming with excitement, she eximed, ¡°Ms. York, look! Someone sent you these flowers!¡± The roses were a stunning mix of pink and white, featuring multipleyers of petals and a luxurious texture. I recognized them from videos I had seen recently showcasing these extravagant and elegant roses. There were at least 50 or 60 roses in the bouquet. Lora remarked, ¡°Mr. Wood really is good to you. He sent these roses even before arriving.¡± I stared at the bouquet with suspicion. This didn¡¯t seem like something Logan would do¨Che wasn¡¯t the type to send such shy and expensive flowers. I searched the bouquet for a card but found nothing. ¡°Why isn¡¯t there a card?¡± I murmured. Lora quickly handed me a pair of scissors. ¡®The house feels so empty and lifeless. M you arrange the flowers? It¡¯ll brighten your mood.¡± ik, why don¡¯t I considered her suggestion and decided to go along with it. Just as I started unpacking the bouquet to arrange the flowers, the doorbell rang once more. Chapter 63 Lora said, ¡°Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. That must be Mr. Wood.¡± As the door swung open, another delivery arrived. This time, it was a bouquet of pink lilies. These lilies were significantlyrger than the roses, making the entire bouquet look impressively massive. Both Lora and I were taken aback. The delivery person asked me to sign for the flowers. As I did, he remarked, ¡°I noticed a lot of people staring at these pink lilies on my way here. Is someone celebrating a birthday?¡± I was confused. ¡°Are these really for me? Could there have been a mistake?¡± The delivery person asked, ¡°Are you Ariana York?¡± I nodded in response. After confirming the address and my name, he smiled and said, ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. I need to y to my next delivery.¡± With that, he quickly left. Lora and I stared at the tworge bouquets. Before she could say anything, I quickly asserted, ¡°These aren¡¯t from Mr. Wood.¡± I headed back to my room to text Logan about the flowers. However, after waiting for a while without a response, I reluctantly made my way back to the living room. When I walked in, I saw that Lora had already arranged the roses in vases. A fleeting thought of someone crossed my mind. I picked up my phone, hesitated for a moment, and then dialed a number. ¡°Hello? Ari?¡± A familiar voice greeted me on the other end of the line. After a moment of contemtion, I quickly hung up. Just as I was about to block the number, my phone rang again. After a brief moment of hesitation, I answered the call. ¡°Hello? Mr. Linden?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Elijah¡¯s voice was unexpectedly rxed. ¡°What¡¯s up? Anana, have you had a change of heart?* I frowned. ¡°Change of heart? I just wanted to ask you something.¡± Elijah replied, ¡°Stop making excuses, Ariana. I know you¡¯vee to terms with this.¡± He paused before softening his tone. ¡°Ari, we can work through this. I¡¯m willing to ept any conditions you have as long as you stop causing a scene.¡± A wave of nausea washed over me when I heard his words. ¡°I¡¯m not causing a scene. I just called to ask who sent these flowers. Was it you?¡± Elijah chuckled softly on the other end of the line. ¡°How could it possibly be me? Ari, did you really call just to ask about a story you made up?¡± ¡°What?¡± I replied, confused. Elijah sighed deeply. ¡°You haven¡¯t changed a bit over the years. Remember how, whenever you saw me with another woman, you¡¯d buy yourself flowers and gifts, pretending they were from admirers? ¡°Have you forgotten? Oh, right, you said you had amnesia.¡± He continued earnestly, ¡°Ari, these little tricks won¡¯t work. No one else would want to marry you besides _me.¡± Iughed in irritation. ¡°Elijah, I was wrong. Elijah quickly replied, ¡°Well, it¡¯s good that you acknowledge your mistake¡­¡± Chapp But before he could finish, I interrupted him with a coldugh. ¡°I was wrong to think you were just selfish and stupid. Now, I see that you¡¯re not only annoyingly arrogant but also shockingly dim¨Cwitted. Your narcissism is downright revolting. ¡°Do you really believe you have any charm that would make me obsessed with you? Have you looked in a mirrortely? ¡°You should take a good hard look at yourself and see what you¡¯re really worth. Stop thinking my life would fall apart without you. You¡¯re so disgusting that makes me want to vomit! ¡°Let me be honest. I¡¯ve had plenty of admirers, and each one is far better than you ever were at your worst. I must have been out of my mind to settle for you, but now I¡¯vee to my senses. ¡°Elijah, please just finalize our divorce and marry Jocelyn. I hope you both stay together forever! Thanks!¡± After my outburst, I blocked and deleted his number, finally releasing all my pent¨Cup frustration. It became clear to me why Elijah had such delusional confidence as an irresistible heartthrob- those years of my infatuation that had spoiled him! s all I was so furious that I started pacing around the room, finding everything irritating. Just then, my phone rang again. Chapter 64 Assuming it was Elijah calling from a different number, I answered without checking andunched into a tirade. ¡®Elijah, you disgusting jerk! If you call me again, I¡¯ll report you for harassment!¡± There was a brief silence before Logan¡¯s resigned voice came through. ¡°Ari, why are you arguing with Elijah again? What¡¯s going on?¡± By the time Logan arrived, the living room was filled with five different bouquets, each in vibrant shades of pink. The elegant packaging made it evident that they were quite expensive. The atmosphere in the room was tense. I picked up a card from one of the bouquets, which read, ¡°Do you like these flowers? Regar Love at first sight¡°. Furious, I tore the card to shreds. Logan opened the windows to let in some fresh air and instructed the security guards, ¡°Remove all these flowers and dispose of them.¡± I was left speechless. As I watched the security guards carry the bouquets away, I felt a twinge of regret. These flowers weren¡¯t cheap, and even if they hade from a creep, they would still have made a lovely addition to the house. My thoughts must have been too obvious as Logan nced at me and asked, ¡°Having second thoughts?¡± I hesitated before replying, ¡°I just think it¡¯s a waste, that¡¯s all. Nothing more.¡± Logan simply responded with a nomittal ¡°Oh¡°. I stood uneasily beside him and suddenly blurted out, ¡°These flowers weren¡¯t sent by Elijah.¡± Logan finally turned to me. ¡°How do you know?¡± I felt a rush of embarrassment. ¡°I called him to ask and ended up getting into an argument.¡± Logan stared at me with aplex expression. I awkwardly touched my face and exined, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to call him. I just- Logan replied calmly, ¡°In the future, try to avoid calling him. I¡¯ll help you find awyer.¡± He added, ¡°If you¡¯re reallymitted to divorcing Elijah, that is.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I was momentarily taken aback. ¡°Of course! I¡¯ve made up my mind. Why would you ask that?¡± Logan looked at me thoughtfully and gently touched my hair. ¡°Given the depth of your connection with Elijah and the interests involved, you need to consider carefully whether you truly want a divorce.¡± I was about to argue, but my resolve faltered. An inexplicable emotion washed over me. Suddenly, Elijah¡¯s arrogant words echoed in my mind, and I felt a sharp pang of sorrow. How deeply must I have loved him for him to feel so entitled to hurt me without remorse? Did that deep love make him believe his actions were justified? If I went through with the divorce, how would I cope with the possibility of regaining my memories and discovering that I still loved him deep down? I felt utterly lost. After handling the flowers, we enjoyed a quiet,vish dinner. Lora was warm, and her cooking was exceptional. She reminded me of the perceptive, yet warm¨Chearted housekeepers, I¡¯d met at my home, always encouraging us to eat more. Her presence added a touch of warmth to the otherwise lonely house. As Lora washed the dishes, I went over to help. Despite her attempts to decline, she eventually epted my offer to help and chatted with me as she worked. ¡°Mr. Wood is really well¨Cmannered. I can tell just by the way he eats,¡± she said. I replied, ¡°Yes. Mr. Woodes from a well¨Coff family and has a solid education.¡± Lowering her voice, Lora added, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯ve noticed that Mr. Wood seems quite Interested in you. You should pay attention to that. The way he looked at you during dinner was anything but innocent.¡± At that moment, the bowl I was holding slipped from my hands and fell into the sink, sshing water everywhere. Chapter 65 Lora quickly checked on me. ¡°Ms. York, don¡¯t worry about the cleanup. Just wash your hands and go join Mr. Wood to watch TV.¡± Then, she shot me a knowing look. Upon hearing themotion, Logan came over to us. Lora quickly nudged me in his direction. ¡°Mr. Wood, please take Ms. York away from here. She shouldn¡¯t be doing anything strenuous.¡± Before I could react, I stumbled into Logan¡¯s arms. A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I realized Lora had given me a firm push. Logan caught me and looked at my damp clothes. He gently guided me away, saying, ¡°Go change into something dry.¡± I nodded absentmindedly and headed to change. By the time I returned in fresh clothes, Logan wo already seated on the couch, watching the news. I stood awkwardly for a moment before finally settling onto the couch a short distance away from him. To be honest, Logan wasn¡¯t as cold and distant as I had expected. In fact, he reminded me a lot of Jon from my memories. Yet, for some reason, there always seemed to be a palpable barrier between us. Despite his proximity, I struggled to fully grasp him, let alone understand him. As I was lost in my thoughts, Logan patted the spot next to him. ¡°Come sit here.¡± I simply looked at him nkly. His sses reflected the cold light of the TV, and his tone had an unmistakablemand. ¡°Why are you sitting so far away? Come over here and watch TV with me.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I gradually moved closer and eventually settled beside him, making sure to leave some space between us. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t seem to mind. The TV was broadcasting news from around the world, and I found myself captivated. With my memory still hazy, these current events felt particrly intriguing. Eventually, Logan¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°I have a pretty good idea of who sent the flowers today. You don¡¯t need to worry. He probably won¡¯t bother you again.¡± I replied, ¡°I actually liked the flowers. It¡¯s a shame they had to be thrown away.¡± Logan noticed how intently I was watching the TV, and a subtle smile appeared on his face. ¡°You like flowers? Aren¡¯t you allergic to them?¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. ¡°No, I¡¯m not allergic. In fact, I love flowers. It¡¯s just unfortunate that my mom is allergic to pollen, could never grow many at home.¡± If there was one regret from my 18 years of growing up, it was that our garden had been filled with unattractive flowers. It simply couldn¡¯tpete with the beautiful gardens of others. Logan smiled and asked, ¡°What kind of flowers do you like?¡± A I responded, ¡°Peonies, roses¡­ honestly, I love any flower that blooms beautifully.¡± Logan chuckled softly. ¡°Is it true that every woman likes flowers?¡± we Chap His question pulled me from my thoughts, and I answered sincerely. ¡°Of course. Every woman loves flowers, as long as she¡¯s not allergic to pollen.¡± I sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a shame, really. I never imagined the most beautiful flowers I¡¯d ever receive would be from a total creep Logan, who had just taken a sip of water, suddenly choked. I nced at him curiously. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Noticing how he struggled to hold back a smile, it was clear he was trying not tough. Adjusting his sses, Logan replied calmly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. However, the person who sent those flowers. probably isn¡¯t a creep.¡± I was confused. ¡°How can you be so sure? If someone spends a fortune on flowers but doesn¡¯t leave their name, that screams stalker. How could he not be a creep?¡± My anxiety began to rise. ¡°If he¡¯s not a creep, then he¡¯s definitely a stalker. Should we report this to the police?¡± ¡°No need for that,¡± Logan said, casually dismissing the topic. Chapter 66 Teri suddenly called me. ¡°Ari, what¡¯s going on between you and Elijah? He got my number today and went off on me.¡± Just hearing his name sent a wave of anxiety through me, so I quickly stepped out onto the balcony to take the call. ¡°Why was he so angry?¡± Teri vented her frustrations. ¡°He imed that your change must have been influenced by me.¡± I was furious. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he realize what he¡¯s done? It¡¯s outrageous that he¡¯s trying to shift the r someone else.¡± Teri replied, ¡°I told him exactly that. And do you know what happened next?¡± I asked, ¡°What did he do?¡± Teri sighed. ¡°He called my superior and demanded that I be put on unpaid leave.¡± ¡°What?¡± I was shocked. ¡°He¡¯s really that shameless?¡± to Nevertheless, Teri didn¡¯t seem too bothered. ¡°It¡¯s just unpaid leave. I¡¯m not too worried. Actually, I was thinking of taking some time off to travel anyway.¡± Hearing this made me feel guilty. Teri was suffering because of me. Despite her nonchnt tone, I knew that if it weren¡¯t for the serious impact on her, she wouldn¡¯t have called. She would have just quietly endured it. I immediately said, ¡®Come stay with me for a couple of days. We need to figure out what to do next.¡± Teri hesitated and asked, ¡°Do you think there¡¯s room for me in your new ce?¡± I was puzzled. ¡°Of course there¡¯s room. There are plenty of empty rooms here.¡± Teri paused before asking, ¡°But won¡¯t my moving in affect your rtionship with Logan?¡± I replied, ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯re not in a rtionship¨Cnot at all!¡± I was confused. Why did everyone around me assume there was something between Logan and me? Suddenly, I remembered what Lora had said.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. ¡°The way he looked at you during dinner was anything but innocent. This was turning into quite a problem! I quickly told Teri, ¡°Come on over! You can stay with me. I actually need somepany. It feels pretty eerie living alone in such a big house.¡± Upon seeing how insistent I was, Teri set aside her hesitation and agreed right away. She promised to pack her things ande over. I let out a sigh of relief and headed back to the living room. Logan was still watching TV while asionally attending to his tasks on his iPad. I took a quick nce at his screen and felt overwhelmed. The world of high¨Cpowered elites seemed clearly beyond my reach. When I came back, he asked, ¡°Who was on the phone? paused for a moment before sharing Teri¡¯s situation. Chapter 66 Logan adjusted his sses and replied calmly, ¡°It¡¯s fine if she stays with you for a while. I¡¯ll be away on a business trip for the next few days, so I won¡¯t be around.¡± I felt a bit embarrassed and quickly said, ¡°That¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t have to stay with me if you¡¯re busy. I¡¯ll manage just fine, especially since Terl will be here.¡± Logan stood up and walked over to me, exuding a natural sense of authority. I looked up as he approached, and he nced down at me with a slight smirk. ¡°You and Teri together? That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m concerned about. Have you already forgotten what happenedst time?¡± I muttered, ¡°Last time? What do you mean?¡± As I met Logan¡¯s gaze, I remembered the trouble I had caused. Embarrassed, I stammered, ¡°Well¡­ I admit I didn¡¯t think things through. But at least I got my ¡°¡± Otherwise, Jocelyn would have moved in and taken everything.¡± The more I reflected on it, the more justified I felt in my actions. Logan adjusted his sses and asked, ¡°You still think you were right?¡± I shot back, ¡°But those are my things and my money!¡± -back. ¡°Fine. It¡¯s all yours,¡± he replied, reaching out to ruffle my hair. His smile was gentle and understanding, as if he were dealing with a stubborn child. Chapter 67 I noticed that Logan had a habit of ruffling my hair, almost as if he were calming a frizzy cat. ¡°While I¡¯m away on this business trip, you can reach out to Wace If you need anything. Just make sure you don¡¯t get into any trouble,¡± he said. ¡°Got it,¡± I replied. Logan then grabbed his suit jacket and got ready to leave. Just then, Lora came out of the kitchen and asked, ¡°Mr. Wood, are you leaving already? Aren¡¯t you going to stay and rest?¡± I was momentarily speechless, but Logan simply offered her a polite smile. ¡°No. I¡¯m heading out. I¡¯ll be on a business trip for the next few days, so please take good care of Ari.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. Lora smiled at him as if he were her son¨Cinw. ¡°Of course! Ms. York is like a daughter to me¨Ccharming and well¨Cmannered. You don¡¯t need to worry. I¡¯ll make sure to take excellent care of her.¡± Logan smiled gently at me and said, ¡°Be good while I¡¯m away, and wait for my return.¡± My ears flushed with warmth. Once he left, Lora went on to sing his praises. ¡°Mr. Wood is such a gentleman. You¡¯re truly lucky to have someone like him looking out for you.¡± Embarrassed, I quickly retreated to my room. By 10:00 p.m., Teri arrived with a load of bags. I rushed to help her sort through her things. As she looked around the house, she eximed, ¡°Wow! This ce is incredible! Did Logan set this up for you? It¡¯s such a huge house, and you¡¯re the only one living here. Isn¡¯t it like being kept in a gilded cage?¡± I quickly covered her mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that! I¡¯ve told you, Logan and I aren¡¯t dating.¡± Teri said, ¡°Alright! If you insist you¡¯re not dating, then you both must bepletely innocent.¡± I Her tone struck me as a bit unusual, but I realized she was just joking. She quickly began exploring her guest room with enthusiasm. Turning to me, she eximed, ¡°Ms. York, I¡¯ve made up my mind¨CI¡¯m staying with you from now on! You¡¯ve got such a fortunate life. ¡°Just look at how you moved on from Elijah and ended up meeting someone like Logan. I have a feeling that your future is going to be incredibly bright. After all, any guest room here is way better than my own!¡± I was curious. ¡°Wasn¡¯t your rented house nice?¡± Teri grimaced. ¡°Nice? It¡¯s a 2000s building with awful decor. If it weren¡¯t so close to work, I wouldn¡¯t have rented it.¡± Suddenly, I remembered her frequentints and understood her frustration. Teri hade from a privileged background in her youth, but her father¡¯s mismanagement and subsequent affair took a toll. His reckless decisions drained the family fortune, and her stubborn brother made matters worse by poorly investing what little was left. As a result, Teri had to forgo further education after university and enter the workforce. It was impressive how she had managed to persevere over the past few years withoutining or giving up. But now, she was on the verge of losing her job because of me¡­ Teri turned around in shock and quickly grabbed my arm. ¡°Ari, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you crying all of a sudden?¡± I wiped away my tears and said, ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been really selfish. I haven¡¯t treated the people who care. about me the way they deserve, yet I¡¯ve opened up to those who don¡¯t. ¡°Now, I¡¯ve pulled you into this mess and impacted your job.¡± When Teri heard this, she waved it off dismissively. ¡°This isn¡¯t a big deal. I was already thinking about quitting my job, and Elijah just made it easier for me. ¡°Once I¡¯ve had some rest, I¡¯ll head to the HR department to request my severance pay.¡± I chuckled through my tears, but my mood quickly soured. What were Teri and I supposed to do next? Chapter 68 The next morning, as soon as we woke up, Teri and I started discussing our next steps. Teri suggested we start by dealing with the personal belongings I¡¯d taken from Elijah¡¯s vi. ¡°Let¡¯s turn them into cash!¡± she eximed, outlining her n on a piece of paper. *First, we have the high¨Cend items¨Cthose alone are worth millions. We¡¯ll sell them on reputable luxury. resale tforms. Then, there¡¯s the valuable jewelry and essories, followed by the more affordable luxury pieces.¡± She tapped the paper confidently. ¡°Even with a conservative estimate, you could easily earn at least 20 million dors from everything!¡± She grinned widely. ¡°With 20 million dors in the bank, you¡¯d earn a significant amount in interest every year. You¡¯re on the verge of striking it rich!¡± I didn¡¯t fully grasp the details since my parents never really taught me about money managemen¡­ However, I understood Teri¡¯s point and quickly responded, ¡°Let¡¯s get started then!¡± Teri quickly reached out to thergest luxury resale store in Halton City to inform them that we had a substantial collection of high¨Cend items for sale. They agreed to take the items and assured us they would offerpetitive prices, given their strong reputation. After dinner, Teri and I loaded the car with designer handbags and watches, and she confidently drove us to the city¡¯srgest luxury resale store. About half an hourter, we reached the luxury resale store. It was massive, featuring an impressive array of second¨Chand high¨Cend items. As soon as we stepped inside, we were overwhelmed by the sheer volume of items on disy. This wasn¡¯t just thergest luxury resale tform¨Cit was the biggest luxury resale store around. Being naturally drawn to shiny, beautiful things, we quickly found ourselves distracted. ¡°This bag is such a great deal! It retails for 23 thousand dors, but it¡¯s only eight thousand dors here! I¡¯m really tempted¡­¡± ¡°Hold on, isn¡¯t this the ssic Hermes model? I heard the essories alone can cost 200 thousand dors! But here, it¡¯s only marked up by 50 thousand dors.¡±This is from N?velDrama.Org. I pulled Teri aside. ¡°Let¡¯s not forget why we¡¯re here. We need to stay focused on our task.¡± Teri wiped away her non¨Cexistent drool and sat up straight, eagerly awaiting the appraiser¡¯s valuation. The appraiser, clearly ustomed to situations like this, smiled and said, ¡°Ladies, feel free to browse our collection after we finish the valuation. We guarantee all the items are authentic, and we have like¨Cnew second¨Chand items that can save you a lot of money.¡± I quickly shook my head. ¡°No need. We¡¯re just here to sell these items.¡± The appraiser smiled and continued the valuation. After a thorough assessment, he finally quoted a total price of 3.53 million dors. I thought the offer was reasonable, but Teri wasn¡¯t satisfied. She picked up a rare Hermes bag and said, You can¡¯t shortchange your customers. This bag is in excellent condition,plete with tags and packaging. We¡¯ve never even used it. It¡¯s worth at least 1.5 million dors. And this one¡­¡± She started negotiating with the appraiser while I quietly sat beside her. To be honest, I had no idea how much these items were worth. I couldn¡¯t even remember when I had bought them. As Teri continued her negotiation, I quietly slipped outside for some fresh air. Outside the VIP room, I noticed a row of jewelry disy cases and couldn¡¯t resist stepping closer to admire them. Just then, a familiar, yet unexpected, voice came from behind me. ¡°What a coincidence. It seems like we keep running into each other,¡± I turned around to find Evelyn and Sharon ring at me with unmistakable hostility. Chapter 69 Evelyn and Sharon were impably dressed as always. However, my attention was drawn to the designer shopping bags they were carrying, and I couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°What a coincidence! Are you two here shopping for second¨Chand designer bags?¡± I asked. Evelyn¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Ariana, we still have unresolved issues fromst time. Why are you acting so superior?¡± Sharon interjected sarcastically, ¡°She¡¯s only here to sell her items because she¡¯s broke.¡± She sneered. ¡°See? Without Elijah, you¡¯re nobody. You used to call yourself Mrs. Linden¨Cwhat a joke.¡± They both erupted in mockingughter, and I felt a surge of frustration. I was there to sell my items, but running into them felt like the worst kind of luck.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. I decided to ignore them and walked away, but Evelyn wasn¡¯t ready to let it go. ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked I continued toward the VIP room, but then I heard Evelyn say, ¡°Sharon, did you know? Mr. Linden is throwing a wee¨Chome party for Josie in a few days. I froze in my tracks. go to great Evelyn¡¯s tone wasced with malice. ¡°How enviable! When a man genuinely loves you, he¡¯ll lengths for you. Some people spend their whole lives seeking that kind of attention, while others get it without trying.¡± Sharon nodded in agreement. ¡°Mr. Linden hosted a birthday party for Josiest time. Now, he¡¯s throwing a wee home party for her. Is he making their rtionship official?¡± Evelyn responded, ¡°They¡¯ve been open about their rtionship for a while now. It¡¯s truly pathetic that someone can¡¯t ept it and continues to lie to herself.¡± Sharon asked, ¡®But didn¡¯t Josie return six months ago? Why are they only throwing a party now?¡± Evelyn directed her gaze at me, a mocking smile spreading across her face. ¡°Probably just an excuse to hype up her next concert.¡± I let out a coldugh as I walked away. Their taunts were clearly meant to provoke me. If I were still my old self, I might have exploded in anger, confronted Elijah, and made a scene. However, I paused for a moment, and a fleeting thought crossed my mind. Why was Elijah suddenly being so high¨Cprofile? Was he trying to bait me into losing control again? But that thought vanished as quickly as it came. What Elijah did no longer mattered to me. If he wanted to unt his new rtionship, so be it. Soon enough, he would be irrelevant in my life. Ultimately, the final sale price was set at four million dors, a deal that satisfied everyone involved. Teri was practically buzzing with excitement. ¡°Ari, you¡¯re rich now!¡± she eximed. I sincerely thanked her, saying, ¡°I would have been shortchanged if it weren¡¯t for you. Teri grinned. ¡°It¡¯s not just about being shortchanged. That¡¯s just how business works. They buy low and sell high to make a profit. ¡°I simply mentioned that we had more luxury itemsing in and hinted they¡¯d miss out on future Chark: 69 business if they didn¡¯t give us a fair price.¡± As I nced at the bnce transferred into my bank ount, a smile spread across my face. After a moment¡¯s thought, I transferred 100 thousand dors to Teri. When Teri noticed the notification on her phone, her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Ari, what¡¯s this for?¡± I smiled and replied, ¡°That¡¯s yourmission. You have to take it!¡± Teriughed joyfully. ¡°Okay then. I won¡¯t turn it down! Let¡¯s celebrate with a nice meal and some beer!¡± Before I could object, she grabbed my arm and pulled me along. As we exited the store, we spotted Evelyn and Sharon still browsing the jewelry disy cases. Teri scoffed. ¡°Two fake socialites who buy second¨Chand items and chase after other people¡¯s men. How pathetic!¡± Her words were just loud enough for them to hear, and their expressions immediately darkened as they began to approach us. Teri quickly grabbed my arm, and we hurried away. Once we reached the parking lot and one was following us, Teri burst intoughter. ¡°That felt amazing!¡± Chapter 70 I chuckled with Teri,pletely unaware that Evelyn and Sharon were fuming inside the store. Sharon asked, ¡°Evelyn, are we really going to let those two walk away after insulting us?¡± Evelyn¡¯s perfectly dolled¨Cup face darkened with anger. ¡°We still have unfinished business fromst time. Just wait and see.¡± She walked over to the appraiser who had just exited the VIP room and inquired about the items. The appraiser responded, ¡°Yes. Ms. York has brought in several valuable items for sale.¡± Evelyn then said, ¡°We¡¯d like to check them out. There might be something of interest to us.¡± The appraiser¡¯s demeanor shifted to one of greater respect. ¡°Of course, Ms. Snow, Ms. Lowry. Please,e in and have a look.¡± As Evelyn and Sharon entered, they were taken aback by the sight of arge table covered with sparkling luxury handbags, including several limited editions. Sharon quietly tugged at Evelyn¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Evelyn, we can¡¯t afford any of these.¡± Evelyn gestured for her to be quiet and turned to the appraiser with a forced smile. ¡°I have a friend who loves this brand. I¡¯ll call her toe take a look.¡± After a brief phone call, she came back ¡°My friend will be here soon. And by the way, if Ms. York ever ns to sell more items, we¡¯d appreciate it if you kept us in the loop discreetly. We¡¯re very interested in what she has to offer.¡± She smiled slyly Teri and I sat in a barbecue restaurant, waiting for our food. The lively atmosphere made me feel slightly on edge, so I shifted a little closer to her.. Teri had ordered a spread of grilled meats, sides, and even a case of beer. I was surprised. ¡°Teri, do you actually drink?¡± Teri skillfully popped open a bottle of beer. ¡°Of course, I drink! Oh, wait¨CI forgot you have amnesia and might not remember.¡± She smiled wryly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t until I started working that I realized alcohol could serve as a lifeline. With an irresponsible father, a neglectful mother, and an ipetent brother, it feels like I¡¯m the only one working myself to the bone every day.¡± Noticing that Teri¡¯s mood had dipped again, I couldn¡¯t help but try tofort her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Look at me- I¡¯ve had a rough seven years, and my reputation is in tatters. Does that cheer you up a bit?¡± Teri managed a smile, but it quickly turned into a wry expression. ¡°Your way offorting people is quite unique. At least you still have some money left. The harder I work, the less I seem to have.¡± I patted her shoulder. ¡°Starting today, things are going to look up for us.¡± Teri¡¯s spirits lifted instantly. She raised her beer ss and clinked it against mine. ¡°Cheers to that! Here¡¯s to better days ahead!¡± She downed her beer in one go, while I took a cautious sip and scrunched up my face. Chapper 20 ¡°This stuff tastes terrible. Why do so many people like ?¡± Teri burst intoughter. At that moment, I noticed a group of burly men at the next table grinning and staring at us. Their intense gazes made me ufortable, and I instinctively shrank back a little. Teri had her back to them, so she didn¡¯t notice them, Instead, she was busy serving me more food and drinks. Thete¨Cnight snacks were a delightful surprise as I had never tasted such down¨Cto¨Cearth food before¨Cat least, not that I could remember. Teri was in high spirits, and as I began to rx, I ended up enjoying several beers. By the time we finished eating, the bill came to just 50 dors.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. I was taken aback. ¡°This is so cheap!¡± Teri rolled her eyes and replied, ¡°This meal¡¯s on me. Ms. York, you probably haven¡¯t had such an affordable meal before. Wee to everyday life.¡± I responded with an awkward smile. Just as we were about to settle the bill and leave, a group of burly men from the next table approached us, their imposing figures blocking our path. One of them, Lucian Sullivan, shed us a sleazy smile and asked, ¡°Hey there,dies. Why don¡¯t we exchange phone numbers so that I can add you on WhatsApp?¡± Chapter 71 I was startled and instinctively stepped back. Teri positioned herself in front of me, her expression fierce.¡± What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± she demanded. Lucian¡¯s face was flushed from drinking, and the smell of alcohol lingered on his breath. ¡°Ladies, I just want to get to know you better. How about you add me on WhatsApp?¡± Teri sneered. ¡°No way! Move aside. We¡¯re leaving.¡± Lucian followed closely behind us, his speech slurred and lustful. ¡°Ladies, you¡¯ve quite the attitude. We¡¯re just trying to be friendly here. ¡°It¡¯s a shame that two beautiful women like you are out dining and drinking alone. Why not get to know me? If you¡¯re interested in having a drink, you can find me anytime. I¡¯d love to take you out to thr By the time Teri and I reached the sidewalk, Lucian was still bothering us. Teri¡¯s irritation was evident. ¡°You¡¯re really starting to get on my nerves now! No means no. If you¡¯ve had too much to drink, you should just go home.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. I noticed Lucian expression darken, so I quickly stepped in front of Teri. Forcing a smile, I said, ¡°We¡¯re leaving now. Maybe we can catch up another time. We¡¯ll invite you for a meal and drinks next time.¡± Lucian seemed pleased with my response. Heughed and said, ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to treat us. Come on! Let¡¯s just get to know each other.¡± As he reached out to grab my hand, I let out a startled scream. Teri was shaken and quickly pulled me back. ¡°What are you doing? It¡¯s broad daylight¨Cwhat on earth are you thinking?¡± Lucian looked genuinely offended. ¡°You ungrateful women! I¡¯m just trying to buy you a drink, and this is how you respond?¡± With a wave of his hand, a group of burly men from his table started to approach us. Teri and I finally realized the danger we were in. Holding up her phone, Teri threatened, ¡°Back off! If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll call the police.¡± Lucianughed mockingly. ¡°Go ahead! I have plenty of connections in the police department.¡± Hispanions joined in with mocking jeers. Just as we were being backed into a corner, a ck Ferrari suddenly sped toward them. ¡°Holy crap! Is he trying to kill us?¡± ¡°Who the hell drives like that?¡± The sound of screeching tires cut through the air. Amid a barrage of curses, the Ferrari came to a sudden stop right in front of Lucian. The door s swung open, and an imposing figure stepped out. Leaning casually against the front of the car, he surveyed the group of burly men. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Who¡¯s the idiot trying to mess with my friends?¡± The group of burly men didn¡¯t recognize him, but they could tell from the car and his demeanor that he was not someone to be trifled with. However, there was always someone unwilling to back down. Lucian, who had been insistent about adding my WhatsApp earlier, shouted angrily, ¡°Who are you? Are you trying to ruin my fun?¡± He cursed and prepared to charge forward, but the man simply chuckled. In one swift motion, he kicked an empt beer bottle into the air, caught it, and brought it crashing down onto Lucian¡¯s head. Lucian copsed to the ground instantly. The man tossed the broken beer bottle aside and followed up with a powerful kick, sending him sprawling. Hey there motionless. The remaining burly men were momentarily stunned. By the time they realized what was happening, the man had already grabbed two beer bottles¨Cone in each hand¨Cand taken down the next two men. As the rest of the group regained theirposure, they quickly grabbed some stic stools to confront him. Meanwhile, the man remained rxed. As the burly men closed in, he responded with powerful front kicks and sweeping side kicks. ¡°He¡¯s a skilled fighter! Let¡¯s get out of here!¡± The group of burly men was clearly intimidated. They had thought their numbers would be enough to deter any trouble, but they were caught off guard by the man¡¯s ruthless and swift fighting style. He effortlessly fended them off. As the restaurant staff rushed out to break up the fight, he shouted to Teri and me, ¡°Get in the cark Both of us were startled by the chaos, but we quickly scrambled to obey hismand. As the burly men closed in on him, the man seized a stic stool and executed a spinning kick, sending it soaring through the air. The stoolnded amid the crowd, prompting everyone to scatter to avoid it. Chapter 72 The man took advantage of the chaos to hop into his car and quickly spor away. In the passenger seat, Teri and I felt tense and anxious. The man navigated through a maze of streets before finallying to a halt in a secluded area. As he opened the door, Teri and I stood trembling by the roadside. The man got out of the car and pulled out a cigarette. With a smile, he asked, ¡°So, Ari, how do you n to thank me for today?¡± The way he addressed me sent a shiver down my spine, and suddenly it clicked. ¡°Are you Norman?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Norman leaned casually against the car door and lit his cigarette. He raised his eyebrows and smiled. ¡°It¡¯s a bit disappointing that it took you this long to recognize me,¡± he added. I awkwardly replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t notice you earlier with all themotion, but thank you for stepping in and helping us.¡± Teri then asked, ¡°And who might you be?¡± Norman smiled, a cigarette dangling from his lips. ¡°Let me introduce myself¨CI¡¯m Norman Wood, an admirer of Ms. York.¡± My face flushed instantly. ¡°Stop! Don¡¯t say things like that! Teri, he¡¯s Logan¡¯s younger brother.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not lying, Ari. Did you receive the flowers I sent?¡± I widened my eyes in surprise. ¡°You sent those?¡± Norman¡¯s smile broadened. ¡°Who else could it be? Logan picked up on it immediately.¡± I was even more shocked. ¡°He knew it was you? Why didn¡¯t he tell me?¡± Norman chuckled. ¡°Why would he? Logan¡¯s the type who holds onto grudges and waits for the perfect moment to settle the score,¡± he said, curling his lip in disdain at Logan¡¯s behavior. The tension in the air was palpable. Teri tugged at my sleeve. ¡°We should head back.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Norman shot us a sideways nce. ¡°Are you really just going to leave like that?¡± I replied, ¡°Well¡­ I thank you properly another time. We really need to go. It¡¯s not safe out here at night.¡± Norman grinned confidently. ¡°As long as I¡¯m around, no one in Halton City would dare mess with you.¡± Teri chimed in, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you teach that jerk Elijah a lesson?¡± Norman chuckled. ¡°I can¡¯t do that.¡± Teri¡¯s frustration was evident. ¡°Why not?¡± Norman shot me a knowing smirk. ¡°Because Logan wants to handle Elijah himself. He won¡¯t allow anyone else to step in.¡± I was even more taken aback, and Teri looked equally incredulous. She scrutinized Norman with suspicion. ¡°Where did you hear that? How is it even possible? Elijah is a well¨Cknown figure-¡± Norman scoffed. ¡°Well¨Cknown? That¡¯s a joke. I could take him out without breaking a sweat. But since Logan wants to deal with it himself, I won¡¯t steal his thunder:¡± His s revtions were significant, and I struggled to believe any of it. If he weren¡¯t Logan¡¯s younger brother, I would probably think he was trying to pull a scam on us. Teri¨Cappeared intrigued and kept firing questions at Norman, but I had lost interest. I grabbed her arm and started to pull her away. Just then, Norman stepped in front of us, blocking our path. ¡°Wait a moment. Since we¡¯re out, why not join me for a drink at a bar?¡± I frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t drink.¡± Teri clearly wanted to go, but seeing my expression made her reconsider following Norman. Under the streetlights, his captivating smile and striking good looks almost felt unreal. He asked, ¡°Ari, what¡¯s your favorite flower?¡± The question took me by surprise. After a moment, I snapped back to reality and frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t be so familiar. Mr. Wood, please call me Ms. York.¡± I stressed the name ¡°Mr. Wood¡± as firmly as I could. Norman¡¯s eyes flickered with aplex mix of emotions as he looked at me with clear interest. I quickly bid him farewell. ¡°I¡¯ll find a way to thank you for tonight, but it¡¯s gettingte, and we really need to head back.¡± With that, I grabbed Teri and quickly hailed a cab. As the cab pulled away, I nced back and saw Norman leaning against his ck Ferrari, seemingly smiling. The entire situation felt bewildering, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Chapter 73 I had a restless night. In my dream, someone was flirting with me, and Norman jumped in to defend me by getting into a fight. Suddenly, I spotted Logan nearby, watching the scene unfold. ¡°Logan!¡± I called out as I rushed toward him. He looked at me with frustration. ¡°What trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?¡± I tried to exin, but then Elijah stormed in from somewhere, clearly furious. He grabbed my hand and scolded me. ¡°Ariana, you¡¯re causing trouble again. Can¡¯t you just stay out of it for once?¡± I struggled to break free from his grip and shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t need you telling me what to do! Let go of me!¡± Elijah looked at me with disdain. ¡°Ariana, haven¡¯t you had enough? You¡¯re always stirring up trouble. Don¡¯t you realize your friend is getting pulled into this mess because of you?¡± I saw Teri being taken away, and panic washed over me. ¡°I wasn¡¯t the one causing trouble! They were harassing us first!¡± I protested, but no one stepped in to help Teri. As I tried to move toward her, Elijah tightened his grip on me. Frustrated, I shouted, ¡°Elijah, let me go! His patience finally snapped. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t been flirting with those guys, they wouldn¡¯t have harassed you. Your antics have only gotten more ridiculous over the years.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t-¡± I screamed in my dream. Suddenly, I heard someone call my name. I jolted awake to see Teri sitting at the edge of the bed, her expression filled with concern. I let out a deep sigh and settled back onto the bed. ¡°I had a nightmare.¡± Teri looked guilty. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. If I hadn¡¯t taken you to that restaurantst night, none of this would have happened. You must have been really shaken up.¡± I reassured her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. We¡¯re fine now, aren¡¯t we?¡± Still visibly shaken, Teri replied, ¡°I can¡¯t believe how foolish I was. I didn¡¯t realize it at the time, but the more I think about it, the scarier it gets. ¡®Two beautifuldies like us really shouldn¡¯t be going to a ce like that. It was far too dangerous.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. I couldn¡¯t help butugh upon hearing her words. Noticing my reaction, Teri grumbled. ¡°What¡¯s so funny? I¡¯m being serious. Just look at us¨Cwe¡¯re both stunning. We need to be more careful about where we go. Ladies need to learn to protect themselves.¡± Clutching a pillow, Teri leaned in with curiosity. ¡°Norman is so handsome, though he seems a bit full of himself. Do you think he¡¯s interested in you? And what¡¯s this about flowers¨Cdid he really give you flowers? Not eager to dive into that topic, I mumbled a vague response. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Lora called from outside, ¡°Ms. York, someone sent you flowers.¡± Terl¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity. ¡°Speak of the devil, and he appears! This has to be from Norman. Ari, Chapter 23 your love life is seriously heating up.¡± I got out of bed and discovered a bouquet of fresh, elegant white roses¨Cseven in total, beautifullyplemented by a few smaller blooms. I instantly fell in love with it. Turning to Lora, I asked, ¡°Is there a card?¡± Lora handed it to me, and as soon as I nced at the card, my smile deepened. This time, it was from Logan. Teri leaned in to sneak a peek, but I quickly tucked the card into my pocket. Sensing that something was off, Teri asked, ¡°Who sent these? Come on, spill it!¡± I blushed furiously and replied, ¡°It¡¯s from¡­ someone you don¡¯t know.¡± Teri burst intoughter. ¡°I know everyone you know, and as far as I can tell, I¡¯m your only close friend. You don¡¯t have other male friends, so who else could it be?¡± Realizing she might have overstepped, she quickly added, ¡°Ari, don¡¯t be upset. I didn¡¯t mean to imply you don¡¯t have admirers.¡± I had a good idea why she was apologizing. Over the past seven years, I¡¯d been so focused Elijah that I hadn¡¯t really developed any male friendships, let alone any admirers. on P But I didn¡¯t mind. I happily searched for the prettiest vase I had and arranged the white roses in it. Chapter 74 Each of the seven white roses was elegant and full. I admired them closely. Suddenly, Teri leaned in and asked, ¡°Ari, have you noticed something?¡± ¡°What?¡± I asked. She pointed to my face. ¡°Look in the mirror.¡± Curious, I nced at my reflection and was taken aback. My face was glowing with a bright, genuine smile. My eyes sparkled, and my lips curved in a way that felt almost impossible to contain. It was such a contrast to how I had looked just two weeks ago when I was discharged from the hospital. Back then, I had felt exhausted and lifeless. Now, I looked vibrant and cheerful. I couldn¡¯t help but touch my face in surprise. Teri leaned in even closer. ¡°Come on! Are these from Mr. Wood?¡± Panic set in as I quickly fabricated a lie. ¡°No! They¡¯re from a store I¡¯ve shopped at before. They send birthday gifts to their VIP customers.¡± Teri looked skeptical. ¡°Really?¡±N?velDrama.Org owns all content. To keep her from probing further, I nodded vigorously. Disappointment flickered across Teri¡¯s face, but she quickly furrowed her brows in thought. ¡°Wait a minute -today isn¡¯t your birthday.¡± ¡°Oh, It¡¯s not? I must have gotten the dates mixed up. Anyway, they were running a promotion at the store, so I just grabbed a bouquet.¡± I wasn¡¯t too concerned about whether Teri believed my exnation. I quickly pushed past her and locked myself in my room. Just as I locked it, Lora approached. Teri asked, ¡°Is she hiding something?¡± Lora smiled and replied, ¡°I just got here, so I¡¯m not in the loop.¡± Teri pressed on, ¡°Is Mr. Wood really good to Ari? Does he have feelings for her?¡± Lora¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Mr. Wood is a decent man. He stands out from many of the men you see these days.¡± Teri didn¡¯t push further. Meanwhile, in my room, I pulled out the card. It read, ¡°Wishing Ms. York joy and peace in your new home. Best regards, Logan¡°. His handwriting was elegant, reminiscent of someone who had honed their skills in calligraphy. Even though it was just a card, I carefully tucked it into a book for safekeeping. I wasn¡¯t entirely y sure why! feltpelled to keep it, but something about it felt significant as if it represented something beautiful. As I was daydreaming in my room, the doorbell rang. Thinking it might be Logan, I quickly changed into a Tong dress. Just as I was about to tidy my messy hair, I heard amotion outside. Confused, I realized it wasn¡¯t him. I grabbed ab and headed out. At the front door stood Jocelyn while Teri blocked the entrance, her expression clearly displeased. Teri wasn¡¯t holding back. Jocelyn, how did you find us here? Are you stalking us?¡± Jocelyn was dressed in a ck¨Cand¨Cwhite Chanel haute couture that made her look as if she were attending a funeral. However, I lowered my eyes in disgust. Jocelyn¡¯s eyes lit up when she saw me. ¡°Ms. York, please don¡¯t misunderstand. I just happened to see the address on Elijah¡¯s phone¡­¡± I frowned. ¡°I never gave Mr. Linden my address. Did he investigate me?¡± Jocelyn looked upset. ¡°I¡¯m not sure either. I just saw Elijah chatting with someone, and that¡¯s how I found out about this address.¡± Happened to see? I scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s quite a coincidence. Does Elijah know you¡¯ve been snooping thresh his phone?¡± Chapter 75 For a brief moment, Jocelyn¡¯s facade of vulnerability faltered, and I could clearly see the malice lurking in her eyes. It was evident that she was no ordinary person. Elijah was entirely unaware that she had him under her influence. He probably believed her interest was insignificant. Little did he know, he was entangled with someone incredibly dangerous. If Jocelyn could snoop through Elijah¡¯s phone, it meant she had ess to many of his business secrets,pany ns, and even financial details. As this realization sank in, I instinctively took a step back. Jocelyn then said, ¡°Ms. York, Ms. Stuart, I came here personally to express my sincerity. I want to reconcile with you.¡± I Before Teri could respond, I frowned and said, ¡°Ms. Cornell, if this is about your earlier suggestion, we don¡¯t need to discuss it any further. That¡¯s a matter between Elijah and me. ¡°I also have no interest in being friends with you, let alone reconciling. We were never on good terms to begin with.¡± Teri looked ready to apud my words. However, Jocelyn replied calmly, ¡°Ms. York, even though we aren¡¯t friends and past misunderstandings have created some hostility between us, avoiding the issue won¡¯t resolve anything. ¡°If you genuinely want to divorce Elijah, shouldn¡¯t you confront it openly?¡± Confused, I asked, ¡°What do you mean? I don¡¯t understand.¡± Jocelyn smiled sweetly. ¡°It means you need to convince the public that your marriage is over. You have to everyone believe that you truly want a divorce. Only then will Elijah take your intentions seriously.¡± maContent ? N?velDrama.Org. After making her point, she asked, ¡°Ms. York, don¡¯t you think this approach makes sense?¡± Teri, standing nearby, interjected, ¡°Ari, don¡¯t fall for her tricks! She¡¯s definitely up to no good.¡± I was deep in thought as Jocelyn continued, ¡°Ms. York, your past mistakes have caused Elijah topletely lose trust in you. He believes you¡¯re just throwing a tantrum at this point.¡± I asked, ¡°He said he wouldn¡¯t divorce me, didn¡¯t he?¡± A flicker of resentment and frustration crossed Jocelyn¡¯s face as she replied coolly, ¡°Yes. Elijah said that divorcing you would be too costly, both emotionally and financially. He refuses to even consider it.¡± Confused, I questioned, ¡°Emotionally? What feelings does he even have left for me?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s expression wavered. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Regardless, I know my visit may seem presumptuous, but I hope you¡¯ll think about what I¡¯ve said.¡± With that, she handed me an elegantly designed invitation. As I nced at it, I saw it was for a wee home party. I weighed the decision of whether to toss it aside in front of Jocelyn or wait until she had left. Jocelyn said softly, ¡°This is a wee home party that Elijah organized for me. I hope you¡¯ll dress up and bring a date.¡± She blinked at me once before walking away. As soon as she left, Teri quickly closed the door. Rubbing her arms, she eximed, ¡°Wow! Jocelyn is something else. She had the nerve toe here and tell you how to get rid of Elijah! I should have recorded that to show him.¡± Chapter 75 27 I shook my head. ¡°But don¡¯t you think she made some valid points?¡± Teri waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Arl, wake up! Don¡¯t let her manipte you. She definitely has ulterior motives for inviting you.¡± I touched the invitation and asked, ¡°What if I brought Logan with me?¡± Teriughed in surprise. ¡°That¡¯s a brilliant ideal It would drive Elijah crazy.¡± Then, a realization struck her. ¡°Wait. Is that what Jocelyn is after?¡± I replied calmly, ¡°Ultimately, Jocelyn is just desperate to be Mrs. Linden. To achieve that, she wouldn¡¯t think twice about encouraging me to provoke Elijah into getting a divorce.¡± Teri sighed. ¡°She¡¯s truly ruthless. It¡¯s no wonder you never stood a chance against her before.¡± I gazed at the invitation, its bright colors almost blinding. A familiar tightness gripped my chest. Before my memory loss, I must have felt heartbroken, I could only watch helplessly as the manoved hosted avish wee¨Chome party for another woman. I wasn¡¯t sure how deeply I had loved Elijah before my memory loss, but even without those memories, a persistent pain and dull ache remained in my heart. My feelings for him ran deep, and I couldn¡¯t shake the sense of injustice I felt for myself. That day, Logan arrived quitete. Chapter 76 When he arrived, the living room was shrouded in a soft, muted light. Only the warm glow of a single floormp illuminated the space, casting long shadows across the room. I stood by therge window, my eyes unfocused, watching the cars and people blur together in the rain- soaked streets below. Outside, the rain fell in a steady rhythm, a soft patter against the ss, matching the quietness inside. I heard footsteps behind me, slow and deliberate. ¡°Why are you still awake at this time?¡± His voice was so familiar, yet it sounded colder than the rainy night outside. Through the reflection in the ss, I could see Logan standing just a few feet behind me. In the window¡¯s faint reflection, our figures ovepped, as if we were two lovers, drawn together in an embrace. I turned around and met his gaze. ¡°Can you do me a favor, Logan?¡± My straightforwardness took him by surprise. I handed him the invitation, and his brows furrowed. ¡°How did you get this?¡± I briefly exined how Jocelyn hade by. For a brief moment, Logan¡¯s expression turned icy. He must have been angered by the fact that Elijah had someone tailing me.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. However, his voice was calm when he spoke. ¡°You want me to be your date?¡± I nodded. In response, Logan took the invitation, his gaze softening as he looked at me. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it. It¡¯ste, you should get some rest.¡± I hesitated but asked, ¡°Do you think I shouldn¡¯t go?¡± He didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he asked, ¡°Do you want to go?¡± I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Jocelyn made some valid points, but I feel like if I go, I¡¯ll just be walking into a situation where I¡¯ll humiliate myself. There¡¯ll be a lot of judgmental eyes on me.¡± Logan¡¯s lips curled into a soft, knowing smile. It was the kind of smile that could make even the darkest night feel warm like the gentle glow of the moon breaking through clouds after a storm. Something was calming about it, something that made the rain outside seem distant. I couldn¡¯t help but be mesmerized as I stared at him. Logan asked, ¡°Do you like the flowers?¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes. I loved them.¡± His smile deepened. ¡°I¡¯m d to hear that.¡± He nced down at his watch before gently reaching for my hand. With a tenderness that caught me off guard, he pressed his lips to the back of my hand, his kiss soft and gentle, like a raindrop. ¡°Goodnight, Ari,¡± My hand trembled slightly under his touch. When he lifted his hand, our eyes met. At that moment, the entire cityscape outside the window seemed to be reflected in his eyes. I was dazed. His hand tightened around mine, his gaze growing deeper. We both knew what we were waiting for, but there was an invisible barrier keeping us apart. He leaned in, and I instinctively stepped back. My back was pressed against the cold ss of the window, my body feeling unnaturally warm, my palms sweating. Logan¡¯s gaze shifted to my lips as he slowly. leaned down. In a panic, I lowered my head. My voice was barely a whisper as I said, ¡°We can¡¯t¡­This isn¡¯t right.¡± He stopped. And for a moment, I regretted it¨Cregretted the weakness in me, the confusion I couldn¡¯t shake. Did I still care for Elijah? Was that why I couldn¡¯t let Logan in? Logan chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s okay, Ari. I understand. I won¡¯t make things difficult for you.¡± He gently leaned down once more, this time pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. And then, without another word, he turned and left. I sat by the window, dazed, reaching up to touch the spot where his kiss had long since disappeared. My heart began to ripple once again. Chapter 77 That night, I slept peacefully¨Cno dreams, just thefort of a deep, restful sleep. I wasn¡¯t sure if Logan would agree to be my date, but I had already passed the decision to him. Whatever his answer would be, I no longer had to worry about it. The burden of that choice was no longer mine. The next morning, I woke up to the quiet light of dawn and instinctively reached for my phone. As I unlocked it, I saw a string of missed calls from an unknown number. Several messages on WhatsApp filled my screen as well.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. My expression darkened as I quickly blocked them all. There was a good chance that these calls were from Elijah, trying to reach me again. But I had no desire to reconnect with him. 2 and Every interaction with Elijah left me feeling minor as if I were beneath him, constantly reminded of ins arrogance and his belief that he was always in control. It was time to change my phone numb for all. I got out of bed, freshened up, and went downstairs for breakfast. In the kitchen, Teri was already up. and he was chatting with Lora as she picked at her food. When she saw me, her face lit up mischievously. ¡°Ah, the illustrious Ms. York graces us with her presence! What¡¯s on the agenda today? Your loyal servant is ready for duty, 24/7!¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh as I joined her, grabbing a sandwich from the table. ¡°I¡¯m thinking of selling off more of my luxury items. This time, I¡¯m getting rid of all that pretentious, overpriced jewelry,¡± I said between bites. Teri frowned. ¡°But those second¨Chand shops barely give you anything for it! Jewelry worth 20 or 30 thousand dors? You¡¯ll be lucky to get a fraction of that, maybe a couple thousand at best. ¡°Why not just keep it? You¡¯ve saved up a bit of cash, so there¡¯s no rush to sell.¡± I shook my head, resolute. ¡°No. I can¡¯t stand having them around,¡± Teri sighed, clearly exasperated but unwilling to argue further. ¡°Fine. If that¡¯s how you feel, we¡¯ll sell them.¡± I nodded. But, suddenly, I had a thought and asked. ¡°Teri, would youe with me to buy a new dress?¡± Teri narrowed her eyes suspiciously. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re going to that ridiculous wee¨Chome party, aren¡¯t you?¡± 1 hesitated but eventually nodded. Teri groaned, already objecting. ¡°Just wear one of those couture gowns you¡¯ve barely touched. Do you think Jocelyn isn¡¯t going to show up dressed to steal the spotlight? She¡¯ll be dripping in designer clothes, trying to outshine everyone.¡± I nodded again, though this time more reluctantly. However, Teri wasn¡¯t finished. ¡°Honestly, though, why bother going? It¡¯s clearly a setup. A trap. You walk in there, and Jocelyn¡¯s just going to humiliate you. It¡¯s not worth it.¡± Her words hit home, and I couldn¡¯t help but reconsider, Maybe Teri was right. After breakfast, we packed up the jewelry I wanted to sell and headed to the same luxury resale store we¡¯d visitedst time. This time, we felt more at ease: After all, it was no longer unfamiliar territory for us, 2/2 We were ushered into the VIP room again and treated with the same courtesy as before. An older appraiser greeted us this time, his expression professional and thorough. He examined each piece of jewelry with meticulous care before nodding in approval. ¡°They appear to be authentic, but the more valuable ones will require further verification,¡± he said, ncing up from his work. I pulled out the receipts and certificates, sliding them across the table. ¡°They¡¯re all genuine from the boutiques,¡± I confirmed. The appraiser nced at the paperwork and nodded. ¡°Yes, these are indeed authentic and from boutique stores. However, if I may ask, Ms. York, why are you selling this collection? The resale value is generally quite low, and these pieces are difficult to find again if you ever wish to repurchase them.¡± He sounded earnest, genuinely trying to offer advice. ¡°If you¡¯re not under any immediate financial pressure, I¡¯d suggest keeping a few for yourself,¡± he added. However, I was resolute. ¡°No. I don¡¯t want them anymore,¡± I said firmly. The appraiser, seeing that I wouldn¡¯t be swayed, nodded and stopped pressing the matter, Just then, the door swung open abruptly, and Evelyn¡¯s mocking voice echoed through the room. ¡°Of course, she¡¯s under financial pressure! Why else would she be selling off her precious jewelry?¡± frowned and looked up. Chapter 78 Evelyn strutted in with a man in a loud floral shirt. The man had arge belly, and his face was greasy with e. Despite his age, he was trying far too hard to look trendy.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Teri, visibly annoyed, snapped, ¡°Evelyn, what are you doing here?¡± Evelyn patted the man¡¯s shoulder, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Obviously, I¡¯m here with my boyfriend to pick out some gifts. What? You two don¡¯t want these things, but I can¡¯t take a look? What¡¯s the harm in that?¡± Teri shot back with a smirk. ¡°Oh, a new boyfriend, huh? And he¡¯s bringing you here to pick out second- hand gifts? Does that mean he thinks second¨Chand is all you¡¯re worth?¡± Evelyn¡¯s perfectly made¨Cup face darkened immediately She huffed, ¡°If you can shop here, why can¡¯t I? Just taking a look around, is that illegal?¡± Seeing that another argument was about to break out, I quickly pulled Teri back. However, still fuming, turned to the appraiser and demanded, ¡°Get this woman out of here. She¡¯s ruining T o was mood.¡± The appraiser looked ufortable. ¡°Well¡­ Ms. Snow is a regr client here as well. Perhaps we could finish the appraisal first and discuss prices afterward? But Evelyn wasn¡¯t about to back down. She turned to the appraiser and said sweetly, ¡°Actually, I¡¯d buy some of her items. Isn¡¯t that how business works? You can¡¯t refuse a paying customer, right?¡± The man in the floral shirt chimed in, his voice loud and obnoxious, ¡°Exactly! We¡¯re not here to y around. If you¡¯re not interested in doing business, we¡¯ll take our money elsewhere!¡± A wave of irritation washed over me. It was obvious that Evelyn hade here to pick a fight, still holding a grudge over what happenedst time when Teri had pped her. I tugged at Teri¡¯s arm, trying to calm her down, and turned to the appraiser. ¡°Please continue the appraisal. Once it¡¯s done, Ms. Snow can take her pick. hike to The appraiser looked like he¡¯d never been in such an awkward situation before, clearly unsure of how to handle it. Nevertheless, he resumed his work, meticulously appraising the items amid the tense atmosphere. There were ten nes in total, all from luxury brands. They were made of high¨Cquality gold and adorned with diamonds, though the materials themselves weren¡¯t worth much¨Cit was mostly the brand name inting their value. There were also five brooches. While these were also made of high¨Cquality gold, the gemstones on them held more value. One of the brooches was particrly rare, a limited¨Cedition piece estimated at 120 thousand dors. The rest, such as the earrings and studs, were worth much less, around 20 thousand dors or 30 thousand dors each, nothing remarkable. When the appraisal was done, I turned to Evelyn with a calm smile. ¡°Ms. Snow, didn¡¯t you want to buy something? Feel free to choose whatever you like. I¡¯ll cover the transaction fees once the sale is finalized. Evelyn picked up the most expensive brooch, her lips curling in mock distaste. ¡°This brooch¡­ well, I suppose it¡¯s decent. But honestly, it¡¯s so ugly! Who on earth picked this out? The person clearly has no taste.¡± Teri couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. ¡°I knew it! You can never say anything nice, can you? If you¡¯re going to Chapter 70 buy, just buy. If not, then get lost. We don¡¯t need your money.¡± Evelyn shed Teri a fake smile, her voice sharine. Who says I¡¯m not buying? I¡¯m just saying the brooch is a bit unattractive, that¡¯s all.¡± As she spoke, she began criticizing each piece of jewelry on the table, tearing them down one by one as if they were worthless. Teri¡¯s face was stormy, on the verge of exploding, but remained calm. Finally, Evelyn threw up her hands theatrically and turned to the man in the floral shirt. ¡°Honey, none of these look good. Let¡¯s just go to the boutiques instead.¡± The man in the floral shirt seemed a bit reluctant. But before he could respond, I smiled at him and said, ¡± Sir, Ms. Snow has very refined taste. That brooch, for example, would cost around 250 thousand dors at a boutique. You¡¯ll definitely find more impressive pieces, but they¡¯ll be quite a bit more expensive.¡± The man¡¯s eyes widened, and he blurted out, ¡°What? That tacky thing costs that much?¡± He barely finished the sentence before Evelyn dug her nails into his arm hard. Grimacing, he quickly corrected himself. ¡°I mean, no problem! If Evy likes it, I don¡¯t mind spending a little more.¡± But it was obvious from his face that he was already regretting it. I chuckled and picked up a pearl ne from the table. ¡°You¡¯re right. This one here, for example, is almost brand new. I¡¯ve never even worn it. At the boutique, it¡¯s a steal for only 50 thousand dors¡± ¡°50 thousand dors?¡± The man spluttered, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head. ¡°That¡¯s robbery! And the appraiser just said the pearls are fake!¡± I blinked innocently. ¡°That¡¯s true, but it¡¯s a designer piece, and that¡¯s the price at the boutique. Of course, as second¨Chand, it¡¯s much cheaper, around 15 thousand dors.¡± Chapter 79 The man in the floral shirt, ignoring Evelyn¡¯s sour expression, Immediately spoke up. ¡°Babe, let¡¯s just buy this one. Look, she hasn¡¯t even worn it. If we go to the boutique, we¡¯re gonna get ripped off.¡± It was clear Evelyn didn¡¯te here to actually buy anything. She had just dragged this guy along to stir up trouble for me. Unfortunately for her, she had picked a man who wasn¡¯t very bright and ended up sabotaging her n. Teri, catching on quickly, added fuel to the fire, ¡°He¡¯s right, you know? Branded items like these lose value the second they leave the boutique. Anyone buying directly from a boutique is a fool. ¡°But what can you do? Ari¡¯s admirers tend to enjoy spending money on this kind of stuff. It¡¯s not that she doesn¡¯t like these pieces anymore. She just wants to sell them and get something truly high¨Cend.¡± She shot Evelyn a look. ¡°Ms. Snow, why don¡¯t you skip these and just go for the real good stuff?¡± Evelyn, already stewing, asked, ¡°What good stuff?¡± Teri smirked. ¡°Take him to an auction. There are pieces worth millions, even tens of millions of dors. The question is whether you¡¯ve got the means for it.¡± Evelyn¡¯s anger was so palpable, it seemed to distort her nose job. She patted the floral¨Cshirted man¡¯s arm, her voice quivering with tears. ¡°You said you¡¯d buy me something. but now you¡¯re settling for this cheap crap? Do you even love me?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Even heroes were weak when beauty cried. Evelyn might not have been a natural beauty, but with a little cosmetic surgery and skillful makeup, she was a solid seven or eight. Her man clearly had a thing for her looks. ¡°Alright, alright! I¡¯ll buy it! But Evy, since we¡¯re here, let¡¯s just pick something she hasn¡¯t worn yet. I¡¯ll get it for you.¡± Evelyn red at me, holding back her anger. She could sense something was off, but she couldn¡¯t quite figure out what. I casually started putting away two nes. ¡°I actually quite like these. I think I¡¯ll keep them.¡± Evelyn immediately stopped me. ¡°What? You had them out on disy! How can you just decide not to sell them?¡± I looked at her, ¡°Well, are you buying them? If not, I¡¯ll just take them back. After all, they¡¯re quite expensive at the boutique.¡± ¡°Of course, we¡¯re buying!¡± The man quickly grabbed the nes from me before I could put them away. Evelyn, furious, snapped, ¡°Buy what? Who would want her junk?¡± Teri, never one to miss a chance to throw shade, snarled, ¡°If you can¡¯t afford it, then don¡¯t waste our time pretending.¡± Evelyn, seething, shot back, ¡°Who says I can¡¯t afford it? just don¡¯t want to buy your trash!¡± She tugged on the floral¨Cshirted man¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Take me to the boutique.¡± By now, the man had caught on. He knew that going to the boutique would mean spending a lot more money. Here, he could get away with tens of thousands of dors. But in a boutique, the salespeople would swarm him, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to leave without dropping at least ten times that amount. He remained seated and sighed. ¡°Babe, it¡¯s the same thing. Why don¡¯t you just pick something here, and I¡¯ll pay? If you don¡¯t choose now, I¡¯ll really have to go.¡± Evelyn was taken aback to see that the guy she brought along was actually backing out. After a long pause, she spat out, ¡°Fine! How much for that one?¡± She pointed to the pearl ne I was holding. *Chanel, long strand. Over 50 thousand dors at the boutique. I¡¯ll let it go for 20 thousand dors.¡± Evelyn gasped. ¡°What do you mean 50 thousand? You just said 15 thousand earlier!¡± I gave her a slow, amused smile. ¡°It¡¯s 20 thousand dors. This one¡¯s a limited edition. I can put it on consignment if I want, can¡¯t 17¡± Evelyn¡¯s face turned red with fury. ¡°You¡¯re raising the price on purpose!¡± I ignored her and turned to the appraiser. ¡°This one, this one, and that one, put them up for consignment. For the rest, give me a bulk price.¡± The appraiser, eager to put an end to this scene, punched numbers into his calctor, the br loudly Chapter 80 Evelyn¡¯s face turned pale as she stared at the limited¨Cedition nes in my hands. I could tell she was tom inside, her mind in aplete knot. The three nes I had chosen were hard toe by, and if she wanted them, she had to pay my price. If she didn¡¯t, she¡¯d miss out tomorrow. Soon, the appraiser gave me a valuation of 453 thousand dors. I nodded in satisfaction and quickly signed the sales contract. Evelyn, who was fuming beside me, stomped her feet in frustration. In the end, she reluctantly bought two of my nes for 20 thousand dors and 35 thousand dors each. As she left clutching her man, Teri and I burst intoughter, nearly doubling over. Teri nudged me, grinning. ¡°You¡¯re so bad! How did you know that little bitch would definitely buy your stuff?¡± I chuckled, ¡°Because I set her up. She initially just wanted to humiliate me while trying to sna her ¡®boyfriend¡® wasn¡¯t on board with that. butBelonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. ¡°Her ¡°boyfriend¡® clearly just wanted to spend a little to win her over. Evelyn wanted him to pay but also to show off, so she had to painfully buy my nes. ¡°Even if she didn¡¯t, she¡¯d get her boyfriend to buy something else. Regardless, it felt great to turn the tables on her.¡± Teri smiled, ¡°You really made an extra ten thousand dors easily. Otherwise, the buyback price would¡¯ve been five thousand dors less for each piece.¡± I happily nced at the bnce in my bank ount, savoring the sweetness of the money. Putting Evelyn in her ce was just the icing on the cake. Just as I was enjoying my newfound bnce, an unfamiliar call came in. Instinctively, I hit decline. However, the number kept calling, and a message popped up. ¡°Hello, Ms. York. I¡¯m your appointed designer.¡± I answered the call, and a friendly voice greeted me. ¡°Ms. Ariana York? I¡¯m your personal designer. Do you have time toe to our studio? I can assist you with your entire look.¡± I asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t make any appointments. Who is this? After a brief pause, I could hear the sound of pages flipping, and the voice replied, ¡°Oh, Ms. York, I must have made a mistake. Mr. Wood asked me to contact you. I hope that¡¯s not too presumptuous.¡± Mr. Wood? Logan? My heart raced with excitement. I smiled and said, ¡°Sure, I¡¯m avable, but it has to be in the afternoon.¡± I arranged a time and ce with the designer named Andrew. After I hung up, Teri raised her eyebrows. ¡°I heard that. Did the CEO Mr. Wood book you a designer? Come on, did he agree to be your date?¡± My cheeks flushed again. Just then, a dark blue Bentley screeched to a halt in front of us, startling both me and Teri, The door swung open, and Elijah stormed out, his expression furious. In a long stride, he quickly. approached me. Before I could react, he grabbed my arm tightly, his face dark with anger. ¡°Ariana, who gave you permission to sell the jewelry I bought for you?¡± His grip was strong, causing sharp pain in my wrist. I remembered how he had dislocated my armst time, and fear crept in.. I cried out, ¡°Don¡¯t break my arm! Please!¡± Elijah hesitated for a moment before loosening his grip. Terl snapped to attention, grabbing her bag, ready to strike him. He shoved Teri aside and coldly said to me, ¡°Get in the car. We need to talk.¡± Chapter 81 Elijah swiftly dragged me away, leaving Teri behind and furiously shouting in ce. He drove fast, I was thrown around in the backseat without a seatbelt, forced to grip the seat to steady myself. Furious, my eyes burned with tears. ¡°Elijah, are you crazy? I¡¯m calling the police!¡± Elijah¡¯s gaze was fixed on the road ahead, his expression dark and cold. ¡°Go ahead! Tell the police your legal husband took you away. Let¡¯s see who cares!¡± I wanted to reach for my purse, but Elijah mmed on the brakes. My head smashed hard against the seat in front of me. A wave of dizziness hit me, and everything went ck. I struggled to keep my eyes open to grab my phone, but my body wouldn¡¯t cooperate, and I passed bu When I woke up, I was in an unfamiliar room. It was even more basic than the vi before, and there was a lingering smell of fresh paint. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Elijah¡¯s deep voice echoed from somewhere in the room. I shot up but was forced to lie back down by the dizziness. Footsteps approached, and Elijah¡¯s face appeared above me. In just a few days, he looked worn out, his beard unshaven and his hair unkempt I clutched my head, weakly asking, ¡°Where have you taken me?¡± Elijah drew the curtains, letting in the sunlight. ¡°We¡¯re on the outskirts. It¡¯s a vacation home I bought as an investment. It¡¯s still under renovation.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I struggled to sit up, leaning weakly against the headboard. Elijah stood by the window, staring at the view outside. I nced around the room. Sure enough, it wasn¡¯t fully furnished yet. The furniture looked half¨Cnew, half¨Cold, likely left by the previous owner. After taking in the view for a moment, Elijah turned to look at me, his gaze steady butplicated. There was anger in his eyes, but there was also something like helplessness. I licked my dry lips. ¡°I want some water.¡± Elijah silently handed me a bottle of mineral water. My hands were still weak from just waking up, and after struggling to twist it open, I had to give up. He took the bottle back and unscrewed it with ease. ¡°Here.¡± He handed the bottle back to me. I froze for a moment, hesitating before taking it. Seeing how cautious I was, Elijah let out a bitterugh.¡± I¡¯m not going to hurt you. You don¡¯t have to be this careful around me.¡± I stayed silent for a while before asking. ¡°How did you know where I was?¡± Elijah didn¡¯t answer, his gaze darkening. Suddenly, it clicked¨CEvelyn! She must have been so angry that she told Jocelyn. And Jocelyn, wanting to provoke Elijah, told him my whereabouts. I slumped back against the headboard, feeling defeated. ¡°Elijah, what exactly do you want from me?¡± Elijah shot back, ¡°That¡¯s my question to you. What do you want, Ariana?¡± Without hesitation, I answered, ¡°I want a divorce.¡± Elijah replied just as quickly, ¡°Not happening.¡± We were in a deadlock Iughed bitterly. ¡°I never thought you¡¯d put up with a woman like me for seven years, all for money.¡± His tone was icy as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to provoke me. Whether or not I¡¯m in it for the money has nothing to do with our marriage.¡± I sighed inwardly. ¡°Why lie to yourself? If it weren¡¯t for the Linden Group¡¯s financial troubles, you never would¡¯ve agreed to marry me in the first ce.¡± I shed him a forced smile. ¡°Elijah, I was wrong before. But it¡¯s over now. Can¡¯t we just go our separate ways?¡± Elijah¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°No.¡± I slumped back against the bed, drained. ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t force my hand. I¡¯ll hire awyer, and I will get a divorce.¡± He let out a mockingugh. ¡°Fine! We can go to court. Let¡¯s see who breaks first after a few year battles.¡± I fell silent. A deep sense of despair settled over me. Elijah wasn¡¯t nning on letting me go, nor was he willing to give up that money. What I once thought was the key to winning this love game had turned into the shackles binding me. Chapter 82 Tears slowly filled my eyes, one after another rolling down my cheeks. Elijah took my cold hand in his, and I heard his voice echoing in my ears. ¡°Ari, stop being so stubborn. In these past five years, how many times have you threatened divorce? And yet, we¡¯re still here, aren¡¯t we? I¡¯m never going to divorce you. Ever.¡± I yanked my hand out of his grasp, my voice Icy as I said, ¡°Fine. Then leave Jocelyn. Never see her again for the rest of your life.¡± Elijah¡¯s face froze instantly. I sneered, mocking him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t do it? If you can¡¯t, then don¡¯t talk to me about love! Elijah, you disgust me!¡± Instead of getting angry at my insult, Elijah¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Ari, Jocelyn and I grew up together She¡¯s my childhood friend. You can¡¯t expect us to cut ties. ¡°Even if we¡¯re just friends, it¡¯s impossible for me not to see her.¡± I let out a coldugh. ¡°Right, so you¡¯re out here publicly flirting with her. You gave her that pink diamond she wanted so badly, let her spread rumors about me, and you even threw her a wee¨Chome party. Not to mention, you sponsored her solo concert, didn¡¯t you?¡± Elijah¡¯s face turned awkward as I threw usation after usation at him. He tried to exin himself. Ari, it¡¯s not what you think.¡± However, I harshly shoved his hand away and demanded coldly. ¡°Then swear to me. Swear on everything that you¡¯ve never slept with her.¡± Elijah¡¯s face turned dark. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then fell silent, lips mped shut.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. My heart clenched painfully, waves of nausea rolling through me. He wasn¡¯t denying it! Something must¡¯ve happened between him and Jocelyn, and that was why he couldn¡¯t let her go. His guilt was why he gave in to her every whim. He didn¡¯t want to lose me, but he kept favoring her. Had I known all of this before I lost my memory? Or had I known, but couldn¡¯t bear to admit it? Was t why I keptshing out, making scene after scene to vent my frustration and fear? that I had been too in love with him, too afraid to face the fact that Elijah had betrayed me. Too in love, hoping desperately that he¡¯d choose me in the end. The Ariana before I lost my memory had lost. Lost everything, even nearly her life. I startedughing. though the tears wouldn¡¯t stop falling. Elijah stared at me, guilt and regret written all over his face, but I didn¡¯t care to guess what he was feeling anymore. He looked pained and reached for a tissue to wipe my tears ¡°Get out!¡± I shoved his hand away and pointed at the door. ¡°Get out! I don¡¯t want to see you! Elijah, you are the most disgusting person I have ever met!¡± I pped the tissue out of his hand. He looked like he was about to explode, but seeing me in such a state, he said nothing. He turned and left the room, mming the door behind him. Iy on the bed, letting the tears flow freely. Each tear was a farewell to the past. This body needed to sever its connection to this man, never again shedding another worthless tear for him. Chap 02 When I groggily woke again, it was already night. My eyes were swollen from crying. I wiped my face, noticing how puffy and sore my eyes were. The house was quiet, but the faint glow of light leaked in from outside. I dragged myself out of bed, sshed some cold water on my face, and turned on the lights to look for my purse. It wasn¡¯t in the room, and neither was my phone. I had no choice but to leave the room to search for it. As soon as I opened the door, I saw Elijah sitting in the living room chain¨Csmoking. The thick smoke made me cough. Elijah heard the noise and looked back at me. ¡°Are you feeling better?¡± he asked. However, I ignored him and continued searching around the living room until I found my purse. But when I opened it, there was no phone inside. Elijah, sensing my thoughts, spoke coldly, ¡°Your phone¡¯s with me,¡± Upon hearing that, I got up, ready to leave. ¡°You can¡¯t leave,¡± he said, stepping toward me. ¡°There¡¯s no ride¨Cshare service out here, and no taxis wille this far. Ariana, let¡¯s talk.¡± I turned and red at him. Then, without warning, I pped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the room as a red handprint blossomed on Elijah¡¯s handsome face. Chapter 83 Elijah didn¡¯t expect me to p him. He clutched his face, staring at me in disbelief. I sneered, ¡°What is there to talk about? Whether you¡¯ll spend Monday, Wednesday, and Friday with me, and Tuesday. Thursday, and Saturday with Jocelyn? Or should we talk about how much of the 500 million I gave you five years ago you¡¯ll toss back at me? A few million, or maybe 100 million? ¡°Elijah, there¡¯s nothing left for us to talk about. I don¡¯t want to talk to you at all.¡± I shoved him aside and tried to run, but his arms wrapped tightly around my waist. Before I knew it, I was lifted off the ground. Panic set in as I screamed, ¡°Let me go!¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Without saying a word, Elijah dragged me back to the bedroom and locked the door behind us. I barely had time to react before he threw me onto the bed. The Simmons mattress bounced me slightly, almost knocking me back on my feet. Dazed and disoriented, I tried to scramble off the bed, but Elijah¡¯s weight came crashing down on me, pinni ce. My cry for help was muffled, and my breath was caught under his suffocating presence. His lips sealed themselves over mine, silencing any protest. His voice was low and husky as he whispered, ¡°We¡¯re not getting divorced, Ari. We¡¯ll have a baby. A child will fix everything¡­ I was trembling in fear, my whole body shaking as his hands tugged at my clothes. Terror gripped me, my mind swirling in chaos as a buried fear wed its way to the surface. ¡°Let me go¡­ please¡­¡± My voice was barely a whisper, drowning in the waves of panic. Elijah ignored my pleas, his lips feverishly trailing across my skin. ¡°Stop pretending, Ariana. You¡¯re always trying to seduce me, so why act like some innocent saint now?¡± His words sent me over the edge, and Ished out, kicking him with all my might. ¡°Then get lost! You¡¯re a monster, Elijah!¡± My angry shouts fell on deaf ears as he kept tugging at my flimsy clothes. Despair washed over me, tears spilling uncontrobly. In a moment of sheer desperation, as Elijah started unbuttoning his own shirt, I mustered all my strength and kicked him away. Then, with reckless determination, I threw myself toward the door. The impact of my forehead against the wooden door frame echoed loudly. A warm, sticky sensation trickled down from my forehead, and through the dizziness, I felt blood dripping down my face. Elijah shouted my name in panic, but I was too weak to respond. My body crumbled to the ground, and through blurred vision, I saw Elijah rushing toward me. Just as he reached for me, the door burst open with a crash. ¡°Ari!¡± a voice called out urgently. 1 tried to respond, but the blood soaked my vision. Through the fog, I saw someone stride past Elijah and punch him squarely in the face, knocking him down. I weakly reached out, but the figure turned and scooped me up into the arms. *Don¡¯t be scared, Ari. You¡¯re safe now.¡± The familiar voice tried tofort me, but as I fought to stay conscious, everything went ck. ¡°Jonathan! Jonathan!¡± I jolted awake, shouting ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± A calm, gentle voice spoke beside me. I blinked in confusion, looking around. ¡°Where¡¯s my brother?¡± Logan¡¯s sses gleamed as he sat by my bedside, his expression unreadable. His voice was quiet but firm. ¡°Your brother¡¯s still abroad.¡± I shook my head, my heart racing. ¡°No, that¡¯s impossible! I saw him. He came to save me!¡± I tried to get out of bed, but Logan held me down. ¡°Stay in bed and rest,¡± he ordered, his tone serious. I pushed against him. ¡°You¡¯re lying! I saw him. My brother was there, he saved me!¡± Logan¡¯s eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. ¡°Ari, it was me who saved you. You¡¯re mistaken.¡± ¡°No!¡± I yelled, struggling harder. ¡°I saw him! It was my brother. It was him! It was him!¡± I was frantic, beating my fists against Logan, desperate to cling to the one thing I was sure of. Chapter 84 ¡°I just want to find Jonathan!¡± ¡°I really saw him, I did! It was Jonathan, it was him¡­¡± I broke down in tears. ¡°Please, let me go find. Jonathan. I need to see my brother¡­¡± A broad, warm chest enveloped me as though cradling something precious, something irreceable. I caught the familiar scent of pine, mingled with a faint, intoxicating fragrance, the kind only a clean, crisp man carried. I had only ever smelled it on Jonathan. ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t cry, Ari. It¡¯s okay. You saw him. It was your brother, you didn¡¯t imagine it,¡± he coaxed gently, his voice soothing. But my sobs only grew louder. Despite my struggles, he held me firmly, refusing to let me get out of bed. He wrapped his arms tightly around me, pinning me down with a calm, steady grip. ¡°Don¡¯t get too worked up. The doctor said you hit your head again, and you can¡¯t handle any more sudden triggers.¡± Logan¡¯s tone shifted, bing moremanding. Slowly, I began to calm down. He stayed there, holding me close, his body pressing mine gently against the bed. After a while, I whispered, ¡°I¡¯m okay now. You can let me go.¡± Logan hesitated but finally released me, Still cautious, he sat by the bed, watching me with a serious expression to make sure I wouldn¡¯t lose control again. I wiped my tears away, my voice hoarse. ¡°Where¡¯s Jonathan?¡± Logan sighed deeply. ¡°He said¡­ he doesn¡¯t want to see you right now.¡± Fresh tears welled up in my eyes. ¡°Why? Please, tell me why! Did I do something unforgivable in the past? Is that why he won¡¯te?¡± Logan¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. His silence was all the confirmation I needed. I started crying again. A tissue appeared in front of me. Through my tear¨Cblurred eyes, I looked up. Logan handed it to me. ¡°Wipe your tears. Enough crying.¡± ¡°But¡­ Jonathan¡­¡± I choked out. As my emotions surged once more, Logan suddenly ced a hand over my mouth. ¡°I said, no more crying.¡± His long fingers covered my lips. His hand was sorge that it nearly cupped the entire lower half of my face. Seeing that I had finally quieted down, Logan slowly spoke again. ¡°Your brother¡¯s still in the country. He just has a few things he needs to figure out, but I believe you two will reconcile.¡± I looked up at him, teary¨Ceyed, and instinctively clutched his sleeve. ¡°Really?¡± Logan nodded, his tone firm. ¡°Yes. But first, you need to rest and heal. Then, you¡¯ll fight. ¡°Fight?¡± I blinked in confusion. ¡°Fight for what?¡± Logan¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take back everything that belongs to you? Don¡¯t you want justice?¡± Chande I was stunned at first, but after a long pause, I nodded firmly. Logan smiled. He patted my head, just as he always did. ¡°Good girl.¡± I suddenly pressed his hand to my cheek, looking into his eyes with determination. ¡°Logan, you have to help me¡± Logan was momentarily taken aback. Slowly, his long fingers brushed away the lingering tears on my face. ¡°Alright,¡± he whispered. The next day, I learned that after Elijah had dragged me away, Teri had immediately contacted Logan Logan reported me missing right away, but since it hadn¡¯t been long enough to officially file a case, the police weren¡¯t too eager to help. After hiring awyer, the authorities finally agreed to check traffic cameras, and they utilized the city¡¯s surveincework to track down Elijah¡¯s car. Halton City was massive. Finding a single vehicle was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Luckily. Elijah hadn¡¯t bothered hiding his tracks, and they quickly pinpointed a vi on the outskirts of town. That was where they found me. Upon hearing this, I nervously asked Teri, ¡°Was it really Jonathan?¡± Teri nodded. ¡°Yes. Your brother rushed here the moment he heard. He was the one who kicked down the door.¡± ¡°Mr. Wood tried to stop him, but there was no holding him back. After you passed out, your brother went mad and punched Elijah several times. ¡°If the police hadn¡¯t arrived, that scumbag might not have seen the next sunrise.¡± Upon hearing that, a mixture of joy and unease filled my heart. I was happy that Jonathan still cared about me, that he still saw me as his precious little sister. But at the same time, I was terrified¨Cwould Jonathan ever forgive me? As if sensing my thoughts, Teri smiled reassuringly. ¡°Ari, just focus on getting better. Everything will fall into ce afterward.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 85 I lowered my head, nervously picking at my nails. Upon seeing my defeated expression, Teri panicked. ¡°Don¡¯t be like this! You didn¡¯t see how your brother went crazy when he found out Elijah had taken you. ¡°If someone had handed him a knife, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to turn that scumbag into minced meat.¡± Her words gave me a bit of strength. Teri asked, ¡°So, what are you nning to do next?¡± I lifted my head and, with determination, said, ¡°Recover, hire awyer, and file for divorce!¡± Healing wasn¡¯t hard since I only had surface wounds. But because I had hit the back of my head when I fell from the second floor, Frank wasn¡¯t willing to discharge me so easily. I had to undergo monitoring and a full¨Cbody checkup, along with observation. When Frank saw me with my head wrapped in bandages like a mummy, he let out a deep sigh I forced a smile. ¡°Dr. Drake, sorry to trouble you again. Frank adjusted his medical gloves, his expression calm. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble.¡± Seeing his indifferent demeanor made me feel uneasy. I had caused Frank a lot of trouble recently, with him tending to my endless injuries every time. I cautiously exined, ¡°Dr. Drake, I didn¡¯t do this on purpose. Frank nodded. ¡°I know. You were just unlucky to run into a scumbag. If you end up hurt because of him again, I won¡¯t mind giving him a ¡®humanitarian surgery I blinked, surprised. Frank usually stayed out of people¡¯s personal matters. He was the type to finish his work without asking questions or offering opinions. But this time¡­. I asked, ¡°What did you mean by ¡°humanitarian surgery? While organizing medication and needles, Frank responded in a t tone, ¡°In my understanding, a humanitarian surgery is for those whose bodies are overloaded with scumbag genes, causing their behavior to go beyond that of normal humans. ¡°For people like that, the only cure is surgery¨Ctopletely sever any organs or functions that could lead to criminal behavior.¡± I was speechless. Wow. That was harsh! After preparing the medication, Frank gave me a faint smile. ¡°So, next time that scumbag tries to hurt you, make sure you tell me first.¡± Warmth bloomed in my chest. Frank, who was usually so distant, ruffled my hair like I was his little sister. ¡°I know everything you¡¯ve been through. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll protect you, just like Mr. Wood does. Of course, only because we¡¯re friends.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but give him a light hug. ¡°Thank you.¡± Frank pushed me away, looking disgusted. ¡°I¡¯m wearing sterile clothing, and now you¡¯ve gotten it dirty.¡± After that, he inserted the IV needle and, unable to resist, added, ¡°Stay strong. Everything will get better¡± Tears welled up in my eyes. Frank was the first true friend I¡¯d made outside of Teri. This feeling was wonderful. While recovering at the hospital, I contacted the Wood Group¡¯s legal team through Logan. ording to Teri, Elijah had been released after five days in custody. Outraged, Teri fumed, ¡°He¡¯s guilty of kidnapping and attempted assault! How could they let him go?¡± One of thewyers, a refined middle¨Caged man, adjusted his sses and exined gently, ¡°It¡¯s because they¡¯re married. ¡°Mr. Linden¡¯s legal team argued that it was merely a marital dispute. He only admitted to acting impulsively and denies the charges of kidnapping and attempted assault.¡± Teri mmed her fist on the table, furious. ¡°He denies it, so it didn¡¯t happen? He literally dragged Ari away! And he¡­ he¡­¡± Thewyer shook his head. ¡°Unfortunately, given that they¡¯re married and Mr. Linden took Ms. Yo property they both own, the police have ssified it as a domestic dispute.¡± Teri pounded the table again, seething with anger. Suddenly, a sharp¨Cdressed femalewyer, who had been silent, Poke up. ¡°Ms. Stuart, marriage certificates often shield men whomit violence or crimes within the marriage. *They receive reduced punishment¨Cor sometimes, no punishment at all. It¡¯s amon issue.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org. Teri stared at her, realizing the woman was struggling to keep her emotions in check. I quietly asked the middle¨Cagedwyer, ¡°Mr. Webb, are you suggesting that I shouldn¡¯t pursue charges against Elijah for kidnapping me and¡­ and for attempting to assault me?¡± Mr. Webb nodded. ¡°I would advise Ms. York to focus all her energy on filing for divorce. Concentrate on determining what you can recover from Mr. Linden in the settlement.¡± Chapter 86 He looked at me sincerely. ¡°In my opinion, this is the best punishment for the abuser.¡± The femalewyer immediately chimed in, ¡°Exactly! Ms. York, we will do everything we can to help you.¡± I slowly nodded, feeling a spark of hope return to my eyes. ¡°Alright!¡± Elijah walked out of the police station, still bearing visible injuries. As soon as Jocelyn saw him, she rushed over. Tears filled her eyes as she hugged him tightly. ¡°Elijah, you must¡¯ve suffered so much in there!¡± She immediately began ranting, ming the police for being heartless and detaining him for five days despite all her efforts to pull strings. ¡°I tried everything, Elijah. They said¡­ they said you were under investigation for illegal detainm and attempted assault, so they had no choice but to keep you-¡± Before she could finish, Elijah silently got into the car, not saying a word. He sat in the back seat, his wounded face expressionless, but his eyes were filled with an icy coldness.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. Jocelyn hurried to climb in beside him, urging the driver, ¡°Drive, drive!¡± d¡­¡­ The car pulled away, leaving the station behind. Elijah remained silent, staring out of the window, his face dark and unreadable. Jocelyn tried to snuggle up to him, her voice soft and sweet. ¡°Elijah, what¡¯s wrong? Why won¡¯t you talk to me?¡± Elijah nced at her briefly, shifting away without a word. Her expression fell, hurt shing across her face. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke in a trembling voice. ¡°Elijah, I know you¡¯re upset, but I haven¡¯t been able to eat or sleep properly these past few days. I¡¯ve been so worried about you¡­¡± She continued, ¡°I know it wasn¡¯t your fault¡­ It¡¯s all Ariana¡¯s doing- Elijah, who had been silent until now, shot her a cold look, instantly silencing her. That look sent a shiver down Jocelyn¡¯s spine. It was unfamiliar, terrifying She shrank back. ¡°Elijah, I¡­ I wasn¡¯t trying to speak ill of Ms. York. She¡¯s the one who made all this happen to you¡­ Elijah¡¯s voice was emotionless as he said, ¡°She knows. Jocelyn blinked in confusion. ¡°Knows what?¡± ¡°She knows we slept together,¡± Elijah said, his tone t. Jocelyn gasped. ¡°How is that possible? I didn¡¯t say anything!¡± Elijah turned his gaze back to the window. ¡°She figured it out on her own.¡± A flicker of disdain crossed Jocelyn¡¯s face, and her voice became soft and fragile. ¡°What do we do now. Elijah? What if Ms. York tries to get back at me? I¡¯m so scared She leaned into his chest, but in the next moment, Elijah¡¯s hand coldly pushed her away. Stunned, Jocelyn called out his name in a wounded tone. ¡°Elijah¡­¡± Elijah¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to rest.¡± Jocelyn hesitated and timidly asked, ¡°What about the wee home party?¡± Elijah¡¯s lips curved into a strange smile. ¡°It¡¯ll go on as nned.¡± Her eyes lit up with joy. ¡°Really?¡± Realizing she might¡¯ve gotten too excited, she quickly lowered her head and meekly added, ¡°Elijah, I know you¡¯re not in a good mood after everything. Maybe we should postpone the wee¨Chome party for a few days? ¡°At least, perhaps until you¡¯ve had time to rest, and we¡¯ve cleared things up with Ms. York¡­ then we can. invite everyone over again.¡± Elijah remained silent, his expression distant. Jocelyn grew more anxious. ¡°Elijah, say something.¡± Elijah said coldly, ¡°Postpone it for three days. Then, invite everyone as nned.¡± Jocelyn frowned, confused. ¡°Do you mean¡­ still invite Ms. York?¡± Elijah¡¯s lips twisted into a faint, sarcastic smile. ¡°Yes.¡± Chapter 87 After the check¨Cup, the wound on my forehead had healed, leaving only a faint scar. I stared at the reflection of a haggard woman in the mirror. The vibrant, youthful version of myself at 18 had be a distant memory, and I¡¯de to ept who I was now. But there was still a deep ache in my chest. Seven years of my youth, and all the love I gave, led me to this miserable end. I wiped the fog from the mirror with a harsh stroke and began applying makeup meticulously. No one wouldugh at me. I won¡¯t allow it. No one! So, when I appeared in front of Mr. Webb, I was apletely new person¨Cfresh and radiant. I used my bangs to cover the scar on my forehead, and for the first time in a long while, I felt alive again. When Teri saw me, her eyes lit up. ¡°Ari!¡± I gave a bitter smile. ¡°Do I look okay?¡± Her eyes sparkled with amazement. ¡°More than okay! Ari, you¡¯re stunning! ¡°I¡¯ve always said that when you dress up, you can wipe the floor with all those fake girls a million times over Jocelyn? Please. She¡¯s not even in the same league as you, in looks or style.¡± I squeezed her hand. ¡°I¡¯m fine now, but Elijah isn¡¯t. He doesn¡¯t deserve me¨Che only deserves someone like Jocelyn.¡± Teri¡¯s eyes welled up with tears, and she suddenly threw her arms around me, sobbing. ¡°It¡¯s about time! You horrible person! You¡¯ve worried me for seven whole years! You finally realize how amazing you are. Ari, you deserve so much better!¡± Her sobbing pulled at my heartstrings. It was only now that I realized how much pain and helplessness my best friend had carried, watching me chase after Elijah all these years My eyes reddened, and I patted her gently. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Mr. Webb is watching us. Let¡¯s get to work.¡± Teri hastily wiped her tears and nodded. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s get down to business.¡± She added onest thing. ¡°Ari, you¡¯ve got this.¡± I smiled at her before turning to sit across from Mr. Webb and his team.. Mr. Webb adjusted his sses and smiled faintly. ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s begin.¡± He leaned forward slightly. ¡°But first, onest question for Ms. Ariana¡± ¡°Go ahead,¡± I said. Mr. Webb¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°Ms. Ariana, are you truly determined to go through with this divorce?¡± I nodded. ¡°Yes.¡± After my response, I couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Mr. Webb, why do you keep asking me this?¡± Mr. Webb¡¯s face became even more solemn. ¡°Because as we¡¯ve reviewed your case, we¡¯ve found that this divorce will be extremely challenging. And there¡¯s substantial evidence that might hinder your ability to recover marital assets.¡± His tone was grave. ¡°Ms. Ariana, you need to be prepared for a long and difficult legal battle.¡± I nodded again. ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Mr. Webb shook his head. ¡°No. I don¡¯t think you understand. This case will be harder than you can imagine. Your reputation will take a hit¨Cyou¡¯ll face nder, insults, and challenges you can¡¯t yet foresee.¡± I I fell silent. Mr. Webb waited patiently for my answer. After a full minute, I looked up, my gaze steady. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m ready. I¡¯ll face it all.¡± The conversation and evidence gathering with Mr. Webb¡¯s team was a hundred times harder than ! expected. Because of my memory loss, I couldn¡¯t recall any of the agreements Elijah and I had made, either before or after the marriage. I didn¡¯t even understand how I¡¯d been persuaded to transfer 50 million dors to his §á§Ñ§ä§Ö. The evidence collection was proving to be a nightmare, but luckily, Mr. Webb¡¯s team was incredibly experienced. They traced every possible lead, piecing together clues about the situation back then. They even obtained financial records from Elijah¡¯spany during that period. After several rounds of questioning that afternoon, my head felt like it was spinning out of control. The constant effort to recall left me dizzy and disoriented. Teri noticed how pale I looked and pulled me aside to rest multiple times. However, I shook my head but pushed through four straight hours of interrogation from thewyers By the time Mr. Webb and his team left, I was utterly drained, slumping back into my chair. My mind was. in a haze like it had been scrambled beyond recognition The vertigo from my concussion red up again, and I dry¨Cheaved a few times but couldn¡¯t bring anything up. Teri¡¯s voice was full of concern. ¡°Ari, take a break. I¡¯ll get you some water.¡± She left the room to fetch it, and I leaned back in the chair, angrily knocking my head with my fist. Exhausted, I buried my face in my hands Chapter 88 Suddenly, a carton of milk was handed to me from behind. However, I shook my head. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like drinking it. I¡¯m ufortable.¡± A momentter, a warm towel was passed to me. With a sigh, I reluctantly took it and ced it haphazardly on my forehead. The warm steam helped to rx my tense nerves, and I finally let out a long breath. ¡°Teri, thank you,¡± I said gratefully. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for you being here with me, I would¡¯ve lost it a long time ago. I swear, from now on, you¡¯re my family. Seriously, what was I thinking when I fell for him?¡± I sighed again, voice sinking lower. ¡°Do you think the amnesia was the universe¡¯s way of saying even it couldn¡¯t bear to watch?¡± ¡°Maybe it¡¯s the universe¡¯s way of giving you a fresh start a calm voice answered from behind me.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Startled, I jumped, and with a loud crack, my neck twisted painfully. I gingerly took the towel off my face and turned to see Logan, wincing from the difort. ¡°H¨Chow long have you been here?¡± I asked, trying to hide my surprise. Logan chuckled softly. ¡°Long enough to hear your sighing.¡± My face, already warm from the steam, flushed even redder. He noticed something was off and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your neck?¡± Embarrassed, I mumbled, ¡°I¨C1 strained it just now.¡± Logan blinked in surprise before a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips. He reached out, cing his hand gently on the back of my neck. A sharp pain shot through me, and I let out a small yelp. ¡°Is it here?¡± he asked. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I nodded. ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll massage it. It¡¯ll hurt at first, but just bear with me,¡± he said as his hand began to press more firmly. The pain surged, and I couldn¡¯t help but cry out, ¡°Ouch! That hurts.¡± *Just hold on. It¡¯s going to hurt a bit, but it¡¯ll get better,¡± he reassured me. I couldn¡¯t even nod. Moving made it worse. As he applied more pressure, the soreness spread through my body. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from making embarrassing sounds. Tears streamed down my face uncontrobly. A crick in the neck¨Cthis was pure agony. After a few moments, I realized just how mortifying my noises were Desperately, I bit my lip to stop myself from making any more sounds, and Logan¡¯s voice came from above me. ¡°Rx. Don¡¯t tense up against my hand.¡± I gave a small nod in response, murmuring in agreement. Then, with a sharp crack, my neck suddenly loosened up. 1 let out a loud ¡°Ah!¡± and instinctively grabbed onto the front of his shirt. At that exact moment, a gasp came from the doorway. Logan and I both looked up, only to see Teri standing there, one hand covering her eyes while holding a cup of water with the other. ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything! I swear I didn¡¯t see anything!¡± she eximed. ¡°Teri, no, it¡¯s not what it looks like.¡± I tried to exin quickly. However, Teri waved me off. ¡°Oh, I get it. I just remembered something I need to take care of. You two. carry on, carry on.¡± With that, she quickly slipped out of the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind her. Awkwardly, I nced at Logan. ¡°Um¡­ Teri definitely misunderstood. I mean, we weren¡¯t. I mean, nothing happened.¡± Logan¡¯s hand returned to my neck. ¡°Does it feel better now?¡± It was only then that I realized the pain had actually disappeared. I tilted my head from side to side experimentally, smiling in surprise. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt anymore! Wow, Logan, you¡¯re a miracle worker!¡± Logan smiled slightly. ¡°I¡¯ll give it another massage. If I don¡¯t, you might end up with another crick.¡± As he spoke, his hands resumed their gentle, rhythmic motions. The room fell into afortable silence, and I couldn¡¯t help but stare at the shadows of the two of us on the wall. It looked like he was holding me close, his head resting gently against mine, his hand protectively cradling my neck My face grew hot again, the blush spreading from my cheeks down to my neck. Suddenly, Logan let out a softugh Flustered, I stammered, ¡°W¨Cwhy are youughing?¡± Chapter 89 Logan didn¡¯t say anything. He just kept pressing on my neck with those skilled hands. I had to admit that his massage was working. The tension in my neck began to ease with every careful press. ¡°Um¡­ you don¡¯t need to keep going. It¡¯s fine now,¡± I whispered, barely audible. However, he didn¡¯t hear me. Focused and determined, Logan continued his slow, deliberate motions. I found myself ncing at the shadows cast on the wall. His profile was strikingly handsome. The sunlight fell on his face, casting a soft silhouette on the wall, sharp and clean, like a work of art. Even the stray strands of his hair fell in perfect arcs. I lifted my head slightly, watching as the shadow of my own face nestled under his chin. The image before me felt peaceful, almost too perfect. My heart warmed, a sweetness spreading inside me, as if I had gone back to being 18 again, carefree full of hope. For a brief moment, I let myself imagine. What if the first man I¡¯d been drawn to was Logan? A soft, kind man like him could never hurt me. I could love him without regret, without fear. If he had been the one¡­ maybe I wouldn¡¯t have suffered so much in love. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t have lost so many battles. I was so lost in thought, watching our shadows, that I didn¡¯t realize his hand had stilled on my neck. Then, suddenly, his face was right in front of mine. ¡°Uh¡­¡± I stammered. Logan¡¯s hand steadied me, his sses reflecting the soft light as he gazed at me in silence. He held my breath, unable to tear my eyes away from his. Dust motes swirled in the beams of light filtering through the window, driftingzily around him. The sunlight illuminated his well¨Cdefined features, lingering on his lips that always seemed to carry a gentle smile, unlike Elijah¡¯s cold, tight¨Clipped expression. Logan¡¯s lips looked warm, like they heldughter just waiting to be shared. He stared at me for what felt like forever, then a slow smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Wh- why are you smiling?¡± I asked, my eyes darting away nervously. Logan brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his voice soft as he said, ¡°I¡¯m notughing at you. I just think you¡¯re adorable, Ari.¡± I blinked in disbelief. ¡°Adorable? Me?¡± He nodded. ¡°Yes. You¡¯re very adorable.¡± always get into trou 1 ducked my head, embarrassed. ¡°I¡¯m not adorable. I¡¯m stubborn. I always get into trouble.¡± ¡°And you blush very easily,¡± Logan teased, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze, his eyes glinting with amusement ¡°I¨CI do not¡­¡± I mumbled, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. But before I could say more, his lips were on mine. My mind went nk, a soft buzzing in my ears as my heart raced in my chest. Time seemed to stretch, and I was only aware of his warmth and presence. It wasn¡¯t until he slowly pulled away that I realized I¡¯d been holding my breath. ¡°Wait, no, th¨Cthat wasn¡¯t supposed to happen¡­¡± I stuttered, tripping over my words, Logan¡¯s eyes danced with silentughter, watching me flustered and confused. I shot to my feet, nearly knocking over my chair in my rush to leave. ¡°Lum, I need to go back to my room,¡± I blurted out, backing away. But before I could make it very far, Logan grabbed my wrist and gently pulled me back into his arms. I froze, my mind going nk again as I found myself pressed against his chest, his strong arms wrapped around me. He leaned down, his breath warm against my skin. His eyes locked onto mine, the closeness making my pulse race. ¡°Why are you running away?¡± he whispered. I didn¡¯t have an answer. All I could focus on was how close we were, how overwhelming it all felt. My heart pounded in my chest, and a strange, unfamiliar feeling flooded through me¨Csomething like the flutter of a first love, something I hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Without thinking, I buried my face in his chest, hiding from the intensity of his gaze. I heard him chuckle softly, the sound vibrating through his chest. We stood there in silence for a while, holding each other, until I finally stepped back, breaking the embrace.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Logan studied my face, flushed and red from the overwhelming emotions of the moment. His voice was gentle when he spoke. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t touch you until you¡¯ve figured things out for yourself.¡± I mumbled something under my breath, but the words were so quiet that Logan couldn¡¯t hear them. Chapter 90 He asked, ¡°What did you say?¡± I cleared my throat, my face flushing red as I stammered, ¡°I mean¡­ it¡¯s not like¡­ we can¡¯t. Can we hold hands?¡± Logan was visibly taken aback for a moment, but then he chuckled again. I nced at him, muttering under my breath, ¡°We¡­ we already kissed¡­¡± This time, he definitely heard me. Slowly, he nodded, his tone yful. ¡°You¡¯re right. We already kissed. Pretending to y it cool now would just be silly.¡± My face burned with embarrassment. ¡°That¡¯s not what meant¡­¡± I didn¡¯t even get to finish my sentence when Logan suddenly pulled me in again, capturing my lips for another kiss. This time, I was more aware, more present, and I found myself awkwardly trying to respond. I had no idea what had gotten into him, but his body was growing hotter, pressing closer. Realizing where things were headed, I quickly pushed him away while I still had some semnce of self- control left.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. We stood there for a moment, a small distance between us, both struggling to catch our breath and calm down. ¡°Uh today doesn¡¯t count,¡± I blurted out. Logan¡¯s eyes darkened, his curiosity piqued. ¡°What doesn¡¯t count?¡± I avoided his gaze, nervously ncing around the room. ¡°I mean today¡­ it doesn¡¯t count as¡­ you know, touching me.¡± Logan finally understood, and the realization hit him. He couldn¡¯t hold back hisughter. At first, he tried to suppress it, but soon enough, he wasughing loudly I panicked and hurriedly covered his mouth with my hand. ¡°Don¡¯tugh! Teri¡¯s still around!¡± His dark eyes sparkled, brighter than I had ever seen them. I was momentarily stunned, caught off guard by how breathtaking he looked when he smiled like that. Logan hugged me gently, his voice soft as he whispered, ¡°Alright. It doesn¡¯t count. It does starting from next time though, you silly girl,¡± I stammered awkwardly, ¡°Wh¨Cwho says there¡¯ll be a next time?¡± His smirk deepened. ¡°You don¡¯t want there to be a next time?¡± Without thinking, I blurted, ¡°Of course I do, I- The words slipped out before I could stop them. Realizing what I had just said, I wanted to disappear on the spot. What was wrong with me? ¡°Well, it¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll take you to dinner,¡± he said casually, heading for the door. I followed behind, feeling awkward and flustered The room we were in was a small, private meeting room, so when we stepped out, we entered therge, open living room. Logan nced back at me and said, ¡°Go change into something nicer. I¡¯m taking you to a dinner event.¡± Chap 90 ¡°A dinner event? 1 repeated in surprise. He nodded. ¡°Yes,¡± 1 hesitated. ¡°Do I have to o Since everything had happened, I¡¯d developed an aversion to leaving the house. I didn¡¯t even want to go downstairs most days. Logan shook his head. ¡°Yes, you have to. Besides, it¡¯s been three or four days since you¡¯ve gone out.¡± I weakly protested, ¡°But I went to the hospital.¡± Logan gave me a patient look. I sighed, realizing he wasn¡¯t going to let me off the hook. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll change. Give me half an hour.¡± I headed to my room to get ready. The moment I opened the door, Teri practically jumped out at me from inside. ¡°Why are you here?¡± I asked, startled. Teri hopped off the bed, her face full of mischief. She circled me, inspecting me from head to toe, even going so far as to sniff the air around me. ¡°What are you doing?¡± I asked, baffled. With a sly grin, Teri said, ¡°You kissed him, didn¡¯t you?¡± I nearly jumped out of my skin. ¡°No! I didn¡¯t! Don¡¯t say stuff like that!¡± Her grin only widened. ¡°Oh,e on! I can smell it on you. There¡¯s men¡¯s cologne mixed with your scent. Don¡¯t lie to me, girl.¡± Mortified, I rushed into my walk¨Cin closet, desperately looking for something to wear. A whole row of dresses hung in front of me, but I was too flustered to pick one properly. Teri, seeing my state, casually grabbed a bright pink dress and tossed it at me. ¡°Here, little girl. This one.¡± I nced at the dress, wrinkling my nose. ¡°No way! It¡¯s like Barbie pink.¡± Teri snorted and threw it back at me. ¡°Wear it. It makes you look younger. Logan will definitely like it.¡± I shot her a re before reluctantly burying myself back in the racks, searching for something less outrageous. Chapter 91 Ter was chattering away beside me ¡°I told you! Logan likes you! Ani, seriously,pared to that lowlife scumbag Elijah, Mr. Wood is an absolute catch! ¡°He¡¯s got it all¨Ccharacter, family background, and power. He¡¯s miles ahead of anyone else. ¡°Ari, don¡¯t overthink it. You and Elijah have been a mess for ages. This is just things falling into ce like they were meant to.¡± In the end, I chose a moon¨Cwhite modified nightgown embroidered with plum blossoms. I hadn¡¯t worn it before and wasn¡¯t even sure why I had bought it in the first ce. The quality and craftsmanship suggested it was handmade. I held it up in satisfied and sled. Noticing I wasn¡¯t saying much, Teri quickly started helping me with essories. We picked out a set of pearl jewelry, and she gathered my hair into an elegant bun. ¡°Ta¨Cda!¡± Teri spun me around to face the full¨Clength mirror, beaming with pride. ¡°See? I told you, An! You look gorgeous!¡± Mooked at my reflection, a soft smile on my face, and my cheeks flushed with a gentle blush. The dress hugged my figure perfectly, exuding a blend of elegance and youthful charm.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. In the mirror, my skin looked smooth, my face glowing with a natural beauty that even I couldn¡¯t help but admire. Teri, in her usual dramatic way, pretended to wipe away tears. ¡°Ah, seeing you like this feels like I¡¯m losing a daughter! Go on. Have your date! I¡¯ll stay back and hold down the fort for you two lovebirds.¡± Iughed and yfully swatted her arm. ¡°Why don¡¯t youe along?¡± Teri waved her hands in exaggerated protest, ¡°No, no, please, Ms. York, spare me! I¡¯m weak and frail, only fit for lounging around, eating snacks, binging TV shows, and dreaming of some romantic break¨Cin.¡± I couldn¡¯t help but stay speechless. Teri nced at the clock. ¡°You better go! Logan¡¯s probably waiting! But I¡¯ve got to say, is Mr. Wood seriously taking our lovely Ms. York to a dinner event for the first date?¡± She spoke in mock annoyance but still pushed me out of the room. When I walked into the living room, Logan stood up. Our eyes met, and I felt my cheeks flush again. He had changed too. He now wore a light blue suit with a crisp white shirt, casually unbuttoned at the cor. Around his neck was a silk scarf, almost like a tie, adorned with delicate bird and floral patterns. The outfit elevated his natural charm, making him seem even more refined and elegant. His hair was also styled effortlessly, each strand perfectly in ce. A few locks fell across his forehead, softening his already polished look. Admiration filled his eyes as he looked at me. ¡°Ari¡­¡± He paused, his voice soft. ¡°You look stunning tonight Feeling a bit shy, I nced at his outfit and whispered, it¡¯s almost like we¡¯re in matching outfits.¡± I asked.¡± Isn¡¯t it a bit too much?¡± Even though we hadn¡¯t coordinated beforehand, our outfits matched so perfectly like we¡¯d nned to wear a couple¡¯s outfit. Logan stepped closer and offered his arm to me, his expression calm and steady. ¡°Sometimes, making a statement is necessary.¡± ¡°Why?¡± I asked, confused. Logan smiled. ¡°Because this is a path we have to walk. His words sounded deep and meaningful, but I didn¡¯t quite understand. Logan led me out the door, where a driver was already waiting downstairs. This time, a different car was parked. A luxurious Maybach, even more elegant than the ck one from before. As we settled into the car, Logan gently patted my hand. ¡°Tonight, we¡¯re meeting a few highly respected individuals. Don¡¯t worry.¡± With that, he leaned down and kissed my hand. My nervous heart suddenly felt calm, and I nodded in response. Even though Logan had given me a heads¨Cup, I still wasn¡¯t prepared for what awaited me when we arrived. Chapter 92 In a spacious and elegantly decorated private room, I was greeted by a few familiar faces. These people¡­ 1 had seen them on TV! My mind went numb again, but I remembered Logan¡¯s instructions. Forcing a smile, I clung tightly to his arm. Everyone at the table turned to look at us, smiling warmly. One of them teased, ¡°Well, this is the first time I¡¯ve seen Woody bring a date. Come over here, Woody! Let me get a look.¡± Mr. Maynard, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, looked sharp and polished. Logan led me over, respectfully greeting him. ¡°Mr. Maynard, this is my girlfriend, Ariana.¡± The room instantly fell into a dead silence. Even the waiter pouring tea turned to look at him in shock. I froze, not knowing where to put my hands or feet. Wait. Did he just make it public? Is this for real?Content ? N?velDrama.Org. I had to be dreaming, or I must have misheard. My neck felt stiff as I slowly turned to look at Logan, but he stood tall andposed, his wless side profile showing no emotion. Mr. Maynard was the first to break the silence with a heartyugh, ¡°Well, now! What a surprise! Woody, I¡¯ve always said you should settle down. And this youngdy¡­¡± For once, my foggy brain finally kicked into gear. I grasped Mr. Maynard¡¯s hand and mimicked Logan¡¯s manner of speaking. ¡°Mr. Maynard, it¡¯s an honor to meet you! I¡¯m Ariana, but you can just call me Ari.¡± Mr. Maynard gave me an appraising look, clearly satisfied. ¡°Good temperament, and quite the looker too. You and Woody make a fine match.¡± I blushed and smiled modestly. Thanks to Mr. Maynard¡¯s yful tone, the shock in the room quickly dissipated, and everyone became chatty again. Logan introduced me to each person one by one. Most of them were older, calling Logan ¡°Woody¡± with¡± affection, while their nces toward me were filled with kindness. I even recognized the chairman of the business association, whom I had met before. He didn¡¯t seem surprised to see us together and kept talking about attending our wedding soon. Logan handled everything with grace, and the atmosphere was warm and friendly. I began to feel at ease. I wasn¡¯t a stranger to these kinds of events thanks to my dad, who was a doting father and often brought me along to simr dinners when I was young. So, after the initial awkwardness, I quickly found my footing. By the time the food was served, I had already mingledfortably with the group. Mr. Maynard was even more delighted when he learned that I had studied music since young. He eagerly had someone bring over a violin. I yed a short piece on the spot, and the room fell silent in awe before erupting into apuse. Mr. Maynard, clearly pleased, said, ¡°No wonder Woody is taken with you! The violin is much harder to master than the cello. It looks like you¡¯ve been practicing for years. You¡¯ve really got some skill.¡± 1 responded modestly, ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Mr. Maynard. I haven¡¯t yed in a long time, so I¡¯m a bit rusty.¡± Mr. Maynard smiled knowingly and said, ¡°I¡¯ve known the Wood family for ages. I¡¯m familiar with what the old man likes. Keep practicing¨Cit¡¯ll be to your advantage.¡± With that, he turned back to his conversation with Logan. Sitting on the stool, I felt a mix of emotions. Did I just gain the approval of one of the elders? But still, my position here felt so awkward. Just as the meal was about to begin, the door to the private room swung open again. I I nced up and froze. Elijah? For a moment, I thought I was seeing things and rubbed my eyes, but there he was, casually walking in with Jocelyn on his arm. When his eyesnded on me, he immediately looked away, pretending not to notice. I was certain he saw me, so why was he acting like I didn¡¯t exist? Chapter 93 I stood up from the stool and walked toward Logan. My palms were sweating, and my heart was racing, but I knew I couldn¡¯t lose myposure in this setting. Not only would it be embarrassing for me, but it would also reflect poorly on Logan. When Elijah walked in, Logan immediately raised his ss in a silent gesture, an unreadable smile ying on his lips. Then, he called out to me softly. ¡°Ari,e here.¡± Elijah¡¯s face, which had been calm, suddenly darkened with disbelief as he saw me walking toward Logan. I reached his side, and Logan, still with that amused expression, offered me his arm. Together, we faced a shocked Elijah. Logan leaned in slightly, his voice steady and reassuring. ¡°Ari, don¡¯t worry.¡± I nodded, trying to suppress the panic building inside me. I was definitely nervous, but deep down, I trusted Logan. He wasn¡¯t the type to make a scene just to embarrass me or Elijah. There had be a reason for all of this, and he didn¡¯t care what anyone else thought. Elijah, finally breaking his stunned silence, spoke with a deep frown. ¡°Mr. Wood, was this really necessary? But before Logan could reply, Mr. Maynard stepped in,ughing amiably. ¡°Ah, Mr. Linden! It¡¯s good to see you! Young people need to get out more and socialize. It¡¯ll keep them from acting rashly.¡± Upon hearing this, I immediately realized that Mr. Maynard was in on whatever was happening tonight. He wasn¡¯t just a guest, but rather someone who had orchestrated this dinner. All eyes were on us now. Logan, who was still holding my arm, remained calm and collected. ¡°Mr. Linden, Ari and I have known each other since we were kids. You could say we grew up together. Unfortunately, we lost touch for the past ten years.¡± I tightened my grip on his arm. A thought was forming in my mind, but I didn¡¯t dare fully acknowledge it yet.Content ? N?velDrama.Org. Elijah scoffed, his tone filled with mockery. ¡°So what?¡± He sneered at me, his eyes filled with disdain. ¡°Ariana, I knew you¡¯d move on to something better. You¡¯ve really changed¨Cyou¡¯re not the same person you used to be.¡± I ignored his taunts, refusing to dignify them with a response. Thankfully, Logan cut him off. ¡°Mr. Linden, I wasn¡¯t finished.¡± Elijah, still seething, replied coldly, ¡°Fine, Mr. Wood. Go ahead.¡± Logan¡¯s smile didn¡¯t falter. ¡°What I wanted to say is that I¡¯ve already missed ten years with her, and I¡¯m not going to miss another day. So, Mr. Linden, it¡¯s time to let go.¡± Upon hearing that, Elijah let out a bitterugh, his eyes zing with fury. Though heughed, there was no joy behind it. His face grew darker, and even Jocelyn, standing beside him, looked uneasy. When Elijah finally stopped Yaughing, his voice was icy as he said, ¡°So what you¡¯re saying, Mr. Wood, is that even if she¡¯s my wife, you¡¯re willing to steal her from me?¡± The mood in the room shifted, and everyone frowned. These men were no strangers to conflict, but Elijah¡¯s blunt usation crossed a line. He had torn away the veneer of politeness, leaving no room for retreat. Logan didn¡¯t flinch. In fact, he didn¡¯t even blink. With the same courteous smile, he replied, ¡°Mr. Linden, you¡¯re mistaken. Ari has already decided to divorce you. Herwyers are drafting the papers.¡± Elijah¡¯s voice dropped to a dangerously low volume. ¡°Mr. Wood, are you threatening me?¡± Logan¡¯s response was calm and measured. ¡°No. I¡¯m informing you.¡± Then, with unwavering confidence, Logan turned to the room. ¡°To all the distinguished elders who have watched me grow up, and to the respected leaders of the business world here tonight, I want to make something clear¨CI love Miss Ariana York, and I am deeply serious about her.¡± Chapter 94 ¡°She was mistreated in the past, and that was my fault. From this moment on, she is my girlfriend, and soon, she will be Mrs. Wood.¡± My entire body trembled, and I could no longer stop the tears welling up in my eyes. I tried my best not to cry, but my vision blurred as my tears filled my eyes. I didn¡¯t dare to look at anyone else¡¯s face, nor did I want to see Elijah¡¯s dark expression. The only thing I knew was that Logan was standing up for me in front of everyone, giving me the dignity I had lost. He was going to erase the shame of my past with the power of his name, pulling me from the depths of the mud. Elijah looked ready tosh out, but Jocelyn held him back. She spoke sweetly. ¡°C Wood! And congrattions to you too, Ms. York!¡± ttions, Mr. Her delicate face, however, couldn¡¯t fully hide the trace of jealousy and envy beneath her words. She turned to Elijah, who was still scowling. ¡°Elijah, look at how bravely Mr. Wood pursues love. Shouldn¡¯t we¡­¡± But before she could finish, Elijah suddenly sneered. ¡°And what exactly should we do?¡± Jocelyn froze,pletely thrown off by Elijah¡¯s reaction. She couldn¡¯t understand why he wasn¡¯t taking this chance to strike back. All he had to do was dere that he loved her, that he wasmitted to her, and that I was no longer a part of his life. It would have smoothed over the situation, at least on the surface. But Elijah pushed Jocelyn¡¯s hand away and stepped forward, staring me down with cold determination. ¡°I have nothing to do with Jocelyn,¡± he said, his voice hard. Jocelyn¡¯s face paled instantly. ¡°My wife,¡± he continued, ¡°is Ariana York, the heiress of the York family. We¡¯ve been married for five years. Despite all the fighting, divorce was never an option.¡± His eyes flicked to Logan, full of sarcasm. ¡°Mr. Wood, the business world is a battlefield, andpetition is normal. But as the prestigious heir of the Wood Group, must you really go after another man¡¯s wife?¡± A murmur spread through the room. Mr. Maynard¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Elijah, there¡¯s no need to say it like that.¡± However, Elijah let out a bitterugh. ¡°What else should I say? I knew tonight would bring trouble, but t didn¡¯t expect this.¡± I couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and shot back with a cold sneer, ¡°Mr. Linden, did five days in lockup not give you enough time to figure out where you went wrong?¡± Elijah¡¯s face turned ashen as he gritted his teeth. ¡°Ariana, I gave you so many chances toe back, but you¡¯ve refused to see reason.¡± I interrupted him sharply, ¡°Why should I? Don¡¯t forget that I was the one who saved your sinking Linden Group.¡± I turned to address the influential leaders in the room. ¡°To all the leaders and elders present, I am Jonathan¡¯s sister. Years ago, I used my brother¡¯s money to help Elijah. I have a clear conscience.¡± ¡°For five years, I have given my all, but in return, I received neither gratitude nor respect.¡± I let out a small, bitterugh. ¡°If you don¡¯t love me, why won¡¯t you let me go? You talk about stealing Chapter 94Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. someone¡¯s wife as if I¡¯m some kind of possession. 2/2 ¡°Elijah, not everything revolves around you. Just because you once had something doesn¡¯t mean you own it forever.¡± I watched as Elijah¡¯s face grew paler. ¡°A peaceful parting is the only thing I want from you now.¡± Elijah stood there, staring at me for what felt like an eternity, long enough for Jocelyn to tug at his sleeve, only for him to shrug her off. He finallyughed, though it was a hollow, bitter sound. ¡°Fine. Ariana, I finally believe you want a divorce.¡± Relief washed over me, and I sighed. ¡°Thank you.¡± Elijah¡¯s gaze shifted to Logan. ¡°Mr. Wood, now that you¡¯ve made your deration, care to share your true purpose for tonight?¡± His words drew everyone¡¯s attention, mine included. My hand tightened around Logan¡¯s sleeve, and I could feel cold sweat in my palms. Logan, with his usual calm, amused expression, said, ¡°I have no other pur everyone, including Mr. Linden, that I love Ari.¡± Elijah scoffed, ¡°And what exactly is this?¡± Logan¡¯s expression turned serious as he answered, ¡°A public deration.¡± I simply wanted to tell Chapter 95 The room suddenly fell silent. I noticed Elijah¡¯s expression had darkened, and Jocelyn didn¡¯t look any better. I gently tugged on Logan¡¯s sleeve. Logan smiled at me and said, ¡°Now that the talk is over, we should take our seat.¡± With that, he led me to our seats. Elijah and Jocelyn stood there in a daze, not moving for a long time. This visit had clearly ended with him getting a harsh p in the face. He seemed to be hesitating, wondering whether to turn around and leave, but almost everyone here was a prominent figure in the business world. If Elijah were to leave now, it would certainly change how these people viewed him. In the end, Elijah, with a face as ck as thunder, led Jocelyn to their seats. I noticed that Jocelyn was looking at me with aplicated expression. Er resentment, and hatred.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. I lowered my gaze and avoided looking at the two of them. I couldn¡¯t understand why Logan had specifically brought me here, nor why we had bumped into Elijah. All I knew was that in this first official encounter, Elijah had lost, and badly at that. The food was served, and as the waiters introduced each dish, the atmosphere gradually livened up. Everyone at the table was a seasoned veteran in the field, so even though the air had been awkward earlier, they easily brushed it aside with a few words, as if nothing had happened. Laughter and conversation filled the table. They talked about everything, from global events to local anecdotes and gossip. I quietly ate the food in front of me, my ears filled with the chatter around me. Suddenly, Jocelyn stood up, her voice sweet and delicate as she said, ¡°Dear all, it¡¯s my first time meeting all of you, so let me propose a toast.¡± The room went silent once again. A hint of embarrassment appeared on Jocelyn¡¯s face, and her hand holding the ss began to tremble. Elijah couldn¡¯t help but remind her, ¡°They are all seniors. You have to toast each one individually.¡± Jocelyn quickly stood up and began making rounds, offering her toast to each guest. I secretly nced at Mr. Maynard next to me. The look of disdain that shed in his eyes didn¡¯t escape my notice. I lowered my eyes further and continued quietly eating, doing my best to keep my presence as low as possible. Finally, Jocelyn made her way over to me. By now, her face was flushed, and she looked as though she couldn¡¯t handle any more alcohol. Holding her ss, she smiled at me and said, ¡°Ms. York, I really envy you.¡± I nced at her but didn¡¯t respond. Seeing that I was ignoring her, Jocelyn suddenly put on a hurt expression. ¡°Ms. York, I know there¡¯s been a lot of misunderstandings between us, but, today, haven¡¯t you already gotten what you wanted? Can¡¯t you justugh it off and let bygones be bygones? Don¡¯t you have the grace to let this go?¡± had been quietly eating, eager to finish this meal and leave, but I hadn¡¯t expected Jocelyn to suddenly drag me back into the spotlight. Suppressing the anger in my heart, I responded calmly, ¡°Ms. Cornell, you¡¯re mistaken. It¡¯s not that Ick the grace to forgive. It¡¯s just that no woman could tolerate something like this for seven long years.¡± Tears welled up in Jocelyn¡¯s eyes instantly, and she covered her mouth as if to hold them back. Lowering her head, she said softly, ¡°Ms. York, you¡¯ve really misunderstood.¡± I had grown tired of hearing the same excuses. Coldly, I cut her off, ¡°Let¡¯s just call it a misunderstanding, then. I hope you get what you want. But I won¡¯t be drinking this toast.¡± As I finished speaking, I sensed a scorching gaze fixed on me. Looking up, I saw Elijah staring at me intently, as if he wanted to see how I would react. I curled my lips into a cold smile. Chapter 96 Alright. He probably thought I was bullying Jocelyn again. But why didn¡¯t he acknowledge Jocelyn as his partner just now? I must have still been slow¨Cwitted. Otherwise, why couldn¡¯t I figure out these men¡¯s intentions? After failing to get a reaction from me, Jocelyn shifted her focus to Logan. Her voice remained soft and sweet, the kind that would evoke sympathy from any normal man. This was Jocelyn¡¯s skill¨Cbeing shameless and always ying the damsel in distress. I overheard her say to Logan, ¡°Mr. Wood, I¡¯ve admired you for a long time. I never expected that in person, you¡¯re even more handsome and charismatic than the rumors suggest.¡± Logan gave a faint, indifferent ¡°hmm¡°. Jocelyn continued, ¡°Mr. Wood, you¡¯ve achieved so much at such a young age. I really envy Ms. York. Every man she chooses seems to be like this.¡± When I heard that, I nearly spat out the tea I was drinking. I hid the disgust in my eyes. Here we go again! What Jocelyn meant was that not only was I a gold¨Cdigger, but I had also been with more than one man. To the average person, these subtle insults would be hard to catch. At 18, I probably wouldn¡¯t have understood either, but after getting used to Jocelyn¡¯s habit of slinging dirt, I got her meaning loud and clear. However, this little tactic clearly wasn¡¯t going to work today. Logan responded, ¡°Oh? Ms. Cornell seems to know Ari very well. Are you perhaps her close friend or bestie?¡± Jocelyn hurriedly shook her head, ¡°No, no, I¡¯m not. I just know about Ms. York¡¯s taste in men.¡± Logan cut her off coldly, saying, ¡°Since Ms. Cornell isn¡¯t Ari¡¯s close friend, how would you know what kind of men she likes?¡± The smile on Jocelyn¡¯s face began to falter. Awkwardly, she tried to exin herself. ¡°I¨CI¡¯ve just been observing. I mean, she was obsessed with Elijah before, and now she¡¯s found someone like Mr. Wood, another outstanding young talent.¡± Logan let out a quiet ¡°Oh¡± and said, ¡°I see. Then, does Ms. Cornell not admire Mr. Linden? After all, Mr. Linden is also a young talent, rich and handsome.¡± Jocelyn¡¯s smile froze. Logan, unfazed, continued leisurely, ¡°Or is it that Mr. Linden isn¡¯t worth Ms. Cornell¡¯s admiration?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s embarrassment became unbearable, and she fled the scene. After she left, I had to stifle my Jaughter. Logan nced at me with an amused expression, gently wiping the tea stain from the corner of my lips. His gesture didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Elijah, who I saw gripping his napkin tightly. The banquet continued, and from bits and pieces of conversation, I finally realized that this dinner was all about a major project in the east city, one involving a massive investment and many key stakeholders. Mr. Maynard had organized this meeting to bring together the city¡¯s most influential businessmen to discuss it. Only now did I understand that this dinner was crucial for Logan and for Elijah as well. Logan had brought me along because he knew Elijah would be here. Their rtionship, whetherpetitive or cooperative, wasn¡¯t clear yet, but the invisible tension in the room today had made it obvious to all the bigwigs present that Logan and Elijah could never coborate.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. If they couldn¡¯t cooperate, then they would have topete. Throughout the meal, Logan and Elijah had already begun their battle, both openly and covertly. By the time we finished eating, everyone had their own thoughts in mind. Someone suggested having some tea to rx. By the way, today¡¯s venue seemed to be some kind of private club, so after the meal, there was a beautiful courtyard where guests could drink tea and listen to music. Logan was called over by Mr. Maynard to discuss business with several other big names, while I was led to thedies¡® lounge by one of the attendants. Chapter 97 The lounge was filled with flowers, traditional performances, soft melodies, and even a chess table. These were all services prepared for high¨Css female guests. I picked out a flower arrangement I liked and began working on it. Jocelyn gracefully sauntered over, her cheeks flushed, likely from all the alcohol she¡¯d had at the dinner. I nced at her briefly and continued arranging the flowers. She sat beside me, giving me a long, appraising look with a faint smile on her lips. Turning to her, I asked, ¡± Is there something you need?¡± Jocelyn chuckled, her voice coy. ¡°Ms. York, I have to admit, I underestimated you.¡± I calmly trimmed the stems, replying tly, ¡°Ms. Cornell, if you have something to say, just say it.¡± She let out a breath before speaking again in a more serious tone. ¡°Ms. York, how does 500 million sound? I can convince Elijah to give it to you if you agree to a divorce.¡± I looked up, meeting her eyes. She appeared sincere. ¡°500 million. That¡¯s quite a lot.¡± My expression remained impassive. ¡°500 million was the offer five years ago. It¡¯s worth much more now.¡± Jocelyn¡¯s face flushed, likely from frustration. She took a deep breath, lowering her voice. ¡°Ms. York, if this goes to court, it¡¯ll affect Elijah¡¯s career. If his reputation takes a hit, do you think you¡¯ll still be able to get that much from him?¡± She leaned in, her wordsced with hidden threats. ¡°I¡¯m advising you to take the deal while it¡¯s still good. It took me a moment to fully grasp her meaning. No wonder Jocelyn was so eager to y the negotiator. At first, she just wanted to rush me into a divorce, but now she realized that if I truly pursued the financial aspect, Elijah might lose his bid for the Eastside Project. After all, Linden Group was argepany, and its stock prices would take a hit if the divorce scandal escted. Finally, my brain started working in the right direction. I coldly rejected her offer. ¡°Ms. Cornell, I suggest you take your own advice and back off. Whatever happens between Elijah and me is none of your concern. You can stop ying the middleman now.¡± Jocelyn¡¯s expression faltered, her face showing clear irritation. She opened her mouth to say something more, but I cut her off, my voice sharp. ¡°Instead of wasting your breath trying to convince me to leave Elijah for money, why don¡¯t you stay by his side and continue being his precious darling?¡± I smirked. ¡°After all, what will you do the next time he publicly refuses to acknowledge you as his ¡®true love?¡± Jocelyn froze, rage ring in her eyes. I simply watched her with calm detachment. Her re was venomous as she stared at me for a long moment. Then, with a sneer, she spat, ¡°Ms. York, your attitude has certainly changed after that suicide attempt. You¡¯re almost unrecognizable.¡± I let out a coldugh. ¡°Well, when someone¡¯s been through death, they¡¯re bound toe out different.¡± Jocelyn let out two harshughs of her own. Then, suddenly, she grabbed the scissors from my hand. I had been holding arge peony flower, not noticing that she was now aiming the sharp des directly at my face. Just as I put the flower down, I saw a sh of steel heading toward me. Instinctively, I shoved her away. ¡°Ah! It hurts!¡± Jocelyn screamed. I looked down and saw a bright red gash on her pale arm. Upon hearing her cries, the staff rushed over. I immediately dropped the flower arrangement and distanced myself from her. As expected, Jocelyn clutched her wound, tears streaming down her face as she red at me. ¡°Ms. York, I know you hate me, but did you really need to use scissors to try and scar my face?¡± I frowned. ¡°I didn¡¯t. Ms. Cornell, is making false usations one of your special talents?¡± Jocelyn continued sobbing, turning to the staff. ¡°It hurts so much. Please, call Mr. Linden.¡± The staff hesitated before hurrying off to fetch him. Not long after, Elijah stormed into the room, his face contorted with anger.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. Jocelyn ran to him immediately, showing him her wound with tearful e finger at me, his voice seething with rage. Elijah pointed an usatory ¡°Ariana, what the hell is your problem? First, youe here to humiliate me, and now you¡¯re trying to hurt Jo?¡± I had long grown used to this kind of baseless usation. With an icy tone, I responded, ¡°Mr. Linden, are you really going to assume it was me without asking for any facts?¡± Elijah¡¯s anger red even more. ¡°Who else would it be? You¡¯re just jealous that Jo has-¡± He stopped himself mid¨Csentence, realizing he¡¯d said too much. I pped my hands sarcastically. ¡°Oh, Mr. Linden, still as self¨Ccentered as ever! Tell me, what exactly am I supposed to be jealous of when ites to Ms. Cornell?¡± Chapter 98 Elijah scoffed. ¡°You¡¯ve always been jealous of her, spreading lies and making threats. You¡¯ve done plenty of terrible things in the past. Today, you¡¯re just pulling the same old tricks.¡± I had grown numb to his usations. I turned to the staff. ¡°Pull up the security footage. The cameras will show what really happened.¡± As soon as I said that, Elijah¡¯s expression faltered, and Jocelyn looked visibly uneasy. She quickly clung to Elijah, her voice soft as she said, ¡°Elijah, let it go. It¡¯s not a big deal. I¡¯m not seriously hurt. Maybe Ms. York didn¡¯t mean it, maybe she just slipped and identally cut me.¡± She looked over at me, her eyes pleading. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Ms. York?¡±Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. However, I remained expressionless. ¡°Whether that¡¯s true or not isn¡¯t for me to decide. After all, Mr. Linden didn¡¯t even see the truth before assuming I was at fault.¡± Jocelyn hurriedly tried to smooth things over, turning back to Elijah. ¡°Elijah, there are so many important people here tonight. This is really nothing. Honestly, I probably just hurt myself. It¡¯s not Ms. York¡¯s fault.¡± Elijah hesitated, clearly unsure of what to do, but I waved my hand dismissively. ¡°Enough. Let¡¯s pull up the footage. If I really hurt Ms. Cornell, I¡¯ll apologize. But if I didn¡¯t?¡± I stared directly at Elijah, my gaze challenging. His face twisted with difort. ¡°If you didn¡¯t, then we¡¯ll just drop it.¡± I let out a coldugh. ¡°Just drop it? Mr. Linden, you can¡¯t keep living by double standards. Why should I bear the me for something I didn¡¯t do?¡± Elijah was momentarily at a loss for words. He frowned. ¡°Ariana, what kind of game are you trying to y? He paused, his expression changing as if something had clicked in his mind. Then, with a bitterugh, he said, ¡°I get it now. You just want to humiliate me, don¡¯t you?¡± I didn¡¯t bother responding. There was no point in arguing with him anymore. I touched my chest, relieved. At least, that familiar dull ache wasn¡¯t there this time. ¡°Mr. Linden, if it turns out that Ms. Cornell injured herself, don¡¯t you think you owe Ari an apology?¡± Logan¡¯s voice came from behind as he approached with Mr. Maynard and Mr. Pearson. Under Logan¡¯s steady gaze, Elijah visibly flinched. After a long pause, Elijah finally said, ¡°Fine. If it turns out I was wrong-¡± He abruptly turned to Logan, his voice sharp. ¡°But if this woman did hurt Jo, what are you going to do to make it right, Mr. Wood?¡± Logan raised an eyebrow, amused. ¡°So, you¡¯re raising the stakes now?¡± Elijah said nothing, but the meaning was clear. A wave of disgust washed over me. How could someone be so shameless? Logan walked over and stood beside me, giving me a calm look before turning back to Elijah. ¡°If Ari identally hurt Ms. Cornell, I¡¯ll hand over the Westside hotel project to you,¡± Logan said smoothly. The moment those words left his mouth, Elijah¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Deal! It¡¯s a promise!¡± I frowned, tugging on Logan¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Why give that to him?¡± Logan smiled reassuringly at me before addressing Elijah again. ¡°Mr. Linden, what happens if you¡¯re wrong?¡± Elijah gritted his teeth, thinking for a long moment before replying reluctantly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll pay Ms. York one million in damages.¡± Mr. Maynard and Mr. Pearson exchanged disapproving looks, clearly understanding just how unwilling Elijah was to lose. Logan chuckled and nodded. ¡°Alright. That¡¯s fair.¡± Soon after, the security footage was retrieved and yed for everyone to see. The truth was clear¨CI was arranging flowers, and Jocelyn hade over to talk. Then, she reached for the scissors, which I hadn¡¯t even noticed. She had aimed them at my face, but just as I lowered the flower, the scissors slipped, grazing her arm in the process. The entire room went silent as everyone watched the footage unfold. All eyes turned toward Jocelyn. Her face had gone pale. Tears welled up in her eyes as she stammered, ¡°I¨CI¡¯m sorry¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to. I just wanted to help Ms. York trim the flowers. I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡± But no matter how pitiful she looked, it was useless. The security foot captured everything with perfect rity. Everyone could see exactly what had happened. Elijah¡¯s face was a mix of anger and shame. He violently shook off Jocelyn¡¯s hand, ring at her with fury. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you would do something like this¡­¡± he snarled. Jocelyn reached for his sleeve, her voice trembling. ¡°Elijah, please, let me exin. It wasn¡¯t on purpose, I swear.¡± Logan, standing calmly to the side, finally spoke up. ¡°Mr. Linden, I believe an apology is in order.¡± Elijah red at me for what felt like an eternity before muttering through gritted teeth, ¡°Ms. York¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll have the one million sent to youter.¡± With that, his face darkened further as he grabbed Jocelyn and stormed out of the room. Chapter 99 The retreat of Elijah and Jocelyn looked rather pitiful. Mr. Maynard shook his head. ¡°Sore losers, through and through.¡± Mr. Pearson sighed. ¡°That woman with Elijah is far too troublesome.¡± Logan, who was alwaysposed, said to the two elders, ¡°Mr. Linden is quite capable when ites to business. But when ites to rtionships, he¡¯scking, to say the least.¡± Mr. Maynard chuckled softly. ¡°If he can¡¯t see through something so simple, how can we expect him to manage bigger matters?¡± Mr. Pearson agreed. ¡°I used to think Elijah was bold andpetent, ready to take risks. But now it¡¯s clear. He¡¯s still missing a bit of depth.¡± The two powerful men exchanged nces and shook their heads simultaneously. Something stirred within me, and I nced over at Logan. There was no particr expression on his face. He still spoke favorably about Elijah. But after what had just transpired, Elijah¡¯s reputation and years of cility in the business world might have taken a serious hit. Who was the smartest one here? Suddenly, it seemed to me that Logan was more like a silent hunter, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Norman once joked, saying, ¡°My brother said he¡¯d personally deal with Elijah¡°. I thought it was just talk, but now I realized he wasn¡¯t kidding. As we left the hotel, sitting quietly in the car, I found myself lost in thought. Well, not exactly thinking. My mind was a mess. The only thing that felt real in this chaotic moment was the check for one million in my hand.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. ¡°Tired?¡± Logan asked gently as he leaned over to drape a soft cashmere shawl over my shoulders. The shawl was light and soft, carrying the scent of cedar from his cologne. I buried myself into the warmth of the fabric, my voice quiet. ¡°How could he be that kind of person?¡± I didn¡¯t say who, but Logan understood immediately. He spoke slowly. ¡°Sometimes when you put someone on a pedestal, it¡¯s hard to see who they really are.¡± I sighed, disheartened. ¡°I just don¡¯t get it. How did I ever fall in love with someone I didn¡¯t even truly know? Logan, noticing my mood, chuckled softly. ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t overthink it. Look at it this way¨Cyou got a million from him today. Consider itpensation for the trouble he caused.¡± I couldn¡¯t help butugh. Money really was the best solution for everything. I nced down at the check in my hand, a smile creeping onto my face. ¡°If every time Jocelyn framed me, Elijah lost a million to me, that¡¯d be great.¡± But to my surprise, Logan didn¡¯tugh. Instead, he ruffled my hair, his tone half serious, half teasing. ¡°Silly girl. I don¡¯t want you getting hurt just for a payout. We¡¯re not in the business of earning money that way.¡± 1 stuck out my tongue yfully, and Logan took my hand and gazed into my eyes. ¡°Ari, we¡¯re not short on money. There¡¯s no need to provoke them just to make a point.¡± Logan must¡¯ve noticed my confusion. He pulled me into a gentle embrace. ¡°My silly Ari, you are still just a kid at heart.¡± On the other side, Elijah was speeding down the highway with Jocelyn in the passenger seat, her face pale as she gripped the edge of her seat tightly. Finally, Elijah mmed on the brakes, his expression cold and hard as he stared straight ahead. Jocelyn couldn¡¯t hold back her tears any longer. ¡°Elijah, don¡¯t be like this. You¡¯re scaring me.¡± Elijah didn¡¯t look at her, but spat out two cold words. ¡°Get out.¡± Jocelyn was stunned. ¡°Why are you telling me to get out? I¡¯m not leaving! Elijah, please don¡¯t abandon me. I¡¯m scared. It¡¯ste, and this ce is so deserted.¡± Chapter 100 Jocelyn looked around in fear at the pitch¨Cck road. She had been so terrified earlier that she hadn¡¯t even noticed Elijah driving them up a mountain road. There was no one around for miles in either direction. Elijah¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°Get out now.¡±This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Jocelyn started sobbing even harder. ¡°Elijah, I won¡¯t get out. If you¡¯re angry, hit me or yell at me, but why bring me here just to scare me? Please¡­¡± As she spoke, she tried to cling to him, begging for mercy. However, Elijah shoved her away so hard that she nearly mmed into the window. With a muffled cry, Jocelyn ignored the pain from her head injury and continued trying to grab onto him. Elijah stepped out of the car and walked over to the passenger side, opening the door. His face was ice- cold as he yanked Jocelyn out of the car. Jocelyn¡¯s hair fell loose as she was dragged out, copsing on the ground in tears. ¡°Elijah, I was wrong, I was wrong! I won¡¯t do it again. Please, just forgive r desperately, makeup smeared all over her face. s time,¡± she pleaded She clung to Elijah¡¯s arm and even wrapped herself around his leg, refusing to let go. ¡°If I embarrassed you today, I¡¯ll make it up to you, I promise!¡± Elijah¡¯s bloodshot eyes bore into Jocelyn as she cried helplessly at his feet, her usual grace utterly gone. He gritted his teeth and spoke, enunciating each word. ¡°I told you, I like you, but my wife will always be Ariana. Not only did you ignore that, but you also kept provoking her. And now, you¡¯ve got your wish. She wants a divorce! Do you even understand what you¡¯ve done?¡± Jocelyn¡¯s sobbing suddenly stopped. She stared at Elijah, stunned. ¡°Elijah, you love that bitch Ariana?¡± Smack! Elijah pped her across the face without a moment¡¯s hesitation. Jocelyn was left in shock, her mind nk. She even forgot to cry. She stared at Elijah, now a stranger to her, in disbelief. ¡°You¡­ you hit me? How could you? You¡¯ve never hit me before. I don¡¯t believe it. You didn¡¯t mean it, right? Elijah, say something!¡± She frantically shook his arm, desperate for an exnation. Elijah looked at her with icy indifference and shoved her away again. ¡°I never hit you before, so you started thinking you were irreceable. You really thought you were my true love, didn¡¯t you? But Jocelyn, when you left me seven years ago, did you really think I could still love you?¡± Jocelyn was once again struck dumb with shock. She looked at Elijah, who was now aplete stranger to her, in utter disbelief. ¡°Wh¨Cwhat are you talking about?¡± Her lips trembled, her voice shaking with fear. Elijah¡¯s words had shattered her world. Calming down from his earlier rage, Elijah stared at Jocelyn. ¡°You heard me. It was over for us seven years ago. I only epted Ariana¡¯s proposal because I¡¯d lost all hope with you.¡± A sh of nostalgia crossed his eyes. ¡°She showed up like a little ray of sunshine during the darkest time of my life. Even though I didn¡¯t want her kindness, she still cared about me and chased after me like a fool.¡± His gaze hardened as he looked at Jocelyn. ¡°I admit I married her partly for Linden Group because, at that time, no one else wanted to be near me. ¡°Partly, I also wanted revenge. I wanted to get back at you for leaving me when I was at my lowest to chase after your so¨Ccalled dreams.¡± He grabbed Jocelyn by the hair, his voice thick with disdain. ¡°Dreams? Ha! You¡¯re just selfish. You never loved me. You only loved the Linden Group name.¡± Jocelyn sat there in shock,pletely frozen. Elijah continued, lost in his memories. ¡°After we got married, we did have some happy days together. ¡°But then you came back. You showed up just when Linden Group was back on its feet. I was so stupid. I thought you¡¯d regretted leaving. I thought you still had feelings for me. ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe back before I got married? Why did you wait until after? I was blinded. ¡°At first, I didn¡¯t want to forgive you. Then I thought keeping in touch with yo¡® ould be a way to get back at you. Eventually, I let myself believe you and I were the real thing.¡± Chapter 101 "So, Ana started going crazy on me, demanding to know where I was, picking lights.." Elijah''s eyes held a hint of regret. "I shouldn''t have treated her that way. I knew she felt inincare, knew how vulner bocelyn snapped out of her dare, suddenly screaming, "So, what are you trying to tell me? That you''ve always loved her? And that you don''t love me Elijah stared at her with disdain. "Tintil obvious? You don''t love me either. So, why should I love you Jocelyn crumbled. To don''t love me? Then why would you by me all those things and give me all that money? No, Elijah, you definitely loved me. You have to love mel" Eljali''s voice turnedoeld. "You kept provoking Ana, pashing her to the point of desperation, malong her aun after me, begging me to get back together, only to drive her away again. wasn''t that you put all along To push her out of my life! "I''s not love you''re feeling You just can''t stand the thought of another woman having what you want." Elijah prind Jocelyn''s hands off him, his voice steady but cutting. "I don''t me you but you''ve crossed a line. You''ve gone too far." Jocelyn watched him as he got into the car, desperately clinging to the window. "No, Elijah, I do love you! Why else would I go after Ariana like that? Why would I have tried to the stopped herself abruptly. Elsah started the engine, his expression colder than she''d ever seen. "The night''s chilly, Jocelyn. You cussed a line. Maybe it''s time you stayed here and thought about it." The delivered one final blow. "Remember your ce. Mrs. Linden will always be Ariana, not you." With that, he floored the gas pedal, speeding off Jocelyn tumbled to the ground, 100 stunned to move for a moment. When she finally staggered up, the stated at the spot where his car had vanished, a twisted smile forming on her lips. "Fire, Elpah. If you want to y games, don''t me me when I stop ying nie." I took a few steps before realizing he hadn''t followed. The car pulled up outside the building, and Logan opened my door as I stepped out. I to Corpus, I turned back. "Logan, aren''t youing up?" The question sopped out, and I immediately realized something felt ol I thought. "Logan doesn''t live here. Why would invite him opstairs?" Login chacked lightly, "I''m not gone up He depped up, moving mywell looking down to adjust the shawl around my shoulders. His gaze was warm, reflecting my flushed choks like a pele spring breeze. Under the intensity of his eyes, 1 found Dud what happened tought bars you?" he asked softly.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. I shook my head. "No, not really. I just thought, maybe it put myself out there more openly, people might stop in He nodded thoughtfully,n pate untradable lechind ka sses. misunderstanding nie." "Once I knew Ilijali was in inging Jocelyn, I thought it best to have you there as well," he said. "You don''t need any baseless tumors." Djuickly arrangedi i for me to goaxwell. There were just too many benefits for me to attend Logan must have found out at thest minute dut Elijah nned to attend with Jocelyni First, it tartaled bipatia reputation Secial, it gave me cordibelity with the big yers in the room. Thirst, itaet the record straight. Elijali, metar otete izened untouchable, was now shaken by my appearance, and jocelyn, eager to high society, was left with nothing but thebel of a mistress. Elijah hada Tereen gheu fer a dated at public achouwdedpent at the party in same night, Jocelyn''s path to social, limbing was effectively blocked. The note I Bought about it, then note imprevedi was with Logan''s subtle, Without Lawakinga ummat, hir''d managed to knock Bejal oli his pedestal al e primpeditiup Tooldbardy Tempap with Logan''s thinking in jesu Munking about! Logan momsted, gently bounding a stay of hai trom my face down,mbing at writ tutuched. "I was just realuing low naivewed tor Laganughed its less was rai and retrahing like a spring breeze, lifting my spita. That, die look ?kin looked skoveti at me, his eyes behind the sses sa intense Leuk''t hold his gaze, A nda prodle lisa tai my head. It was no light i felt like a butterfly''s touch, fleeting and delicate. My beat Chatered a little Hooked up, and he wuilet asking, "What''s w mundded something on my bath. He leanedcloset, trying in hear, "What did you Feeling a bit stubborn, I turned and walked ort. Take care. I pick you up for denne bomenon," he calledatier me. Without Looking back, Treplied, "Nathanks. Eating every day pets old" Heughed. "Then how about a fun day out? I''ll plus monothing'' Thadalorady walked quite a distance, but I couldn''t help turning around at his words. Chapter 102 There he was, leaning casually against his cai, legs sed effortlessly, hamis racked into his pockets. He smiled at me, his hair nouseled by the breeze, a few strands yfully brushing acts her forehead. Under the streetlight, shadows danced across his Lace, turning him into an arrestingly beautiful see that made my heart skip I found myself staring, captivated He wared. "Goon up I''ll wait here until you''re imide" Bushing, I tuned quickly and huntied up the stairs. The next morning, I was still asleep when Tell yanked me awa "Come on! Why are you still in bed? Get up! Something big just happened?" Rubbing my eyes groggily, I slowly sat up. Teri hopped onto my bed, showing her phone in my face. 1 squinted at the screen, wincing. "It''s too bright. What happened!" Alter Last night''s events, I''d spent hours lying awake, my mind reying everything, only finally dozing off sometime near dawn. I nced at the clock on the wall. It was only 9:00 am. I hadn''t slept neatly enough. 1 tried to be back down, but Teri was relentless, dragging me up once more. She shoved her phone in front of me again. "Look! You''ve got to see this Ing a big news!" sand focused on the screen, and within seconds, I was wide awake. Teri grissed gleefully beside me. "See? Finally, karma has caught up! No one escapes it forever." Stitching her phone, I scrolled through the What does Jocelyn think she''s doing? quickly. My eyes widened in disbelief. Teri had shown the Jocelyn''s Latest tweet from 8:00am. It was a coge of co-def het messages with Elijah and a record of money transfers. Her caption was a publicint, using Elijah of deceiving her and stealing ten years of her life. She mentioned ten years because she''d posted evidence from when they started My feelings a tangled mentioned Elijah yet, and here was Jocelyn, the supposed "other woman," making the first moveBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. No wonder Teilespoped this so much, saying. "Revenge, finally served ice-cold'' Teli robedaround on my bed, Longling, phone in hand ald we thought, Indi? Hathing has finally hit her breaking point''s Elijah used to make things official Elijati''s always treated her like a prized possession" trrd samething debit add up in him-jay have shown fly with affection, but he''d never acknowledged her public Of cute, I dark remember their whole ascidid bluroty, but I''d picked up on this recently. Elijah had no intention of publicly iming bet. Tenneddled "With pays like Elijah, a wife''s a wide, and a mistress just that-mistress. He''ll spo mistress but won''t abunken his wife." Halka alsan "spolling the mistress and keeping the wide"? IL adorim''s goal here! by going public r than, she''s basically vouring Elijah will never fer want f the''s after fame and money. She''s got a bit of fame now, but taking kw Elijah -the young talent and bonaire president - her status will always strategizing. But you? Vouse just the ilimate, hopeless romantic Chapter 103 1 pain away smile "Ulimate, hopelessantic? Really? 1shooght know you''re trying to call me naive, but this ''corpse of mine in''t feeling to great right now," I replied Teri chuckled and parted my shoulder. "Look, at least this whole mess works in your favor, just let them brat each other apart like two dogs fighting over al I back my head. "That''s not going to happen. Elijah isn''t the type to retaliate. He has more self-control than that" Teri looked at me, puzzled. "What makes you say so?" 1 gave her a weak smile. Think about it. You said it yourself I spent five years in this marriage pushing Elijah to his limit. "It he could tolerate me all that time, why would he care if Jocelyn acts out? He''d probably just tell her to calm down and stop making a scene." Teri''s surprise quickly turned intoughter, and she doubled oves, tears in her eyes. She gave me a thumbs-up "You''re finally starting to get it, pl Once Termoke me up, I couldn''t go back to sleep. After a quick wash, I headed to thechen for breakfast Curiosity got the better of me. As Tare, Topened my phone, scrolling through the replies under Jocelyn''s tweet Thad to admit, people loved a scandal Jocelyn had always cultivated an image of the "artistic goddess," amassing a following of over too thousand fans who admired her "serene" and "high-minded" approach to life. So, the sudden release of such a juicy scandal was stirring up all kinds of chatter The post had racked up over four thousand replies in just two hours. I was a little stunned. At this rate, it was bound to go viral. Could it be that Jocelyn hired paidmenters? I clicked on the replies section. Most of them were full of sympathy for their "goddess" and condemnation for the "prek". "So what if he''s rich? Deceiving our goddess for ten years is unforgivable! Kuijjah is such a scumbag! But want. Why would the goddess willingly be a mistress for so long? Was it love?" "Don''t twist things. He manipted her by using his "career as an excuse to keep her as his side piece." "Just wondering, with all the money Mr. Linden threw her way, did she fall for him because of love something else?" "A brilliant young CDO? Turn our he''s just another fake prince Support for our goddess only! No haters allowed." Mostments were four fans empathizing with Jocelyn, with any negative remarks about her character quickly drowned out or deleted. It seemed like Jocelyn knew exactly how to steer public opinion. Tecie rushing over. "Loold someone else is piling on, exposing Elijah''s affair with jocelyn!" I nced at the notification and saw th a new ount with the username "Sweetie_xum had posted a series of tweets about the scandal. Each tweet was packed with photos, nie per tweet, each more revealing than thost. clicked on one and felt wave of nausea. The images showed Elijah and Jocelyn in various Intimate whispering to each other at a restaurant. And there were even shots of the two letting loose, having fun, and kissing in a stonly lit club. moments-holding hand as they walked, sneaking a kiss when no one was around, and Twirly or through a few pictures had to look away, stomach chutning It was sickeningThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. The level of betrayal was enough to make rien someone like me, with a partial memory loss, feel physically repulsed. cy that could actually Test, priestless, pointed at the screen. "Contact this guy!ie''s got way more dit. Compared to Jocelyn''s harmless texts and screenshots, these photos are solid evidence Jarlp you get a clean berak from Elijah" Pushing aside the nausea, I opened the person''s pistle Breugh, the timestamps on the photos showed they''d all been taken during my marriage to Elijah. In other words, this person Inkproof of Eljjali''s ak My locus snapped back "What should we do non?" "Get in tour with hind" Teil urged Chapter 104 Seeing me hesitate, Teri sirged. "Come on! He''s definitely online right now," "How should I contact hirm?" TaskedThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Teri rolled her eyes. "Use your ount to message him on Twitter. "forgot my login decals" With an exasperated sigh. Teri helped me set up a new ount. After a bit of hassle, I finally logged in and sent a message. "Hello, I''m Elijah''s wife, Ariana, May 1 have your contact into? I''d like to discuss some things A few minutester, he replied, "Sure." I waited a bit longer, and eventually, he sent a phone number. I added him to my contacts and sent him a message on WhatsApp right away. His profile picture was a dark, animated character with a mischievous look. Something about the image felt oddly familiar. Iped "Hi Could you let me know where you got those photos you posted?" After a few moments, he began typing and replied, "From someone else." I quickly followed up, asking "Would it be possible to get more of those? I''m looking for solid evidence." There was a long pause before he began typing again, and grew a little impatient, so I added, "I''m willing to pay. As long as the evidence is substantial and genuine." This time, his response was surprisingly quick payment needed." His refusal piqued my curiosity, but I politely thanked him. "Would you be able to share the material you have with me?" Lasked After another pause, be repliedzily, "Sure, but I''d prefer to meet in person." "Why is that so?" I asked, puzzled. "Ha ha. Because I''ve already had over ten people iming to be Elijah''s wife reaching out to me." I blinked. Indn''t see thating Then he added, "How about this? Take a selfie and send it to me. I''ll check if you look like the real Max. Linden. Do it now After a moment''s hesitation, I positioned sell in good lighting and took a quick photo, which I then sent over He replied shortly after, "Alright. I''ll believe you for now. Let''s meet tonight. Here''s the location." He sent a location pin to me. I thanked him and closed a chat Tent, watching with interest, asked, "So? Will he share the photos?" I nodded. "But he wants to meet in person. He said he''s been contacted by a bunch of women pretending to be Elijah''s wife." Teri shook het bawat in disbelief. "People are crazy these days. They''ll do anything to chase clout. Despite her exaspriation, Teri seemed thrilled. After all, Elijah was the one person she truly despised. Watching him get dragged through the mud online was pure entertainment for her. And she didn''t stop there she put her skills to work editing posts, crafting captions, serting up ounts, reposting, and spreading the word. Tcouldn''t help but stuke my head with a smile. Teri was getting a little too obsessed In the afternoon, Mr. Weldond Compared tos tear''s anxious expressions yesterday, they seemed far more confident today. As soon as he sat down, M. Webb got straight to the point. "Alter working overtime on this, our team now belleven you have a 70% chance of recovering the live-billion-dor investment." My eyes in up. "Brally"What changed?" He smiled, exining. "He btions forrge transactions. Essentially, that five billi have reputed you to sign a fund transder purpose deration" live billion was an enormous your name. So, for it to be withdrawn, the bank would Chapter 105 Mr. Webb pulled out a copy of an A document from his briefcase I saw my signature on it, along with the purpose of the fund transfer -"Investment in Linden Group XX Project as a partner''s capital contribution." Texhaled deeply in rebet.. 1. Webb was all smiles. "It''s written clearly here, and we also have records showing this amount was transferred directly to Linden Group''s official ount. This makes it indisputable "Thank you, Mr Webb," I said gratefully He replied. "No need to thank me-thank the regtions in ce. Otherwise, if you''d transferred the funds directly to Elijah''s personal ount, it could have been considered a gift." Suddenly, the tension in Mr. Webb''s team lifed considerably. Then he asked, "Ms. York, is it true that you''ve experienced memory loss?" Mr. Webe''s expression named serious "You must not let Elijah know about your memory loss. This detail could be very detrimental to you. Hiswyers might use it against you in court." "Absolutely. If your testimony doesn''t align with the facts, they could argue that your statements are unreliable. That would severely impact your case in terms of property I quickly agreed. After a moment of thought, I pulled up Jocelyn''s recent post on my phone and showed it to Mr. Webb. He reviewed it and then discussed it with his team. me, he said, "From now on, Ms. York, please refrain from making any statements on any public tforms. We''ll need to manage your ounts to avoid any missteps. He instructed his "Tratta public statement for Ms. York to sign and post" Then, be added. "Make sure the statement in wless. It should elicit empathy and position Ms. York as the wronged parry." Then swift, profecistal response treasured me. Teri leaned over, pointing at the screen "Mr. Webb, take a look at these. They''re evidence of Elijah''s affairs" Leaving the makeshift meeting room. I wandered into the kitchen and poured myself a drink My mind was nk. It had been over a month since my attempted suicide and subsequent memory loss, and it still felt like I was stuck in a dream. upon waking, I would still be the pathetic, disgraced eldest daughter of the York family, mocked by everyone. I rubbed my phone between my fingers, staring at a number saved there-a namber I couldn''t bring myself to call it was Jonathan''s I''d opened and loved the contact countless times, torn between the urge to reach out and the fear of his rejection. The same be other who had once locked down a door to rescue me in my most desperate moment, yet now refused to see me. I had asked Logan about it more than once, but he never gave me an answer. I''deven asked Ter, but the evaded the topic entirely, unwilling to see me hurt.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. I stared nkly at the number, feeling my eyes sting with unshed tears. Right now, I had two wishes to divorce Elijah and return to the work family, hoping for their forgiveness. The afternoon slipped by Nu Web and his team gathered ample evidence, their confidence visibly restored from yesterday. They''d managed to trace the five billion investment back to my maternal grandmother''s This detail further supported funds were my own par marital asset Hary checked my bank ounts and found tur, over the past five years, Elijah had rarely tamtered any money to me Oddly enough. I felt indifferent about it. I had no love for him, and with my memory loss, I truly didn''t care how he treated me. Chapter 106 I mentioned, "He''s bought me a lot of jewelry, bags, clothes, and other expensive items. Those add up to a fair amount. Str. Webb adjusted his sses. These would be considered gifts, and the court typically wouldn''t order them returned. However, Ms Cornell may not be so lucky.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. "The money transfers she posted herself, along with some of the high-value items, can all bepiled as assets for recovery." Minked, taken aback. Teri burst intoughter. "Perfect! That queen of takery clearly hasn''t kept up with the new civil code) All these are technically marital assets!" Irtook a moment for it all to sink in "So not only can I reim my investment in Linden Group, but I might also ims a significant portion of his assets and leave Jocelyn empty-handed?" Teri grinned "Exactly! You got!" Turning to Mr. Webb, she added, "Mr. Webb, make sure to collect every piece of evidence you can. Let''s bring Elijah to his knees" With a smile, Mr. Webb replied. "Bankruptcy might be a stretch, but we can certainly cause significant financial damage" I nodded gratefully. Thank you, Mr. Webb. I''m counting on you." After seeing him off. I checked the Teri asked, "Are you really going to meet that guy? Do you want me to go with you? I showed her the address, besitating. "This ce doesn''t look dangerous, tight?" After a long look, Teri shrugged. "It''s hard to say. But I go with you. There''s no way I''m letting a beautiful woman like you go alone "Don''t rell Logan," I said quiddy. "He''d never agree to it." She smirked, teasing. "Already keeping servers from the hubby?" 1 Blushed. "Stop I just don''t want him worrying" Teri Laughed. "If you don''t want him to worry, maybe you shouldn''t go at all just saying." Despite the jokes, I knew I had to go After dinner, I sent Logan a quick message saying I was going shopping with Ter. The two of us took a cab to the address the guy had given me. ?nce we arrived, we stared up at the massive neon-lit sign, feeling at a loss Teriched the address, frowning. "This is the right ce, but it doesn''t look like a club at all." I looked uncertain. "He said he''d be inside, in VIP Suite" Teri shrugged. "Guess we''d better go check Worst-case scenario, we''ll know it''s a scam" Teri held up her phos. "We''ll call the cops. No one messes with the police." With mutual awANSUTADGE, WE made our way inside. We grabbed an attendant and asked him to take us to VIP Suite 55. He gave us a strange lock, sizing us up, but to his credit, he didn''t say anything and led us to the VIP area. He stopped outside the entry, politely asking, "Could I see your levitation code, please?" was confused. "Whut invitation code?" He smiled, maintaining his professionalism. "ess to the VIP area is restricted. I can''t let you in if you don''t have an invitation code Alternatively, your friend cane out to bring you I quickly sent the guy a message on WhatsApp, inquesting the invitation code. A momentter, he replied with the code With that, we were sinolly escorted into VIP Suite 88. The door opened, and we were hit by a wave of strong perfume mixed with the scent of alcohol and cosmetics. Ainid the Lavish surroundings, Exported none other than Norman sitting casually on a couch He leaned back, looking avery at the care yboy, and by two tuning young women with perfect figures and delicate features, e ces, each curled up on either sick, Laughing and chaining Hapter 107 1 rock in the massive VIP suite, which was filled with young man who seemed to be trust fund babies, each with a beautiful woman by his side. These girls were all dressed to impress, exuding the kindel mour that could easily make 11 finally made sense why the server had looked at Teri and me so strangely. One of us was in a simple white cotton dress, and th While our outfits were quality, they clearly works apart from the morinas fashion cholres of these girls Terinosed me, frowning "So, who is it? Do you recognize him?" I pointed to the most striking man in the center. "71''s him. Norman, 1 should''ve known" Sure enough. Norman noticed us and, with a mischievous grin, raised his ss and strode over with his long, praceful steps He came to a stop in front of me, his deep, fox-like eyes sparkling with amusement. "Arianna, there you are! toaught a strong strong whitt of alcohol on him and instinctively took a step back. "Why is it you? other in a tracksuit and sneakers. Noman pulled out his phone, ipping to a screen with a sly smile. "You needed help, so here I am. Turns out I have a bunch of rowdy friends who love taking pictures and videos." Tel''s rest up. "So, you''ve got a lot of dirt, right?h Norman nced at his phone again, his smile growing even mole devilish. "Oh, plenty. I''d say at least a gigabyte''s worth it''s starting to eat into my phone''s storage." I immediateh said, "Thank you, really. Mr. Norman, would you mind sending me the evidence?" However, Norman only smirked "What''s the rush? So you''re here why not y a few round with us y what?tore I knew it, he had wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me over to a nearby card table. Tel quickly followed as if wallied he''d give me trouble. Thier young men dressed in thetest streetwear sat at able, all with a slightly disheveled, drowsy look Their slon was pale, their hair dyed pastel pink, blue, or streaked with highlights, and tattoos peeked from under their sleeves. Their essories and watches alone probably cost a fortune, I finally took a moment to look at Norman''s out. He wore ck tapered jopers, slightly cropped to reveal a bit of aide thanks to his long legs, paired with a in white shirt, The shirt looked like something he''d thrown un casually, devoid of any logo or branding, yet somehow its fit perfectly captured his effortless, rebellious the. Norman settled into a seat, motioning to a sever. "Bring a chair for her," he said, gesturing to me, The three other guys hooted in mock surprise. "Mr. Wood, you brought your sister-inw along?" with a cigarette dangling from his lips, Norman shot them a yful gate. "Don''t get any ideas. She''s my actual sister-inur." They in Kandy silenc Norman took a drag from has cigarette, then spoke with a grin. "Future sister-inw, I heard my my brother''s already introducing her to the family patriarchs." The three young men stated, lookingpletely stunned. I shifted ufortably in my seat. Noticing my unease, Norman Jeaned in close to whisper, "Don''t worry-they won''t bite." 1 shrank back a bit. "Mr. Norman, just give me the evidence. I don''t even know how to y cards."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. However, Norman didn''t budge, clearly enjoying my drool. He leaned in close to my ear his voice low a and teasing. "Why the cash? You''re out for the evening-why not enjoy a few His breath was warm on my rat, sending a shiver down my spine. My heart skipped a beat as it something had sparked it Turned to look at him. I face was so close I could see every detail Normas had the same sharp, handsome features a Logan, but there was a wild edge to him that set him apart. fir deep -set with a slight Main look, light harel in color, and gazing into them felt like staring into the eyes of a wolt Chapter 108 My heart skipped a beat, and quickly averted my gare Norman seemed to pick up on my thoughts. He purposefully blew a wa puff of smoke in my direction, then turned to the othe II "Alright. Let''s y a few roundu." I nced at Teri for help, but she just shrugged, helpless The game began, with Norman handing the custom-made chest ser, his graceful movements somehow exading an air of elegance... "Knight" he said, casually moving the cheuamen, taking a slow drag of his cigarette as he squinted at the others. "Hah! Gotcha! I win!" one of the gays across from him cheered, rubbing his hands together. Normanughed and cursed. "Such a small win, and you''re that excited Fine them. Take it." They startedcounting points and rearranging the chessmen I watched as Norman casually tossed a wad of cash onto the table. Iched my head, feeling lost when I saw that they were ying for real money. Noman-caught my gaze and asked, "Did you get the hang of it?" I shook my head. "I never learned this." One of the guys across from us chuckled "Noway How could you not know? Aren''t you Atana? Back in the day, you''d sit beside Elijah and win plenty of money off us." Finally, someone couldn''t hold back from spilling the truth froze Terlimmediately jumped in "She''s got nothing to do with that scumbag Elijah anymore!" "oh, right. Did you guys see the trending news today? That mistress Jocelyn started rearing Elijah apart publicly." the then said whileughing, "Elijah''s in hot water now." Norman''s expression darkened, and he mmed his chesamen onto the table. "Since when has he been a friend to any of you? Do you want a friend so badly? Then get out!" The there yers instantly went silent. One of them hurriedly stammered an apology "Mr. Wood, can''t be mad. tr''s just habit. Elijah is nothing in Halton City anyway-just a parasite living off women." The others quickly chimed in, "Yeah. He''s just a pretty boy who leeches off women. Now, he''s finally getting his karma" Another guy, glued to his phone,ughed. "It''s all over the Inte-two of them! "Oh, and, Mr. Wood, your ount''s trending too. Looks like the evidence from your buddies is hitting hard." Only then did a sellereturn to Norman''s face. Seeing him smile, the others started showering him with praise. Another round started, and Norman ended up losing to all I looked at the money, stunned - it was in Stateside notes yers. Without botting an eye, he threw down three stacks of cash. Three stacks, each at least ten to 30 thousand. That meant Norman had just lost over 100 thousand dors in a single round? That was serious money. I couldn''t help but feel a pang of sympathy. Suddenly, Norman grabbed my hand. "My luck''s off tonight. Arianna, why don''t you try a He pulled me over to the table. Helt flustered. "I really don''t know how to y." Norman gave a way sode. "Really?" 1 lowered my voice. "Thave memory loss " "Memory loss?" He studied me with an amused as ya hand for m th Ismile for a moment and finally said, "Alright. I teach you. If we lose, it''s on me. If we win, the money''s yours." IfBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Before Bould prosu, the game stated. With a nervous heart, I picked up my chewusen, arranging them climady in no particr order. Then, a slender hand genity Book Bolded mine, pulling me to organize the chessmen properly, one by one. His hand felt different from Logan''s warm, dry, but equally graceful, with defined knuckles. He wore a tinum ring with an unusual design on his middle finger. He leaned in close, his breath tickling year. " you win, I''ll give you the evidence. Deal? Chapter 109 My heart stile anda ment, or pot to pull away "Hurry up and y The guy who''d won earlier called out impatiently Hesitantly, I ced down a "South Pawn Norman chuckled "Nice move! ying the South Pawn-may it being you smooth sailing With an, he took another diag from his cigarette, aqusting my chessmen for me again. Truthfully, Ild know a little about chess. Growing up, Tolten watched my mom y with her friends, though watching was one thing-ying was anotherN?velDrama.Org owns all content. As I gradually picked up the rules, I found may well getting the hang of it until I looked down at my pieces and realized I had a checkmate. I nced at Norman, unsure. He casually flicked his cigarette ash and gave me a nudge. "You''ve por it! Time to collect!" He stood up, calling out loudly, "She won! Hand over the cash!" The other three groaned, reluctantly digging in their pockets. "No way! Mr. Wood''s hack just med. She''s won back everything he lost earlier. We need to go another round The game res resumed, with Norman sitting next to me and asionally guiding my moves, sew morefortable, I began to understand why so many people found the game so thrilling Each piece opened up multiple possibilities for deferent strategies it was ammually pretty fun Caught up in the excitement, 1 lost track of time. Round after cound, I kept winning with triple millipers, y pile of winnings steadily by growing. Even Teri joined in, eagerly counting my In the final game, Inded yet another perfect checkmate with a race, grandmaster-level move The thither yers les out exaggerated groam. "Ugh! We''ve lost so much in one night! "No moce, no more. Anna''s luck is unbeatable. We can''t keep up! "Yeah, right! She said she didn''t know how to y, but clearly, she''s a prof One of them even gave me a mock, seful look, which made me feel a bit guilty Norman, counting stack of bills with a satisfied smile, nced at them and smirked, "What are you all whining about? Paying respect to nna is worth every penny, isn''t it? He turned to each of them, giving them a nudge "simon, didn''t your dad want to take on that Bailey Hills maintenance contract? Tomorrow, go talk to this person. Tell your dad to bring you along, and mention my name. ban, to another, he said. "Gabriel, what are you whining about? You lost the least tonight. And that Patek Philippe you wanted? I''ll get it for your birthday. "And you, Sebastian. Keep talking that I love hearing it, and I''m sure she does, too. Aren''t you chasing after that girl, Georgina Kelly lend you a car to Impress her " Their sour expressives immediately turned to smiles, and they started singing Norman''s praises-along with a fewpliments for me. Just then, the door opened, and a server was trying to bold someone back, saying, "Mr. Linden, please! Mr. Linden. Flooked up, but before I could process what was happening, a strong hand grabbed my arm, yanking me so hard that I almost fell off my chair. Norman Merved quickly, pulling me into his arms and away from Elijah''s grasp, The room fell silent. Esjak red at me, his eyes filled with anger andisentment. "I didn''t expect to find you hera 1 iradied myself, meeting his gaze calmly. "I didn''t expect to see you here wither, Mr. Linden. Must bete " He pointed at Norman, standing protectively in front of me. "How do you know him?" Norman swatted Elijah''s hand away, imirking with a casual disdain. "What''s with the temper, Mr. Linden? Something got under your skin today?" The mom erupted inughter. The others weren''t on Elijah''s side and clearly felt no need to show him any respect Bijali''s dare sanded on Norman. "Mi Wood, what''s your game?" Not man picked kin mat with a picky, Telening confusion. "What''s my game? I don''t know what you''re talking about, Mr. ken." Elijah unteled, "Pasing dir seems like you''re quite skilled at kicking people when they''re down, aren''t you?"; Chapter 110 Norman gave a shy smile. "06? Is that so? Isn''t it Elijah''s dealing poddess, Jocelyn, who started spilling the tea? I''m just helping the public see the truth." Sameone couldn''t hold back and snickered I watched Norman stomp allo Elijah''s sore spots while ja seed powerless to stop him. I couldn''t help butugh Elijah saw my reaction and seethed "ima, you However, I quickly cut him off. "What does this have to do with me? Jocelyn ins you deceived her. Maybe you should exin yourself to her instead embarrassing yourself here. Elijah''s gaze dashrted. "And what does hanging out with him neat I let out a decisiveugh. "Mr. Linden, I''m divorcing you. We''re done. I''m free to be with whoever I want, and if I feel going out, I will. You have no say over me anymore." Hisare tumed ashen as he took a step closer as if to drag me away. Norman instantly pulled me behind him, hands in his pockets, his stance rxed yet challenging "Mr. Linden, do you really think you can cause a scene on my Elith''s some was icy. "Mr. Wood, she''s still my wife. I''d advise you not to meddle in other people''s family matters" Norman chuckled and turned to his friends behind him. "Tid you hear that? He''s calling A York his wife. Since when was that old nem?" Elijah''s face darkened even further. With azy smile, Norman took out his phone and ca silly yed a recording "Don''t bring up that lunatic Ariana to me. I don''t have any feelings for her she''s just a fool, a toy got bored of Mrs. Linden''s title is going to belong too sooner orter." One of the prys chimed in, "But Mr. Linden, didn''t Ms. York give you a massive wedding pti? Word is she''s got 50 million dors in cash under her name." Elijah''s slightly drunken voice continued, "so million dors means nothing. She''s i The room fell silent. I felt a rush of blood to my head, then a cold wave crashing down. My mind buzzed "Stop pestering me. I''m just out socializing to you really need to keep tabs on me 24/7! **) cold you, there''s nothing between me and Jocelyn Why are you as jealous? "I swear I don''t love Jocelyn-I only love you." I slowly raised my head, the pain in my temples throbbing. But those phrases kept echoing in my mind. Elijah''s Lips moved "Ari, L." I forced myself to keep calm, smirking coldly. "Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Linden." Elijah''s face twisted with anger and embarrbent, Suddenly, he lunged at me, iching out to grab me. fragments of painful memories began resurfacing. But Norman reacted instantly, delivering a swift, powerful kick directly to Elijah''s stomach Elijah doubled over, catching his abdomen, and copsed onto the floor. Elijah''s endutage stepped forward, intent on helping him. Nocean''s friends, however, leaped to block their path. Gabriel jumped onto the ss table, holding a beer bottle, and yelled, "Nobody move! Il anyone Luches M Wood, I''ll go all out with him. Norman scanned Elijah''s group with a mocking smile Lighting a cigarette, he leaned back, eyes, half-i Elmed. "Anyone willing to risk it, step up. Otherwise, crawl out of here." Elijah''s friends, who usually just tagged along with him for fun, clearly had no intention of getting hurt for his sake. One by one, they backed down and fled. Norman turned to me without sparing a nce at the crumpled Elijahson the floor. "Are you hungry, Anna How about somete-night snacks?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. I warned to shake my head, but Norman grabbed my hand grinning "Come on, let''s go. I''m starving" He joined to Trai, who was pinning from ear to pay. "Hey, beautiful, help Arianna gailie het winnings!" Teri jumped into action, quickly stuffing the Statesade notas into a bag, grinning so widely it looked like her face night split. Chapter 111 The the of us stepped outside where three shy Ferraris were waiting the same friends who''d been ying chess with Norman earlies They strolled ever, prinning "tr. Wood, where to with Arianna?" Norman casually mentioned a spot, and with a chee, they hopped into their cars. Naturally, each car had a stunning young woman riding shotgun Teri tugged on my sleese "These pays are total yboys." Inodded. "Well, for the evidence, we''ll just have to put up with it for a bit." Touldn''t help but nce at the ck bag Teri was clutching tightly-a bog stuffed with Stateside notes. "And besides, there a lot of money here. Mentioning the money parked Ternight up. Her aches and pains disappeared, and anyints about these yboys vanished aswell Norman decided to dich his Ferrari and instead found a convertible that could fat the three of u Four cars oned down the road, tearing through the streets and zing through red lights. It was like a scene from the movie Earing Legends-a high-speed showdown of pure adrenaline. After leaving Halton City, we finally stopped at a small seafood shack in a fishing vige. It seemed they were well-acquainted with the restaurant''s owner as they all called out their seders Loudly upon arrival. The owner, Nelson Hiller, a sun-tunned, no nonsman in his sos, locked every bit the seasoned fisherman He broke into a broad smile when he saw Norman "Mr. Wood! You''re here just in time-I caught a huge Norwegian Salmon this morning! This one could easily go for tem to 20 grand at the Nelson proudly brought out the fish for us to see, and sure enough, it was enormous, its scales glistening a golden hue.. Norman grinned, patting Nelson''s shoulder. "Perfect. Let''s give Arianna a taste of the best" Nelson noticed me by Norman''s side and beamed "is this your girlfriend, Mr. Wood? She''s so pretty! She has the look of a sweet munchkin!" In the local dialect, "munction" was an affectionate term for a sweet, beloved girl-term of pure endearment Norman Laughed. "I wish! But no se''s my brother''s girlfriend" Then he raised an eyebrow with a grin. "Isn''t she just beautiful and ssy?" Nelson Laughed heartily "Ah, Mr. Logan''s girlnd Well, he finally has one! This calls for a celebration. Don''t you worry, munchlin, I''ll cook up the best salman just for you! ith a festive air, he bustled off to the kitchen. down, sipping tea and waiting for the food to arrive. The gentle seats, carrying a hint of salt, brought back childhood memories I wandered over to the seafood stuck''s terrace, gazing at the distant horizon where small fishing boats bobbed, their lights flickering as they casts in the shallows Footsteps sounded behind me, and the familiar scent of cigarette smoke told me it was on. With a cigarette in his mouth, he asked, "So, Arianna, what''s on your mind? Are you feelingBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. I used to face the striking young man, realizing just how perceptive he was." was. "How did Norman exiled a put of this for-like eyes narrowing with amet. "You and bun''s local dialect. You must''ve lived in a ce like this before." 1 uided. "Wire deduction, but I know you probably did your homework. You know I was raised by my grandmother." Norman smiled, taking another drag of his cigarette. Twatched his curfree stance, noting the air of elegance he exuded, even in a casual setting like this. k, you''d still Iration had sses, Logan would be in the top tier. He carried an unmistakable, natural-barn elegance, like some out of an old legacy Lamily. Even if he wore a potato sack, Tfer was something extraordinarT Noeman, even while slouching in: cout his phone, greing it a few taps. and drinking beer, nosented a charming prince straight out of a fairy tale, vibrant an Seiring the mixeurt, Lasked, "I desperately the evidence to prove that Elijah was unfaithful in our marriage." Norman Bone cut Chapter 112 My phone burned, and I quickly opened it to find an array of photos and videos. After just a few nces, Fenuldn''t bring myself to look further. "There you go. And there''s plenty more where that came from," Norman said with a mischievous smirk. "So, do you really want to take Eliah down? Is your bead on straight? Or are you just feeling extra boldtely?" From his tone. I could tell that Norman was aware of my "history"-all the times I''d been blind to Elijah''s true nature. Feeling awkward, I mumbled. "1-1 just don''t want to be humiliated anymore." Norman raised an eyebrow, chuckling dismissively. "You''re lying" He stared at me with his intense, tax-like eyes. "Comeone honest with me, and I''ll give you the juiciest stuff I''ve got Hesitating Trecalled Mr. Webb''s advice from earlier. Sering my conflicted expression, Norman teased. "Still not telling the troth? Hmm?" Finally, I admitted. 1-1 lost memory, and I don''t love Elijah anymore." For a moment, Norman froze, then burst outughing so loudly that his friends waiting for food nearby turned to see what was going on. Embarrassed, 1 tugged at his sleeve. "Stop Laughing What''s so funny?" Norman tried to control isughter, grinning, "Alright. That''s good. If you''ve forgotten him, that''s even better." 1 quickly added, "But you have to keep it a secret. Otherwise, I might lose the divorce case." Seeing how cautious was, Norman could est utiling my hair, leaning in close to blow a ceasing breath by my ear "Don''t worry, Arianna. Your secret''s safe with m The mature of his unique cologne and faint cigarette en stirred an unexpected spark within me With a te wink, he slid his hands back into his pockets and entered ahead Teri, sensing something was up, came over. "What did Mr. Wood say to you?" I showed her the idence on my phone-photos and videos of Elijah''s indiscretions. Tori beamed. "Well, this trip was worth is!" Bur couldn''t shake frowning slightly. "Why do I feel like there''s something odd about Norman?" that Teri raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Are you kidding? He''s been flirting with you the whole time! He keeps calling you Arianna, but the way he looks at you. Well, let''s just say he''s got th elschievous gleam in his eye.** I staminaced. "No way!" But despite my words, a hint of difort lingered. Norman was the type who thrived in nightlife and knew exactly how to charm. Few women could probably resist him. Luckily, he wasn''t my type. Just then, we were called over for the meal Teck eagerly pulled me along to join the others for thete-night beast it was my first time having a seafood meal at a beachide shack with strangers. The dishes were fat from fancy, but they were incredibly fresh and vorful.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Sea folk enjoyed simple cooking, much like my grandmother had. To my surprise, I ended up eating quite a b¨¦t. After everyone had their fill, Normando un back to Halton Cry When we reached by apartment, he opened the door and nced back, noticing Teri, who was fast asleep, still clutching the bag full of cash, He duckded uddly, "Your friend bere is quite something" Itrased, "Are you interested in her? I could introduce you! In a will move, Notman pag the car door froze, arms instinctively crossing over my chest, staring at him in shock. With Bonds braced beside me, kus tall figure towered over me, caging in gazed down with a sly smile, like a well-fed,zy leopard eyeing his prey, curious to see if it would make Chapter 113 My voice stammered, "Mr. Wood, what are you trying to do?" Norman gave arg smile. "Nothing" I managed to gather myposure, "Then what do you want to say?" He kept staring at me intently as if trying to read my thoughts. Suddenly, he asked, "Do you really like my brother? I started blushing "Uh, I think your brother''s a good person." Norman chacked softly. "I''m not so bad miselt, you know?" Treplied awkwardly, "You''re differ from your brother." He cabeda perfectly arched brow "How so? Have you tried me out?" I was left speechless. His words felt flirtatious, yet I had no proof. Blushing furiously, I nervously pushed against him. don''t know. Let me go- can''t breathe" But instead of backing. Non leaned in even closer, his smirk growing. My heart skipped a beat. Here was this devastatingly handsome man, wuding that maddening charm. Honestly, it was a bit overwhelming I stammered. "Th-this isn''t okay. What someone catches us on camera? He looked entirely bothered. "No one cares enough to take photos of us. And even if they did, my family''s used to ignoring my scandals," Frustrated, I said, "Tut I care about my reputation..." Normanughed. "Trust me, your reputation isn''t much better than mine." I was momentarily speechless upon hearing that. Finally, he relented, letting me go "Alright. I''ll stop teasing you. But make sure you get that divorce from that maniac Elijah I don''t want Logan to have any loose ends." I nodded, eager to make my escape. Wait a second," Nocmum called out I turned back, confused He smirked, pointing to the car, where Teri was still sound asleep, clutching the bag of money. "Did you forget something? Your maid, the one who wouldn''t let go of the money, sleeping in my car." His description was teasing but urate. Thurried over, opened the door, and gently shook Trl awake. "Come on. We''re here, "Isaid. Teri poggly wiped the drool from her mouth. "Oh, we''re here already? Man, I''m on the mbered out, giving Norman a sleepy smile, I quickly tapped her away, and as we stepped into the elevator, I nced back involuntarily. Norman was still leaning against his ear, watching us with azy smirk. I tell my fare flush as I turned back. When the elevator arrived, I pulled Teri in quickly. is stillThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. The next morning, Teri woke me up again, bouncing on my bed like a monkey that had just eaten a banana. "There Liendag toples! Jocelyn''s career is tanking now. Even if she survives this, she''ll be a publicughingstock" She shoved her phone in my face. I rubbed my eyes and looked at the screen, suddenly spotting the third trending tople-It had my My twat skipped a beat, and I quickly clicked on it. To my relied, it was just a statement Ma. Webd posted from my ount The statement was straightforward in sply announced my intent to and my five-year marriage with Elijah. Nothing else was mentioned. But underneath that simple statement as a whole world ofmentary Chapter 114 Charter There werements supporting Jocelyn, saying I clung to Elijah obsessively in the past, which was why I''d be Mrs. Linden, and that she''d been deceived because of me infecterence Others supported me, saying that since Elijah chose me, he should be responsible Cheating on his wife was an act of disloyalty to the marriage Then there were the un-called "neutral"ments, suggesting that although Elijah had cheated, perhaps I also bose some me Beading that made meugh in exasperation. Honestly, maybe it was because I was still mentally stuck at 15, but couldn''t understand why victims were often asked to self-reflect on whether they''d done anything wrong. This world had really be unfamiliar to me. I pushed my phone away, not wanting to read more. Ter, on the other hand, was fully invested. "Lood Ever since Norman posted those videos exposing Elijah, people have been turning on Jocely calling her a fake sweetie." She mid with glee. "She''s definitely going to crash and burn." Taeminded het, "She still jus that solo concetroming up. This might actually make her more famous Teri scoffed, "Infamous, maybe. Let''s see how long her lurksts. And she was nning that celebratory hangit too, wasn''t she? Bet that''s out of the question now. Serves her tight." Terl''sment reminded me of that hanquet. Maybe Jocelyn, realizing Elijah wouldn''t back her anymore, had decided to just burn all bridges. Seeing myck of enthusiasm, Teal shook me "You should fight back! Make sure thave two get what they deserve" Teil gave me a disapposed look. "Norman gave you all that dato online and destroy them with a I shook my head. "There''s no need for thi Teri shoe me a re. "Arl, you''ve changed" Treplied, "Chaven''t changed-I''m just seeing things dearly.- I thought for a moment and then asked, "What if I found a job?" Trailooked at me in shock ''Tuh You want to work?" I sighed, "Or maybe take some sses? Tran''t just around all day" Teni modded thoughtfully. "Yeah, why don''t you go back to ss? Didn''t you lour your memory? Or aybe pick up design again, the thing you loved mo You worked so hard to get into the School of Arts and Design at Halton University, but for Elijah, you let your grades slip: What a waste." Tringed was young and cluelen" Teri gave a dramatic sigh. "Love couch the mind tragi."Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. I pushedbei yfully, "Enough about me! You should be looking for a job, too." Teci pouted dramatically. "Oh, I see how it is. I''m just the third wheel in your romance with CLD Mr. Wood, huh?" I mmeted, "N-no, it''s not that-let me exin!" Frigning hurt, she clutched her heart and walked out of the tour, but then turned back with a grin "Hey, finding a job is easy! You can just get CM. Wood to set me up at Wood Group. It''s miles better than my lousy old job" Thesitated "Are you sure?" Te quickly ashed her college transcript and tume "Come on, ask him today! You''ve got nothing else to do anyway Consider it a little perk for your best friend who''s been caught up in all this drama " Reluctantly, I messaged Logan. He didn''t reply immediately, which made senar-he was probably busy By the afternoon, Logan''s call finally came through. He asked, "Does Ms. Stuart have a resume teady?" I nced at Teil, who nodded eagerly. "Yes, she does." Logan seemed to smile on the other end. "Have her bring it to the headquarters this afternoon for an interview in the HR department." blinked, surprised "Thadass? Logan replied, "Isn''t she in a hurry to find a job All 1 could do was mumble a quick "okay" before hanging up and rying the news to Terl She rolled her eyes. "W, CED Mr. Wood really is a capitalist at heart. He couldn''t even let me for a day before I quickly defended him, "He''s just trying to help you settle in as soon as possible." Teri smirked, "Look at you, defending him already. And you''re not even mailed to Mr. Wood yet! It''s like you''ve already tram Logan " Chapter 115 Realizing she might have overdone it. Teri quickly focused on Iso drastically By after him, with her resume polished and ready, she dragged me along to the towering headquarters of the Wood Group My memory of Halton City was still stuck seven years in the past, sal hadn''t expected the city center in have transformed so Anew high-end CBD area had been developed, with gleaning soscrapers conveying nothing but prip We both tell a bit nervous as we approached the Wood Group building. For me, it was the thought of wing Log For Ter. It was the job interview The receptionist, Ms. Caroline Ross, noticed us and greeted us politely. "Hello,dies. Howean I assist you? 1 hesitated to a moment, stammering. "I''m here to see... Mr. Wood" Sass blinked in spam. "Mr. Wood Do you have an appointment?" 1 quickly started scrolling through my phone. Teri chucked beside me, giving an apologetic smile. "It''s our first time here-we didn''t realize we needed one." Ms. Runs kindly showed us to a nearby seating area and even brought over some water. She smiled as she exined, "Since it''s office hours, anyone visiting needs an appointment unless they''re conant employers." I nodded in understanding best then, the elevator doors opened, and a group of f people stepped out. Leading them was a storming woman in a ck business suit, her tall, slim figure and perfectly styled hair making. her imposible to thista. Three tants followed her, and as she walked past, she spoke to the person escorting her out "Please let Mr. Wood know that ourpany is sincerely interested in partnering with the Wood Group. If there are any questions, he can reach out to me directly." The man she was speaking to appeared to be a middle-aged manager from Wood Group, who responded with utmost courtesy "Of course. Have te trip, Ms. Bryant. The elegant woman addressed as "Ms Bryant" seemed like she wanted to say more, but with the clear signs of a formal send-off, she held her tongue. As she walked past us, a wave of her sophisticated perfume wafted in the air. couldn''t help but admire her. She was at least five feet nine inches tall, with fair skin, striking features, and long, elegant limbs - true beauty Terinded me out of my daze. "Come on Let''s head up." I quickly informed Ms. Russ that Mr. Russell from the CEO''s office would being down to escort us. She looked surprised "Mr. Russell?ch understood." Her demeanor immediately ted to be even more weing "It seems you two are important guests of Mr. Wood I apologize for the wait." She promptly reced our water with fresh coffee and offered as some snacks. A few moments. Later, a young man with sses hurried over. Upon spatting us, he quickly apologized. "I''m so sorry. I was in a meeting with the representative from Regal Corp andpletely forgot about Mr. Wood''s instructions."N?velDrama.Org owns all content. Apologizing once more guided us toward the elevator brimming with curiouty, Teri asked, "Was that nning woman just now the manager om Regal Corp?" in nodded. "Yes. They''ve been eyeing the logistics sector Lect Sector Lecently and are looking to coborate with Wood Group. But out cure 1. Russell adjusted his sses, giving away smile as he busters doesn''t deally align with that, so Tril stook her head in wonder "Regal Cup! They''re one of the city''s top 20panies specializing in shipping-a well-established enterprise. Just seeing that stunning woman, feelitia powerful auta No wonder shur works for a majorpany." Me sell inled, trying to further, but couldn''t resist adding, "She really doesmand a presence- seven feet tall with the confidence to match. She walked in demanding to meet will Mi. Wood She''s not an ravy person to deal with." As ser continued our casual conversation, we need at the zand flour, Chapter 116 Mr. Russell personally escorted Teri to the HR department while I waited in the nearby lounge. But once they left, left, curiouty got the best of me, and I took the opportunity to look around. Standing by therge floor-to-ceiling windows on the 22nd floor, I looked down at the busy street below. The cars and people looked like tiny ants from this height. Isighed. Even York Group back then didn''t have offices this high up. The Wood family''s business was clearly on another level 1 was lost in thought, the door swung open "Who are you?" A sharp voice startled me from behind. I turned to see yet another her stunning, tall woman. The abundance of beautiful women in this high-end CBD area was Darex was starting to feel sumural. This woman was a manager named Julia Spencer She stood around five feet five inches call and had an impably maintained figure. Her hair was styled in a reddish-brown up-do I nodded politely "Hello, I''m here to see Mr. Wood" Ms. Spencer strode over, giving me a quick, assessing look. Her brow furrowed "Mr. Wood Which Mr. Wood? "Lopan Wood. "I rified" Her expression shifted, eyes narrowing "You''re here to see Mr. Wood? And who might you be to him?" He question caught me off pond Upon seeing my hesitation, Ms. Spencer''s expression shifted from surprise to disdain. "Mr. Wood is on an international conference call and won''t be seeing anyone. You should leave." I owned slightly. "I can wait." Unconvinced, she pressed on. "Whichpany are you from? Do you have an appointment? If not, there''s no way you''ll be able to see him. Mr. Wood''s schedule is very tight." 1 sighed, "No, I don''t have an appointment, but he asked me to wait for him here." She looked stated once again, and her frown deepened. "What? Then how did you get up here without an appointment?" Ms. Spencer turned and started calling for staff toe over. Het tone was grating, and 1 felt a growing irritation. Aher speaking with a staff member, who also didn''t seem to know what was going on, she strode back over to me, her heels clicking her attitude even more overbearing "Miss, who exactly are you to Mr. Wood? If you don''t answer, have security escort you out." I frowned "I''m his friend. Mr. Russell brought me up. Why don''t you ask him? She scoffed, looking at me with hostility. "Mr. Russell isn''t here right now, so how can I verily that? I started to lose my patience at this point, but I simply sat back on the couch and said, "If Mr. Russell in here, then I''ll wait for him to return. He brought me up, and without him, 1 wouldn''t have been able to use the elevator."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. She heurated, considering my point. In arge organization like this, elevator ess was restricted on each floor, and only authorized personnel could escort visitors up Het toe softened slightly. "Tine then. Please wait here while I go look for Mr. Russell'' Just as she was about to leave, she stopped, turned back to me, and scrutinized me closely. Confused by her behavior, I sat these under her intense paze. Suddenly, a look of realization crossed her face. "I think I know who you are." Her eyes widened, and she blurtedout, "You''re Mrs. Linden!" Chapter 177 Chapter 117 Honestly, bring recognized as Mrs. Linden was both embarassing and infuriating. No one in this world hated the word "Mrs. Linden" more than I did. I felt like an identity being imposed on me-a title that everyone seemed determined tobel me with despite myck of memory of it. Along with it came judgment and disdain, none of which I wanted. I pursed my lips, not intending to say anything to this woman.N?velDrama.Org owns all content. Upon realizing who I was, Ms. Spencer''s eyes filled with a look of contempt thinly veiled by a fake smile. "Oh, so you''re Mrs. Linden. Forgive me-I didn''t recognize you at first What brings you here? Didn''t Mr. Lindene with you?" Her questioning felt usatory, and I had no intention of humoring it. I simply wanted Teri to finish her interview quickly so we could leave. Upon seeing my difort, Ms Spencer only smiled more eagerly. "Mrs. Linden, I remember seeing you once at a business g three years ago. You and Mr. Linden seemed so happy gether back then." I responded with a nomittal "Oh." She watched my Lace, clearly hoping to elicit some response. I could feel my patience thinning, so I picked up my phone and began scrolling through it, pointedly ignoring her Her expression hardened, then shifted back to her polite facade. Temember when Mr. Linden was nominated for Top Ten Influential Figures and Most Stylish Gentleman. "It was all thanks to you, wasn''t it?" [frowned. "Warn?" With a smirk, she added. "Yes I believe you had a close rtionship with the event organizer, Mr. Tucker, back then." 1 owned again, sensing some veiled insinuation in her words, but without memories of the past seven years, I couldn''t fully grasp it. Seeing my puzzled expression, she asked, "Mrs. Linden, have you forgotten? Just as I was about to respond, Ten burst into the room, beaming "Ari, I passed the interview! I stood up quickly, grabbing her hand, only then realizing my palms were mmy with sweat. Teilooked at with concern. "What''s wrong? You don''t look well. She squeezed my hand. "Are you feeling sick?" 1shook my head. "No. I''m fine. Since you''re done, let''s go " Teti was even more confused. Tur aren''t you waiting for Mr. Wood? Hasn''t hee out to see you? Her distter seemed to irritate Ms. Spencer. The woman cleared her thenar. "Excuse me, please keep it down, There''s a contence room for department managers right next door." Teck nced at her. "And who are you?" The manager straightened, pride evident in her posture. "I''m julia Spences, bead of Public Rtions and Deputy HIL Manager. And you are? Teri nodded politely. "oh, so you''re Ms. Spencer. Nice to meet you" She gave her a brief had before turning back to me, continuing to ask about my well-being, practically ignoring Ms. Spencer Being tide lined didn''t sit well with Ms. Spencer, and her displeasure was obvious. She frowned and asked, "Miss, did you say you just passed an interview? Which position did y Terkreplied, "Assistant to the General Manager 1 justpleted the Interview, so it should be finalized." you apply tor?" Ms. Spencer scoffed at her confidence, pausing for a moment before replying, "Our recruitment process has three rounds. If you''ve only passed the first, there are still two more to go. Kuswing Terr''s temperament, I could tell she was holding backlus annoyance, probably only because Ma Spencer seemed like a senior manager in thepany. But Mi. Spencer had interrupted her one too many times, so Teri retorted, "Thank you, Ms. Spencer. Actually, I passed all the rounds today, so I''m set to join. HR told me to start the day Ma. Spencer''s disbelief was written all over her face. Impossible! Our department doesn''t operate that way. That''s not standard procedure" Terrepliedosolly, "If you don''t believe tur, go and HR your sell. I passed all three rounds, and they''ve already confirmed my start date." Muttering about how it couldn''t be possible, Ma Spencer stumed alt faith to verify it. With the space finally quiet, I grabbed Teal''s hand. "Let''s jou eu" Teled "Wait what? But you haven''t even seen Logan yet." She looked around anduped, "Hoorally, he''s got some terve, aking youe here and then not even showing up. Is he really that busy?" Chapter 118 I couldn''t wait to get out of there, so I grabbed Tea''s arm and headed out. As we walked, Trai pressed, "What did that woman say to you? You looked upset Thesitated for a minute and then said, "She recognized me as Elijah''s wife and brought up some business p from three years a. She even said "Even said what?" Teri demanded, tightening her grip on my a I sighed. "She imed that Elijah''s awards for Top Ten Influential Figines and Most Stylish Gentleman were all because of my help." The moment I said it, Tert''s expression darkened, and her voice sharpened. "What else did she say?" I thought back "She mentioned 1 was supposedly close with the event organizer, Mr. Tucker " "Fuck" Teri''s anger red up immediately. She grabbed my shoulders and asked, "Did she say anything else?" Startled by her reaction, I went pale "N-no... that wasil" 1 tried to calm her down. "Don''t be mad. She didn''t really do anything." However, Ten''s eyes were red and fury. She yelled, "She was literally humiliating you, Anil Don''t you realize that she made a total fool of you right in front of everyone?" At that moment, Ms. Spences walked back into the room. She looked thoroughly displeased. "Ms. Stuart, I''ve confirmed that you did pass the interview, but Before she could finish, Testormed on and, without hesitation, delivered a sharp p across her face. The p echoed in the room, and Ms. Spencer staggered, nearly talling Holding her cheek, she stared at Teri in shock However, Teri wasn''t done. She grabbed Ms. Spencer''s hair, yanking it. "You think you can humiliate my friend? Let''s see how you like it now! "Damin you, you trash-talking snake! Spitting poison everywhere you go-I''ll teach you a lesson!" Teri''s outburst left me stunned, while M Spencer''s hair came undone, her perfect updo now a messy tangle. Her face was bright red, and her clothes were being torn as Teri went at her with surprising ferocity The whole lounge was in chaos. Upon hearing themotion, staff outside rushed over to see what was happening As they arrived, someone yelled, "Get outy! There''s a light" I snapped out of it and hurried to pull Teri Back I always new Teri had a quick temper, but I hadn''t expected her to go this far Ten pushed my hand away and shouted, "Don''t stop me! I''m gonna beat the shit out of this birch! She''s nothing but trouble."Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Desperate, I tried to separate them. Teri, stop! You''ll use your job-don''t make things worse!" Mr. Spencer was screaming, her voice high-pitched and filled with tear. She yelled, "Call the police! Get this lunatic away from me! We can''t let someone like this work here! Oh, my hair- thedemons, they''re expensive-stop!" Teri had already yanked out a good chunk of Ms. Spencer''s extensions. The more Teri fought, the fiercer she became, shoving me away every time I tried to hold her back A couple of male employees finally managed to restrain Teil, though none of the female staff seemed willing in help Ms. Spencer Finally, Logan arrived, nked by a few acostants. Upon seeing him, I instinctively shrank back Logan took in the mess and nced "Don''t worry. It''s okay, "be murmured toolingly d nced at my pale face before rushing to my side wrapping me in his arms. He surveyed the room and ordered the security guards, "Separate everyone. Let''s cool ulf first. He added firmly, "No one calls the With that, be quickly led me and Teck out of the lounge Chapter 119 In the expansive president''s office, Teri was still visibly agitated I tried several times to get her to sit and drink some water, but she couldn''t ralm down. She turned to Logan, practically fusing "That woman, Julia Spencer-what kind of manager is she here? You need to fire her immediately! I panicked and covered her mouth. "Stop, Teri Lopan can''t just do that. Please, let''s not make a scene. Teri pulled my hand away, her eyes red and furious. "Ari, jast be quiet! Do you understand what I''m doing here? I''m protecting you! "You have to listen to me. If Logan can''t protect you, then he''s no better than Elijah. You''d be better off living alone than ending up with a man who won''t stand by you!" I was stunned I''d never seen Teri like this. In all my memories, Teri had always been fiery and straightforward, but her anger was never directed at me. She''d never spoken so harshly to me The two of us had always been each other''s support, never exchanging bitter words But today, something was different. She was scolding me me...L...". Tears welled up and fell before Toldeontrol them, and 1 chokedout, "Teri, tell me what''s going on. Don''t be mad at me.. Maybe i was the sight of my bears that pulled her back to reality Teri took a deep breath, struggling to calm down, and after a feir moments, she turned to Logan, who had been silent, and said, "Mr. Wood, this was my mistake today. I apologize to you an yourpan Logan''s expression remained calm andposed. "There''s no need to apologize just yet, Ms. Stuart, I understand something serious must have happened. Could you tell me exactly wha Terl was clearly holding back her anger, but she replied, each word measured, "The truth is that woman, Julia, bullied my friend." Logan turned to me. "Ari, what exactly did Ms. Spencer do?" 1 wiped my eyes, whispering, don''t really know. Her attitude was a bit off, but it wasn''t anything too had nothing major happened." Teristepped forward, try rekindled. "Ari don''t even realize she was mistreated because she''s lost her memory! She has no idea when people say things or do things out of malice!" Upon hearing this, Logan''s expansion became serious, and he reached for my hand it looked at me intently. "Ari, what did Ms. Spencer way? Or do? His hand was warn, a stark contrast to my cold fingers. 1 shook my head I don''t understand. I couldn''t really sell" Logan took a moment, then nodded. "Alright. We have surveince footage. You don''t need to exin anything I''ll have someone retrieve the video." Then, be moved to make a call. However, Teri grabbed my arm and spoke to Logan in a tense tone. "Mr. Wood, I appreciate the opportunity to have the interview today, but I no longer wish to work here, and I don''t want Ari to suffer any more harm." She turned to me, her voice strained "Ari, I don''t think he''s right for you. I want you to break up with him I stood there,pletely stunned, when Teri said she wanted me to beak up with Logan Feeling overwhelmed, I statered, "Teri, what are you saying?" I suddenly understood what Teri was trying to do, and a deep seine of unease settled in Teri took a deep breath. "What I''m saying it, I don''t approve of you being with Logan. I''m giving you two chalces. Eliher choow me, your lifelong friend, or choose him." Hervoice cracked. "A), Ikaw I''m putting you in a difficult position, but I can''t stand in watch you get hurt anymore. I can''t go through another night where you''re drowning in ONET Bothe mudi de hujiting your_" Then she looke down, soboing, "Ani, memate no good. Why do you keep running praceful liter ng into the wrong ones? Why can''t you just find unione simple, someone who truly loves you, and live a "l''assetted Watching you though one heartbreak after ans, I feel woll out and helpless." Te was leaking down, right lete and now, ove sotiething that might seem solvul Her tears and angrid overwhelmedine, and soon, I found myself crying with her, holding her close, apologizing to her over and over again.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. I didn''t kiuw when to many, so all I could say was, "I''m sorry," Logan wabcted as buddled together, borili of us a mess of trans, and sighed. He gently pulled Terk away and pulded us to sli couch. Then, after a pause, he made a phone call, Chapter 120 While we waited, Logan sat beside us, silently offering us tissues. Once Tend I finally exhausted our tears, we realized the floor was itated with crumpled tissues, Logan was calmly opening a second pack of rose-scented tissues,This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Imattered "Thank you. However, Trei didn''t say anything Logan looked at me with a hint of exasperation, noting my swollen eyes. "Ari, why don''t you rest here for a bit? I''d like to have a private conversation with Teri next door. Is that alright?" Thesitated, looking over at Teri Teri seemed reluctant but eventually nodded Logan''s one grew firm. "Ms. Stuart, if you''re unwilling to tell me, I can always investigate on my own. But I think you know I''ll find out everything regardles." Teri wavered. He continued, "Instead of me plecing together information that may not be fully urate, wouldn''t it be better if you told me the truth yourself? "I trust that someone who cares about Arias much as you do would give me the most urate version of the story." Teri eventually agreed "Alright. I have a word with you." Confused, I asked, "Why can''t Iten? Teri, what''s going on? You can''t just keep me in the dark." Teri shook her head "Ari, please don''t ask it''s really nothing, I promise "With that, she stepped out. I wanted to follow, but Logan gently held me back He looked me in the eye. "Ari, do you trust her?" Inodded He asked again, "en Teri asked you to choose between us, who would you pick? 1 sighed, feeling to ''T''d choose bath." Afaint smile graced Logan''s face. His smile was always enchanting, one that was graceful and rene. He gently tousled my hair before heading our of the office The wait for Logan and Tectoren telt endless and restless. I paced, sat, and leaned by the window, yet every position was ufortable, and nothing could capture my attention. Even drinking water felt aggravating Ipeared through the frosted ss door toward the room next door. The ss was just opaque enough that I could only make not shadows moving, and the excellent soundprooting thwarted any attempt to shop. Giving up.Islumped back onto the couch. After what felt like ages, the door opened, and Teri walled in She looked much calmer and moreposed than before, and more importantly, she no longer seemed angry. The fiery Teri from earlier almost felt like a figment of my imagination. I cautiously tapped her arm. "What did you guys talk about?" Teri met my eyes with a beating smile. "Nothing much. I just exined a few things." I pressed. "Exined what? Come on! Tell me I have no idea what''s going on." Terbrushed off my question with a lightugh "Don''t worry about it. The CEO, Mr. Wood, will handle it fairly and squarely. You can trust him." Sold not to worry, but it felt like she was pacifying a child. Momentster, Logan entered the room, followed by Ms. Spencer, who had just finished fixing her hals and adjusting her clothes Seeing her again, the tention in the room spiked. Ms Spencer''s expression was filled with venom as if she wished she could hul diggers at us with her eyes. Teal, of course, and right back, equally defiant Chapter 121 Ms. Speroni cult hold back her indignation be even sitting down. "Mr. Wood, this whole situation was instigated by this crazy womanpensatio Teri leaped, "You bitch keep spewing now, and I''ll make sure you regret it!" Spencer shrank buck, probably well aware of Tellstiere temper and her willingness to follow through on her threats. Icky pulled Terback into her wat Teri''s hot-headedness often led her to turn a justifiedint into a perceived overreaction gan sat behind his desk, hands sped, his gaze key and unwavering in a bone as cold as his expression, he spoke. "Ms. Spencer, apologize." Spencer was taken aback. "Mr Wood - Logan''s gaze hardened. "Ms. Spencer, there''s surveince footage in the lounge. You know very well what you said to? to Ms. York+ ding me. I demand an apology and Ms. Spence was momentary speechless, realizing she was trapped. Under the weight of Logan''s steely gaze, she turned to Teri reluctantly and muttered. "I''m sorry Teriscoeds a pleary supposed to make this right? Spencer turned to me, bere betraying her disdain despite her forced apology Ma York, Lapologies. I shouldn''t have brought up your (vrouw nut through her words, silencing the room. Everyada inane, including Ms. Spencer, who had more to say, one was y "Ma.Spencer, you''ve been with thepany for about five years. Given your service, we''lleure generous severance package." Ms. Spencer''s face drained of color as the reality set in. She panicked, "Mr. Wood, what did I do wrong? Please, Mr. Wood."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Without another word, Logan pressed a button on his desk and called "Mr. Russell, pleasee in Also, contact the finance department to process Ms. Spencer''s severance package and Arrange for the handover of her duties" Spencer was escorted out, her protechoing down the hall. Themotion quickly subsided, and silence returned to the office Both Terj aid I stared at Logan. Tuming to Ter, Logan said, "Ms. Stuart, you''ve passed the interview. Pl Please start in three days. If you have any questions, consult Mr. Russell." Teri, Net anger towwextinguished, respectfully nodded. "Thank you, Mr Wood 11 workhardTM tiae. "All, give ter a moment to finiali up, and we''ll head out for dinner." (letumeriately took the hit and excused bersell I was about to follower when Logan called me back I turned, feeling well-conscious. "The sorry I didn''t expect to cause this much trouble today." Logan (eyes held a gentle warnith. "ins None of this was your fault." With that far west back to his work, leaving me nie in another lounge, feeling ad ill After this bag hon-ha, I wondered what might have upset Trai After some time, the dos opened, inunuctively flinched This time, a female employee entered. She gave me alnjendly simile. "Mi Rusecked me to deck on you, Ms. York. Is there anything I can help you with?" Altes that intrise, deatiful moment with Ter, my eyes were pully, and my face booked swollen and men out Chapter 122 To be honest, if it weren''t for my curiosity about the truth, I would have already left with Teri The round-Faced girl was Melissa Poswell. She gave me a wain smile: "Lunderstand. By the way, Ms. York, my name in Melissa. I''m just an assistant in the HR department. You can call me Mel She then pulled out arge pouch and started taking out items like a magician. "hught a bunch of stuff. Let''s see if there''s anything you need." The produced foundation, lipstick, powder puffs, indeven a small vial of essential oil to refresh the As she handed me these items, she casually mentioned that themotion Ma Spacer had caused had already spread across thepany within ten minutes Melchuckled "Ms. York, everyone''s saying that it''s about time Ms. Spencer it. Some of my coworkers are even nning a barbeque celebration tonight." Lasked. "Was she that bad?- Mellowed her voice. "Not exactly bad, but she always acted superior because of her looks. She bullied new employees, took credit for her team''s hard work, and all the male employees had town her calling her the "office beauty"," With a grimace, she continued, "I had the misfortune of being on her team for six months. It was maberable. I almost wanted to quit" As I cleaned my face, I found myself asking "And Mr. Wood, is he always this.." erailed off, unable to Lind the right words, white gestating to express my confusion Mellooked puzzled "Mr. Wood? What about him?" 1 stammeted. "The way he just fired her like that. It was intimidating. He didn''t hesitate at all with Ms. Speech. sel was silent for a moment and shook her head. "That''s unusual for him. He''s usually all bar work. Everyone says he''s easygoing and treats everyone with respect, even the cleaning 1. Helt even in baffled Mel, poothly due to her young age or natural curiosity, leaned in and asked, "Ms. York, whur did Ms. Spendo in you?". 1 shook my head, feeling lost Mel''s bow Ludowed "Ms. Spencer in known for her backhandedments, making people feel ufortable. She must have said something pretty harsh." Suddenly, fragments of Ma. Spencer''s matter word shed through my mind. "Tremember seeing you onor at a business g three years ago. You and Mr. Linden looked so close back then.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. "And didn''t Mr. Linden get selected as a Top Ten Influential Figure and Most Stylish Gentleman because of your help? "Oh yes, Mas Linden, you had quite a close rtionship with the event organizer, Ma. Tucker" My face turned pale as dread gripped me, and my hand trembled. Mal noticed and asked, "Ms. York, are you feeling alright? Do you need help?" I forced my voice to sound steady, "Mel my stomach at Could you get me a ss of hot water?" Tering my pale face and the way I held my stomach, Mediately ran off to get soos hot water. As soon as she left, I fundled to open my phone, my shaky hands managing to bring up the search engine after several falled attempts. Finally, I managed toward for Top Ten influential Figures" and "Most Stylish Gentleman" from three years ago.. Their he was, Elijah Linden, standing tall and proud in a tailored suit, long every bit the age of ess, his expression smug and assured. The photos captured every angle of his nomposed, lundure face. But as I delend deeper, try heart plummeted 1 Launched my Twitter app and searched for the same titles to findaesules like a punch to the gal. "Linden Croup''s Max Linden Begzing on ilusuoti Behall, "Linden Gossip''s Lady with a Sultry Peure-Her Fast Exposed" My timbang linge is scrolled tlmough the articles, revealing a slew of degi ang photos, each bluted sound the face, but unmistakable. Chapter 123 I scrolled through thements nine hy one, each more degrading than thest, Twith malicious and vulgar remarks, "I thought it was a marriage allumer between two prestigious families. Turns out Mr. Lieden put himself a ''wild'' woman She looks like one hose women who do that kind of dirty work." "co, this woman''s got a great figure. Snow white skin and legale daya!" "wow, I''m honestly jealous of Mr. Lindan. She must be something is the bedroo "They say she''s a high-society heiress? Then why doesn''t she have any self-respect? Disgraceful" "It doesn''t matter if she''s rich and beautiful. Her te life''s a mess. A friend told me that this York heiress loves partying at bars every night with a different crowd." That was a take story, for sure The dizziness and throbbing pain made it hard to beache I set phone down, pasping for a Fimally, I understood the ridicule in Ms Spencer''s words. Three years ago, Elijah took me to a business gals and then I was ndered, turned into nothing but a twisted spectacle. A scream ripped from me as the realization sank in Melling opened the do, bolding a cup of hot water, startled by my outburst, almost sp She hurried ever. "Ma York!" However, I staggered back, avoiding her touch, and bolted out of the room If in her shock. she called after me, but Leuldn''t hear her anymore. All I knew was that I had to leave and escape from everything Despair engulfed me, a tidal wave I wave that threaten threatened to drown me me entirely.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. 1 found myself citing by the shimmering sea. Thest streak of sunset barely clung to the horizon, a faint golden line Behind me, 1 heard the sound of a car pulling up, followed by harried footsteps. I didn''t num around The footsteps cat closer until they stopped just behind me. "Ani?" The voice was tamiri Elijah. He sounded both startled and relieved. "Ari, what''s wrong? Why are you out here? then his 1 skowdy lifted my head from my knees, squinting at the view in front of me, my face expressionless. His footsteps edged closer, and then his hand rested on my shoulder. 1 turned around and looked at this unfamiliar, yet hand The look in my eyes muut have shaken him because he took a step back. "Ari, wh what''s going on!" I heardity own voice, calm and detached "Elijah, did you ever love nu ? His tense expressioni softened in an instant. He eduled deeply, pulling me into his as "al, of course, I love you: I truly love you." His embrace leli distant, as though my heart no longer registered its existence. Perhaps it had diedngap There yours ago? Or maybe live? I had no k Llet myself test against hit shoulder, trend and hallow I heard him whisper, "Ari, ler''s start over, ukay? Don''t be foolish. You love ane, and you can''t live with. Everything jocelyn salt is not tisse. Even if some of it were true, it''s He adjusted my posture, gently holding me by the shoulders. His gaze fixed on mine, he desperately searched to a reaction, but he was disappointed. There was nothing - noexpression, to spark in my eyes, but even a change in myplexion Finally, Dijali pensed something about nie was of Confused, le looked at me. "Al, what''s happened to you? Did something upset you?" He repeatedkis quration a few times. Then, his eyes widened as talized "You saw these things Jocelyn zaklonis, debet you?" tades baju ba malli, di ping to console me "ui, don''t pri to you. I''ll handle everything. True" gra atanus, palling my face printys did, he walked and ", why is your Lace sevski?" Toon Tatuwed his spominam Slowly, Lasked, "Lijali, how did we start dating/" Caught off guard, le feuitated a few flowing was dugme in You had just finished you freshman year in the sun Chapter 124 Elijah heated before continuing, "We met briefly during your freshman orientation. You asked for my phone number and then got my WhatsApp. You reached out to me a few times Tinterrupted him, "Were you dating Jocelyn at the time Elijah''s paze sharpened. "All what are you trying to find out?" Tupplied calmly. "I just want to get the facts straight forelyniims i broke up your rtionship. I want to know the truth." Though still suspicious, Elijah''s tone softened as he exined, "We were arguing constantly at the time, nearly every two weeks." I pressed, my voice neutral, "So, did I know you were seeing someone This looked puzzled by my demeano "No, you didn''t," he admitted after a moment, "but I also wasn''t dating you. We never went out back then "Thank you. "I said, nodding He frowned. "Thank you for what?" Et at least knowing your boundaries back then." I paused, then asked, "Did you breakup with her afterward?" Elijah nodded. "Jocelyn started preparing to further her studies abroad that summer. We were practically done by then anyway. "My family''spany had hit a rough patch, so I couldn''t focus on her, and you found out about my situation from somewhere and kept pursuing me." Abitterugh escaped me. Elijah seemed to see it, his expression wary He''d always been smart, and I felt foolish for not seeing it sooner. A man as clever an him must have known all along what I wanted, so why did he keep telling me to "mop acting foolish"? Because he never intended to acknowledge his own faults. Elijah, sensing my chill, draped his coat over my shoulders, shrugs off, and finally lost patience "Ariana, what are you trying to do? Did you really call me out here just to ask pointless questions? I took out my phone and showed him the search page I''d been scrolling through earlier. My voice was cold. "And what about this?" Shock flickered across his face, and then his expression turned furious. He snatched my phone, shutting it off quickly. "Ariana, what are you trying to say?" he demanded. "You have the nerve to bring this up? 1 haven''t even- I beganughing, the sound bubbling up uncontrobly, tears streaming down my face. "So, you do know the truth, don''t you? ** Elijah''s anger grew. "What much? This was all because you didn''t know how to behave - He cut himself off as his throat had closed because he saw me standing on the edge of the seawall, just inches from the drop Below us, these churned, waves crashing onto the rocks below, some 20 feet down. His expression shifted. "Ari, what are you doing? I felt the cold sea breeze rush through me, an exhrating sense of freedom surging in. Eyes half-closed, I let the moment take over, embracing the feeling of liberation. Elijah''s voice tiembled "Ari, get down, please." The wand lifted my hair, and I gave him a faint smile. "Why should 17 Elijah, didn''t you say I didn''t know h how to behave? Maybe a woman as terrible as me disappearing would be better for ughed, the salty breeze mingling with my tea Elijah? What''s the truth here?" with my tears. "Jocelyn said broke up your rtionship, yet you just told me you''d already broken up when I came into the picture. What about this, His mouth opened, but no word came out *ya million dors and your undying love for Jocelyn," I murmured I started humming softly, my toes tracing the rough face of the seawall''s ledge, inching toward the very end, swaying slightly as the wind gusted, Elijah''s voice shook uncontrobly, "Aul,e down! Crise down, and I''ll tell you the truth."N?velDrama.Org owns all content. But I looked past him, sepainting at the distant horizon "It doesn''t matter anymore, "I whispered "None of it matters at all." I raised a hand in Tarewell. "Goodbye, Blijali. Thope we never ment again." "No!, you did nothing. You were set upl= I closed my eyes, teaning back into the old. The ion of free fall was exhrating, lifting my spirit as th Thest sound I braidwana ford crea as though my soul were finally susting free. Goodbye to this ainted world Goodbye to everything I loved, hated, and never had the chance to cherish. None of it mattered anymore. F?dn''t need to know the truth or hold onto any memories of the past. Maybe i was never meand 10 exist in this world Chapter 125 lunk into the dark depths of the sea Strangely, I didn''t feel cold. Instead, there was a conforting warmth, like I had returned to my mother''s embrace. It was so soothing I didn''t want to open my eyes. I just wanted to stay asleep right there, in her arm.. ""Her blood pressure''s crashing! Start transfusion-400 milliliters!" "Debritor! Hurry up! Clear!" "Move aside! Prep for surgery!" "Ari, please! I''m sorry! Ari, don''t scare me like this-how could you do this to yourself?" "Art, please wake up! Ari... "Don''t hold me back! AL." The noise was overwhelming. All I wanted was to sleep, I tried to say something, but suddenly, a surge of blood spilled from my mouth "She''s coughing up blood!" Did I just cough our blood? Did it mean I was still alive? 1 struggled to open my eyes-and somehow, I did. Above me, bright, ring lights stabbed into my vision, and chantic, frantic voles surrounded me. "Ari, stay with us." A voice echoed in my mind, tugging me back. Through the haze, 1 glimpsed a familiar face. I wanted to smile, to tell him I was okay, but something kept pushing out of my mouthBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. I forced a slow, shaky sale in his diction, ying to lift my hand toward him, I felt relieved,forted just by seeing him the one person who had given me warmth after I''d lost my But before I could fully reach him, my smile faded, and the world dissolved into ckness aga felt or amende joury, drifting in limbo for what seemed like an eternity. I didn''t know where I was going or what I was looking for. In this dense fog, veices whispered around me. But whenever I tried to listen closely, they would fade away. So, I kept walking There was a strange sense of prace, though I could see nothing, hear nothing "Ani? Please, wake up, okay?" a voice murmured beside me, cholu with abs "I''m so sorry. I didn''t know things would turn out like this. I''m a terrible friend-1 never should have brought up that awful thing.." "Ari. I''m your bear friend, your closest buddy. Don''t scare me like this, I can''t live withour you!" In the darkness, 1 livesed quietly. I couldn''t speak, nor could I find Teri I sighed I wanted to tell her that is was really okay. *Dear An, wake up. It''s me, Jonathan!" Jonathan? I mood up in the fog, straining to se "pon?" I called into the emptiness. "Jon, where are you?" "Dean diri, you''re the best, right? Brould hear Jonathan''s suppimad sobs Chapter 126 H old gently move my body, wiping away sweat and changing my clothes. moving Thrli, ince again, enraything fell silmat feeling but I wopped my armu arbund myself. The days bred to in this strange lumbo, where sukces asionally reached me, use It was a peculiai feeling like my soul was locked in a body that could sense everything yet remain Finally, en a beautiful, sunny afternoon, Ilinand birds chirping tide the window someone took my hand, holding it gently, rubbing it softly. Then, that taniliar voice reached my ears "Aal, poesive Lean sleeping age it''s thine do wake up." His wider was like the prosle aptingnece drifting in through the open winds. He lifted ine, cing me down onto something dt and cushioned Helt his presente close to try wat as he whispered, "You allly girl it you don''t wake up soon, I''m going to kiss you." cheek. Was a peck even considered a kiss? It felt like a joka like something meant to fool child surge of trustration, my eyes snapped open me froze as he saw my eyes open. Then, gradually, a radiant smile spread across his face. his eyes spackling, more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. And then without warning, he leaned in, p pulling me into a deep, lingering kis one month after my. When I opened my eyes, the first person I saw was Logan, and his kiss woke me up. It was suc 1ch renrand almond as if I had been reborn (long after, Tr¨¨s came barreling into the hospital, thowing herself at me in a t was such a sweet way to return to thi at me in a storm of tears and remorse. sun was sil barse, barely able to make a sound, so I let her sob all over me, clinging to my hand as if I might vanish at any moment. (mouce cracked as she choked out, "Ari, do you forgive me?= ring her putty, beat-streaked face, my heart ached for he seen unconscious, she''d deadly suffered too-ber usual sounded face had lost all its softness, and she looked thin and drained. Her voice warned in the medur "nude mega 900 so foolish? Why did you jump into the sea? You have no idea how dangerous it was c¨¹tqad?nascade of memories from right before I lost cons?IOUSNELL loves me expression as I picked up her phone, typing a single question, "Where is Elijah?" - efined betre she finally said, "He saved you. He jumped in and pulled you out, but he broke his leg in the process Im the hospital. He could have been discharged, but I think he''s been staying to wait for you to wake up." prterssing this. for my hand, fer expression taut. "Ark, please don''t do anything like this again. You nearly died" ? Turn ayes told me how close I hade to not making it precious tall from the second floor was just a dramatic gesture-bult to scare, hall to seekfort this time, I''d genuinely Even up. Somehow, against all odds, I''d been hughe Howrsed on pete, lost in thought. desproved coelulty. "What did Elijah say to you? Why would you go so far as to jump off that cliff? I shock my Brad, unwilling to delve into those memories. But before she could press further, Logan walked in and in his tone, and I noticed that Teri seemed intimidated by Logan and ask if she could stay a line longer, but Teri quickly gathered her things and left in a sh before I could reac Bytted to Logan. He seemed to read my mind, adjusting his sses as he calmly said, "Going forward, try not to talk with Ms. Stuart about the past naked confused but he didn''t borate. Instead, he simply picked up an apple from the table beside the bed and began peeling it so I watched him quietly. were beautiful-long fingers with defined knuckles, moving with a gra grace that reminded me of lotus petals stretching toward the sun. tudy, Luger red casually in a white shirt and tailored cks. The top button of his shirt was undone, and as sunlight streamed in through the Loga, absorbed in peeling the apple, seemed of my action de a few skilltal turns, be to the pre, letting it fall to the floor in a single, delicate spiral Fe a fleeting moment, I wished I could be that apple pourlingN?velDrama.Org owns all content. Chapter 127 The moment that shamelessthought my mind, my cheeks began to heat up Logan was still seated beside me, calmly asing what looked like a very expensive and refined life to slice the apple into prefectly shaped pieces. I kept watching, unable to break the secene: An unbelievably handsome man, wearing a white shirt that somehow seemed even brighter than moonlight, was sitting here, meticulously slicing an apple just for me. Those handy- capable of sigmling deals worth billions-were now mording so gracefully, preparing to feed me I was mesmerized dit out to me. I obediently opened my mouth, and as the case hit my tongue, I realized it was the best Logan finished slicing the apple, then speaced a ce with a small silver fork and hold it out to i apple dever had. With a gentle unile, Logan continued to feed me, and continued to open my mouth, take a bite, and then open again for more. Atst, he paused. He took a wet tissue and gently wiped the corners of my mouth. I smiled, tilting my face up, prepared to enjoy whatever attentive gesture woulde next. With a smirk, hesaid, "Close your even Tassumed he was about to clean my face and obediently shut my eyes. But instead of a wet to kissnded on my lips Stunned, 1 barely had time to react before he pressed deeper, stealing my breath diving in and This kiss was far more intense than the one he''d given me when I''d fist woken up. The was as unfamiliar edge to it, a passion that surged past restraint, a sense of him di taking control, sweeping me uppletely My breathing fell into strythm with his, heat rising under my skin, making hospital gown suddenly feel too thin, 100 flimsy against the energy radiating from him. As his weight pressed down, pulling me closer, felt my oxygen dwindling, enni ely at his mency, as he kissed me with a fiery intensity. Dizziness didn''te as I''d expected; instead, I felt as if I were entering an entirely new world, His breath, his warmth, the way he traced every line and carve of my face-each sensation seemed to carve self into my memory. A small, involuntary sound escaped my throat. He inhaled sharply, and then I felt his hand, cool against my skin, slide under my waist. The kussted until I could barely handle it anymore. Only a thread of restraint held us back from eroosing in unspoken line. Blushing, Lamraightened my hospital pom, and Logan, clearing his throat, poured me a ss of water. I stuck a nce at him and noticed that his ears had turned a faint shade of red Mamiuring. I managed, "You just kissed me out of nowhere" Logan handed nie te warm water, and with a yful swipe across my cheek, he said, "Because you''re adorable." I lowered my head to take a sip, but I couldn''t hide the smile creeping onto my face. Just then, there was a knock on the door. I looked up. Mr. Russell entered, lock "Mr. Wood, there''s a situation" Logan had already returned to his usuall calm demeanor. "What''s the matter?" Mr. Russell nced at me with a hint of unease, and sensed it must have something to do with mi Only mom didiceature that, after three days awake, thadn''t asked about what had been happening outside "We Haveli," I asked, my voce still raspy but much clearer than betise, "is there something paing un?" Mr.Juvarli dafted ufortably and looked to Logan, flearly needing to deport something privately. Logan frowned slightly, and that was when the shooting started from outside. "Let the though! Why are you stopping at Who gave you the right to stand in my way! "Tan is a biospotal, not a prison. I want to see my wile!"Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Hisze Logan''s fee shifted, too, a hint of tension in his expression. Without waiting for me to ask, he strode out of the room, Ma. Russell following closely behind him. Left alone in the room, I sat defaced befor finally deciding to get out of bed but the moment my feet touched the floor, a sharp pain shot up my leg. Talopettendinsken my legtis Chapter 128 My leg was still in a cant, pied with steel screws. I had no choice but to lie back down on the bed. Outside, voices rose, each shout louder than thest, "Logan, what do you mean by keeping my wife from me?" It was Elijah''s voice.. Logan''s tone was calm and cutting, "Elijah, she''s not your wife anymore. My legal team filed for divorce with the court over two weeks ago "So what? She still my wife until the court says otherwise!" Elijah''s voice was house but define "Does it matter?" Logan''s voice remained cold. "The second she decided to leave you, the marriage was over. What''s left in just settlement." "You think you can tell me if I still have a rtionship with her? What are you to her? Until the court says we''te divorced, she''s my wife, and I''m her husband." Logan''sugh echoed down the hall, crisp and unbothered. "That''s quite interesting. Since when did a marriage certificate make a wo a woman a man''s possession? You think that piece of paper means the has to listen to whatever you say?" Elijah, unwilling to be deterred, shouted, "Don''t change the subt. I want to see her! Let me see her!" "Nope," Logan replied smoothly Elijah then said. "I''ll sue you for illegal detention. 1 The end of his sentence dissolved into a mor of scuffling and crashing sounds. It seemed someone was beating him up, with people outside trying to pull them apart. A faint smile rugged at my lips. Just then, another woke, Jull of rage, roused down the hallway. "Elijah, you worthless bastard! Take one more step toward ark, and that will be the end of your life!" Achill went through me. Ignoring the pain in my leg, I hurriedly flipped moet off the bed. Awbeckhau was parked by the window. Grinting my teeth, I started the agonizing journey from the bed to the wheelchair, one excruciating step at a time. Each step I took felt like walking on knives, and every movement brought me closer to copse Sweat soaked through my hospital gown, and beads of sweat trickled down my forehead Finally, I managed to teach the wheelchair. Grasping the armrest tightly, I pulled myself forward, but in my haste, I slipped and fell onto the wheelchair with a loud thud. The pain was blinding, malding stars Mash before my eyes, but I forced myself not to pass out, gripping the armrest hard as 1 strupeded into the seat, The hallway was a mess, of rather, Elijah was a mess. Hey sprawled on the ground, half-buried under a wheelchair knocked skew, with two crutches bent and broken around him. As I scanned the hall, packed with people and condusion, I gathered all the strength I could muster and shouted, "Jon!" I put everything I had into it, feeling the now sting in my throat. tawake? You''re really awake?" Elijah, still on the ground, Law me and started crawling toward me, desperation and relief clear in his eyes. "Al, you''re an But I didn''t spare him another nce. My eyes scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar figure. "Jon!" called out again, this time with a pleadingnore in my voice. I caught a glimpse of Jonathan. He hesitated, almost as if hiding, before trying to slip away. Panic surged through me, and I pushed the wheelchair forward as fast as I could Logan finally stepped in, calling out to the man''s retreating back, "Jonathan! Don''t leave! This figure stopped, seemingly torn by some intense inner struggle. Slowly, he turned around. Trans incantly flooded my eyes, spilling down my face, and a sob escaped me, Jonathan sighed, defeated, as he walked over to me. Looking down at me, his little sister, sitting in a wheelchair and crying like a child, he sighed deeply.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. "You little fool, my sweet little AL" I let out a wall and threw him, breaking into a full, untestrained sob. Jon, you finally cane to see med finally. Chapter 129 An hourter, everyone gathered in the spacious lounge areand the hospital volte... Given my extendeda, Logan had arranged for me to stay in the best vir wand the hospital had, which was more like a fully furnished apartment with three rooms and a living area. So, we all gathered in the suite''s living room, looking at each other in an awkward but was silence. Iching tightly to Jonathan. He seemed a bit stiff at first but eventually wrapped his am firmly around me as well. I felt like crying again, but this time, it was pure tellef and happiness. Dijah, meanwhile, had been sent back to his on ward to himpital stati, sparing us all from the serum cloud that win his presence Jonathan sighed. Fooking at Logan "Thank you. Logan. We might not have At here with us if it weren''t for you "Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. H Logan reached over and gave his shoulder a reassuring pat. No need for thanks between friends, Jonathan. Besides, I''ve always had a soft spot for Ari." Jonathan''s expression grewplicated. "If I''d known what we know now, I should have it you court her back then, at least them she would''ve been spared years of suffering with that jerk Elijah I looked at in shock. "Ton! What are you talking about? Jonathan gave an apologetic smile, scratching the back of his head. "Ari, do you remember that nummer 1 bought him to our family''s vi in the countryside? The memory was a bit hazy, but I nodded slowly. That summer was the only time I really met Logan before he entered my life. I remembered jonathan introducing me to a quiet, refined bor-diferent from anyone I''d ever kn The boy seemed to have an imble wall between him and the world. He was neat, but effortless and unassuming Though he was soft-spoken and polite, he wasn''t timki. I remembered him mostly because he''d kept in himsell, watching from afar, then disappearing whenever I noticed him. It was as if he was content just to exist in the background. Back then, I was outgoing and fashion-conscious, drawn to the vibrant, lively types. I batch paid! who preferred the quin im any attention, knowing only that he was a handsome, mysterious friend of my brother''s Jonathan modded, smiling faintly "Yeah, that summer. That''s when this guy told me, very stinasly, that he liked you," My face burned as I turned to Logan, who gave a small nod, confirming it. Staminering. I looked back at my brother, "But I never knew. Jon, you never told me." Jonathan Booked at me intently "Of course, I didn''t tell you. You were so young back then. I think you were only in tenth grade. No, you''d just finished middle school!" Jocurtun gave Logan a hard look as if his old objections still held some sway. "You were just a kid, and he was, well, he was older than you." Deteturvely, I interrupted, "Logan''s not that old!" Jonathan mely scotted "old enough. And I ind him to forget any ideas he had about pursuing you I lowered my heat, embarrassed bur also consus. "He even asked it it was just your age that made me refuse," Jonathan continued. Logan took on the story with a soft smile. "And then you said it was because I didn''t deserve her, and the Wood Lamily were too conservative and traditional. You wanted her to marry SOZLUMDE W?LD could prve her true happines" Jonathan''s face Busted a little, dearly embarrassed "Yes That''s right. A pang at ingen hit me. "But the person I chose wasn''t good fit me at all " Silence fell on us, each of us lost in thought. Finally, Jonathan spike up, breaking the quiet. In the end, maybe everything''s hn ved nut. Flossed at him, confused by what he meant by "bna od tea and turned to Logan, hoping he''d exin to the ground, an and Logan''s undir pies animated. "What your other means is he put me through a trial back then. To make me give up on pursuing you, be changed me to a fight, beat me to Made in useat Hut 1 walldn''te neat you again until I''d pi terminywell worthy." what?" Lutajad at may other dishuck "Jon, you fought bat Chapter 130 fonathan put on a rather sous expression as he looked at Login. "Yes, I fought him. What of it? Sure, it''s one thing if a random punk likes my sisties, fit when my own friend is thinking about my sitter, how can I not give him a beating?" He shot a challenging nce at Loganck then, you weren''t a match for me. I remember gave you a bloody nose. Do you Logan touched his nose with a smirk. "Troe, ut if I remember correctly, you didn''te out of it unscathed, either. Your eye was swollen, and I recall something about a sprained arm Trouldn''t hold back my ruiny. "So, who wn?nd my brother win, or want it you? I won," they both said simultaneously, shooting each other a Finally, Jonathan muttered reluctantly. "Fine. He won, but not without a struggle. I still had him pirmed to the ground, though." "So..." I pieced together the story, still a bit amazed. "What you''re saying Logan was actually these prison who had feelings for me? Jonathan''s voice softened. "I just want you to see things clearly, that''s all. Sometimes, the right person doesn''t arrive on out timeline, but they''re there. Don''t waste another second on the He reached over and gave Logan''s shoulder a gentle pat. "I''m souty, man, I should''ve let you pursue her back then, Maybe if I had, none of this other mess would have happened." Logan gave his hand a measuring squeeze in returnThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Chit me then what Jonathan was really trying to do. He wasbining the, trying to ease the pain of the past. He was still worried I might spiral over Elijah, worried that I might try to hurt myself again. 1 let out a long breath, feeling the weight lift off my chest "Jan, I''m long done with Duh, I promise I will never do anything foolish be Jonathan still looked a bit wary. "Art, you don''t need to worry about that anymore. The drotce papers have been filed an "If he tales to see you again, just don''t. Don''t listen to anything he says, understand! He crouched down so he could look directly into my eyes. "Ari, F¨¹l be here for you. I''¨¹ protect you I nodded. My throat tightened with emotion as hugged him, my voice tambling "Ton, don''t ever leave me the court, and soon, you''ll have nothing to do with him except the Alter that confrontation, when Jonathan had thoroughly roughed him up, Elijah stopped trying to see me. My hospital ward returned to its peaceful state. Teri visited me ingrly, but her visits were capped at an hour each time-apparently on strict order from Logan Teri was really afraid of Logan, and of course, it was probably because he had harshly scolded her when jumped off the cliff, fell into the sea, and went into a She seemedance subduedtely, likely still feeling ity for the pain through Despite this new catefulness, her visits were filled with light charter and, inevitably, updates on the divorce case and jo ? case and Jocelyn''s current status "Look at this post," she said one day, scrolling through her phone to show me a thread that had ballooned to a thousand replies-all gossip dissecting thetest on Elijah and jocelyn. Sette of it was familiar to me, but other parts were new. I read through the thread, hall- amused, as it seemed public opinion had reached a verdict. The vast majority were tearing into them, calling them out for their betrayal and deceit, especially coward me, the "wronged wife" Others couldn''t understand why Jocelyn, with such a promising future, would stoop so low to be a mistress. Of course, there was the small minority clinging to the "love makes no one a third party" defense, but even they were quickly shut down. Thinally put the phone down, curious. "Is Elijah still in the hospital Teti nodded. "Yeap. He hasn''t been docharged yet, Actually, he''s in the buil "Tally" How''d you find that cul?" e building just across from your the besitated, looking slightly embarrassed "Well, one time when you we still unconscious, I may have had a slight moment and, uh,dered a bunch of funeral wreaths to be deliveredjo hin room, with a note that said "Rest in Peace"" Chapter 131 I thought it was hrious, but I held myughter back. Watching Teri, her grin quickly turned intoughter, filling the quiet room with a burst of humor I hadn''t expected." Once she finishedughing, the sighed deeply. "Ari, don''t think I''m overstepping, but ever since you tried to, well, you know... it''s like Elijah''s turned into a shell of himself." 1 frowned. "How would you know?! Teri hesitated, ncing at me. "He.. he''se to see me a few times'' The thought of Elijah reaching out to her left an odd taste in my mouth, especially after his pitiful disy this morning-being dragged out of the hospital ward, bruised and beaten, after trying to barge in 1 could''t forget his desperate look as he crawled across the floor. I sighed, dropping my gaze. Even without my old memories, Lunderstood that Elijah was a proud man-too proud. Seeing him reduced to such a desperate, pitiful state was jarring, like) seeing someone entirely different.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Te noticed my expression and quickly defended hersel "I''m not making excuses for him, I promise. It''s just, well, I can''t help but think if he regrets it now, why couldn''t he see it all sooner? What did here to you? Lasked softly She shrugged. "He said a lot. He talked about how he first met you, how you''d follow him around, how much you did for The more she spoke, the deeper my frown grew. "He''s just not the same as he used to be," she added. "Before, he''d never say so much to me, especially about something so personal. And the way he talked-it was so careful like he was trying to remember every little detail" I cut her off, my toe calm but firm "So, he knows now, doesn''t he? He realize just how much I loved him before I lost my mo? Teri nodded, "Yeah, he does" After a brief pause, I said softly, "Terk, the next time he tries talking to you, tell She watched me expectantly, but I trailed off, lost in my thoughts. She nudged me gently. "Tell him what? I lowered my pace. "Tell himte love means nothing." Her eyes widened. "Oli. She fell silent, and for a moment, the room was still Just then, a muse knocked and entered hesitantly. "Ms. York, there''s a kid here asking to see you. 1 blinked in surprise. "A kid? Whun''s his name?" The nurse shook her head. "He won''t give a name. Just keeps saying he knows you and really wants to visit. The nurse didn''t want to upset me, so she quickly added, "Mr. Wood gave instructions that no strangers are allowed to visit you. But this kid has been here a few times already and always brings a bug of things, insisting they''re for you "A kdd" And he brought gifts?" I raised an eyebrow, my curiouty piqued. "How old is he?" "13. Maybe 15, "the use replied, then paused, "actually, he could be closer to 15 or 14.** Trei and teaclunged puzzled nces, both shaking our heads slightly, I couldn''t remember any young boys I knew, and Teri seemed equally clueless. "Alright. Let him in. Maybe he''s a distant rtive," I uld These wild rxed and nodded Thank you I''ll bring him right in. Remember, if you i i need anything, just press the red button by the bed- Bufone star could finish, I saw a fair toute walking toward the room. The instant I recognized him, it all clicked. Elijah''s younger brother, Evan Myespressam pewthoughtful. Turning to Teri, salt, "Could you give us a few minutes alone? "dlike to talk to him" He looked back, startled by the sight of Evan, then nodded and quietly stepped out of the Chapter 132 Te probably hadn''t expected that the visitor would be Evan, of all people. Knowing the history between us, she just gave me a reassuring look before leaving "Don''t let it get to you," she said softly. "Everything is just temporary." I nodded, watching her walk out. Carrying arge bag of supplements, Evan stepped inside, his movements a bit akward. Before she left, Teri shot him a serious nce. "Just don''t be like your brother. Be a decent person Evan frowned, clearly ufortable with her directness, and didn''t respond Once the door clicked shut, I sat up against the headboard, taking a moment to really look at him. He looked older than his 13 years-probably because of his height and broad frame, but there was still a vulnerability in his face that made his age clear. He stood in ce, holding the stuff he bought, looking a bit uneasy Ideared my throat. "Evan, why don''t you take a seat? He shifted ufortably before cing the bag on the table beside my bed. The Theaid they''re good for recovery "be mumbled, "T-just take them." Looking at this young boy before me, I felt aplex mix of emotions-gratitude, confusion, a bit of fatigue. "Why did youe here? Did someone tell you to visit i He fidgeted, rubbing his nose. "Ie to the hospital a lot because of my brother''s leg, It''s still in a cast. And I heard you were hurt, too, so I thought I''d check in." Thest thing he said was barely a whimper, almost inaudible. His youthful, handsome face turned quietly red Trealized that I didn''t have much to say to him A wave of exhaustion and helplessness washed over me, and I nodded, "Alright. Thank you for dropping by. I''m fine now, You don''t need toe over anymore. You should be focusing on After that, we tell into an awkward sew. I didn''t know what else to say, and neither did he. The air between as felt heavy with unspoken words, but I couldn''t bring myself to fill the vold Finally, Evan broke the ence, looking up at me with a hint of desperation in his eyes. "Ari, can you make up with my brother?** 1 was taken aback, instinctively asking, "Why?" His face had a conflicted expression. After a moment, he spoke quietly, "My brother he''s not doing too well" I owed. "Tur he only broke his leg right? Evan shook his head. "No, it''s more than that. He''s just different now. He used to be so focused, working so hard to thepany. But now he''s just..." Haledon, sugding to put his thoughts into words. I pursed my lips. I sort of knew Evan''s visit would the tolijah, but I never expected him toe to get us to reconcile After all, Evan was still young and didn''t really understand what was going on with Elijah. All he knew was that if he found me, maybe Elijah would get better. I shook my head gently. "Tami''t help him, EvanTM My answer hit him like a p, his face turning red with frestation. "Why not? Didn''t you say you loved him more than anyone? He risked his life to save you! He broke his leg for you, and Bow he''s truck in a wheelchair!" 1 looked at him with calmposure. "I know. But we''re done. There''s no going back He statedat me, dearly able to process my response.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. "But why?" he said, his voice rising with confusion and anger. "You always said you loved him! How could you just change your mind? He''s in such a bad ce now, and you''re just T huuoff, my tone cold, a trace of berness lipping through "Ask your brother. He blows exactly why I''m not going back." His expression morphed into one of shock, as though my calm refusal was thest thing he''d expected Chapter 133 Evan was at a loss for words, stammering, unable to meet my gaze. Leaning back against the headboard, I stayed silent, letting him process his emotions Amer a moment, he stepped closer, biting his lip. "Ari, I''m sorry. Could you forgive my brother, my sake I studied his are, so young and earnest vet hardened by recent experiences. "Evan," Tald softly, "you''ve grown so much. He blinked, taken aback. 1 geared with my hand to show his bright. "You used to be this unall and inund-cheeked. Now, suddenly, veure nearly six feet tall." He quickly corrected me, "I''m five foot ten," but as he realized what he was saying, he lowered his head, embarrassed. "Ai," he pleaded, "sn''t there any way you could give him another chance?"! He looked at me with a familiar gaze, one I remembered vividly from when he was young. Back then, his wide, innocent would the wings. Let''s y with the ball!" Speer up. up at me, begding, "Ari, y with me! Let''s go on At what point did he change? When did that meet little boy start looking at me with disdain, ring, "What do you want now, you crazy woman?" "Ariana. I know you''re just after money. Look what you''ve done to my brother! He was meant to be with Josie "Amana, you crazy woman, what''s your problem now?" I fell silent, I chuckled a bit bitterly "Evan, you should go - Before I could finish, he snapped with a sudden burst of anger, he yanked his hand away and red at me, his face contorted in frustration "Amana, what are you trying to do? You''ve turned my brother''s life upside down, and now you''re just going to leave him like this? How long do you n on touring him? "He knows he was wrong! Why can''t you give him a chance?" He let in all out, waving his arms, venting his frustration. Strangely, after the initial shock, I feltpletely cal Ha tirade Burelysted two minutes, but understood everything he thought and felt in those two minutes. He couldn''t understand why I would spend seven years chasing after his brother only to fall out of love suddenly. He couldn''t understand why I''d file for divorce, especially now that his brother had shown regret. To him, I had always just wanted the title of Ms Linden. Evan saw me as a capricious troublemaker who, after achieving her goal, no longer vndi. In his mind, his brother, Elijah, was the unlucky victim, and 1 was the viin who never stopped causing trouble. "Are you done?" Lacked, interrupting his rant. He looked startled "What when do you mean?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. "Are you done saying what you wanted to say?" I repeated, my tone colder than before Defeated, he nodded. "Yeah its I am, but you I gestured to the bag of supplements he''d ced on the table. "Take these back I don''t need them." His face flushed with bumiliation "You. "He seemed to sense the familiation. "Do you think I came here to beg you? Imsintered, "thur the case? Or are you herocheck on my health?" Evan was caught off guard by my question. Adres all, he was only and not Inot yet seasoned with the sophistication of adults. His face began to flush red with shame, embarrassment, and regret. Chapter 134 really dide to see you." Evan stammered, his initial angel giving way to unease. "The tried cousing by a few times, but the nurses wouldn''t let me in. I was just worried about you. Tur "He trailed off, his voice dropping I took a deep breath, looking at his still - youthful face. "Dal your brother know you came here?s. He shook his head. A small relief washed over me. Their was hope for him yet. He was just to ustomed to defending his brother, even when he didn''t understand the full picture. "Evan," I began softly, "I remember you not liking me very much. Coullyou tell me why?" His eyes shot up in surprise "I didn''). I mean, L. "He struggled bafind the words, 1 sighed. "If you can''t exin it, then don''t worry about it. The matters betweenThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. suth opening and closing, yet nothing came out Is are for adults to handle. You don''t need to concern yourself with them." He looked as though he wanted to angue, but before he could speak, the door swung open, and in walked a woman who seized Evan by the arm, ring at me with venom in her eyes. "Ariana, haven''t you caused enough damage? First, you alunost ruined my oldest son''s life, and now you''te trying to corrupt Evan!" she spat The woman wise an elegant silk blouse with a fashionable cut paired with a fitted ck skirt. She was impably groomed, clearly a wealthy woman in her gos, though she could pass for 35 I didn''t recognize her immediately, but her word made her identity unmistakable. She was Elijah and Evan''s mother- Mrs. Linden, Questa Chavel. My Linden shot me a look of pure disdain, nigging Evan by the arm. "What are you doing here, bringing bad luck to us? Who told you toe begging to this wretched woman? "Do you realize she nearly killed your brother? And thear!" she shook the bag he''d brought "These are precious supplements gifted to me. How dare you give them to this woman!" She rifled through the bag, making a show of pulling each item out one by one, her contempt m on her faxy 1 suppressed a beter smile. So, this was the Linden family''s standards. It looked like I''d given them too high of a regard. Just looking at this nouveau riche attitude was enough to disgust m Evan was the first to react. He matched the supplements back from her, hurling them to the floor with a defiant re, "gave them to her, so they''re her now. It''s not the we can''t allord more! If you''re that stingy, take them and leave. I''ll buy another set for her." Mrs Linden''s face turned livid. Her and flew up, striking him as she shouted, "You ungrateful child! Do you even know what this is about? These supplements don''t matter-don''t you understand. This woman as a bad omen, and you''re sending her things? Are you out of your mind?" Het verbal attacks continued, her hand jabbing and hitting him as she spoke. Evan stood tall and defiam, showing no fear of her blown. But her words weren''t aimed solely at him. Each barb was also a calcted insult directed at me. Without hesitation. I pressed the call button at my bedside. The nurses arrived promptly, and their eyes widened in shock upon seeing the scene before them One nurse, who seemed to be the head nuts, stepped forward, pulling Mrs. Linden away. "Excuse me, ma''am, are you a family member? This is a patient''s coom Mrs. Linden scotted "Of course, I''m family - her mother-inw What? Are family visita restricted now?" Her response made the nurses feel awkward and unsure of how to handle the situation I waved them off. "Why don''t you take this younganan dostles for a drink 1 sald, gesturing toward Evan, "Mr. den would like to have a private word with me" A f¨¹cker of surprise crossed Ms. Linden''s face. She probably hadn''t expected me to see through her intentions so easily. Keeping her gaze cold and steady, she said nothing The nurses, who were evidently quite fond of Evan, had let him visit alter seeing his repeated attempts to couse see me with gilts. However, it was clear they hadn''t encountered Mrs. Linden Ledure and weren''t sure how to proceed. "Don''t worry," Lassured fem "Mis Lindes is a person of status. I''m unde she''ll handle herself with decorum." Chapter 135 The obesitated but eventuallyplied, pulling Evan out of the room. as they led him away, he nced back at Ms. Linden, his face filled with a hint of defiance. "Mom, don''t talk down in Ari. Don''t insult her." Mrs. Linden''s face flushed with anger. "You buat, are you trying to teach me what to do? She made a move to follow him, but Evan had already slipped away down the hall. Aslight warmth spread through my chest. This kid maybe he wasn''t so bad after all. With an air of annoyance, Mrs. Linden strutted back into the room, choosing a chair as if she owned the ce, and sat down with her chin beld high. "Mrs_Linden, "I began, "Whatever it is you have to say, let''s get it over with 1 mexhausted and need to rest" My bluntness seemed to catch her off and he raised an eyebrow, clearly ready tounch into one of her cants, but after a tense pause, she e swallowed her anger, st er, shifting into a more controlled one Mrs. Linden was, after all, a woman in her sos who had seen the world. She scanned me from head to toe before speaking in a condescending voice. "I heard you''re nning to divorce Elijah Heard'' i couldn''t help but chuckle. "There''s no need for rumors, Mrs. Linden. I''m filing for divorce." Her lips culed in a mocking meer. "Aif you would actually go through with it." I cased an eyebrow, meeting her gaze without flinching "Whether or not I''ll go through with it, I guess we''ll find out soon enough Her face twisted in frustration for a moment, as if myposure had thrown her off bnce. She took a deep breath and reorganized her words, forcing herself back into her ley demeanor "Ama, you must have found someone richer, someone with more status to make you feel so bold, hmm?" she sneered "Don''t forget, you weren''t always ethic. Back then, you were so desperate to marry into the Linden family that you groveled outside my door, begging for three whole days and nights!" Her words jolted me, and 1 stared at her with narrowed eyes. Begging? Could I have been so desperate, so degraded, that I''d begged to be allowed into this family? As much as I wanted to believe it wasn''t true, I had no memory to confirm otherwise. The fragments I''d heard painted a picture of me being so crazily in love with Elijah that I''d done anything to be with him. And now, hearing this story from Mrs. Linden herself was like a punch to the gut Suppressing my disgust, Theld my tone cold and steady. "If you''re here to the our insults, you can leave. Elijah and I will handle this in court." She nearly leaped out of her seat at my words, her manicured finger pointing usingly at me. "Ariana, do you still refuse to show respect? Elijah made you a respected woman, married you into the Linden family, bought you luxury goods, and put up with your antics and all the EMBUNYA SURAnt you causedus!Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. What did we ever do to you? Her voice cracked with outrage. "Ah has done is give and give, and you repay him by demanding a divorce? Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing me with suspicion. "I''ve heard that you''ve been getting rozy with that eldest son of the Wood family. That''s why you''re turning your back on Elijah now, dnow fishing for a wealthy husband. And now that Before I could respond, she barreled on, her voice rising in venom. "Of course! I new you were a cunningdy, ying innocent in college while is you''se manned, you can''t even beluve yourself! You''re nothing but a slur" The seam of profanities continued to pour from her lips, so vile and unrestrained that I''dnew My inations un ped the to remain silent. My upbringing told not to engage with someone this uncouth. Inever imagined hearing suchnguage from someone of her states. Finally, her trade ended. She took a seat, visibly tied from her verbal assault, and sipped from a ss of water. She looked at the expectantly, likely anticipating that her curburar had broken me dowIL Unfortunately for fen, I simply checked the clock, noting that her outburst hadsted a full 30 minutes. "Mrs Linden," I said, mytone deliberately cales. "Aur you done talking?" She drove, her band trembling as it held the ss of water. Chapter 136 "What did you say?" Mrs. Linden''s fare contented in debelet 1er mat a sigh of exasperation "I asked if you''re done with your She practicalhe spat her reply. "What? Did I say amthing untrue? Didn''t you go after that Word family cro/ I cut her offroadly. "And if I dd?" She looked as if she had im out of words after beating my reply "What''s your point, Mrs Linden? Are you using me of something is just trying tomake me feel miserable?" Triumph shed across her fare as she jumped at my words. "That''s right! You admit it, don''t you? Admit that you''ve been cheating in this marriage!" Ishook my head. "No, I don''t, I was the one who cheated in this marriage. That was your son, Elijah."Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Mrs Linden''s fare turned livad as the nearly shrieked, "You vile woman! How date you use my son of cheating? That was all Jocelyn''s fault, setting him up! will let you walk away with everything, and as for those funds, don''t expect to keep a single cent." Ah. there I ww-the peal reason for her visit Money. After all her insults and ranti, it all boiled down to cash. 1 let out a scventalugh ning to press the red call button to nurse when I heard Elijah''s voice from the doorway "Mom? What are you doing here! Come with me, now!" I looked over to see Elijah hobbling in with a crutch and a mixture of frustration and embarrassment on his face. Buises from the beating he''d received from my brother still dotted his face Ma Linden seemed startled by his arrival and tumbled her words. "Eijah, why aren''t you resting in your room? I was just be to stand up for you." Deipne has limp. Elijah quicidy made his way into the ward, grabbing her am in a fum grip. "You need to leave. Now," She nearly stumbled as he pulled hes along, her face flushed with indignation. "Elijah, I''m your mother! I can''t just stand by while this woman makes a fool of you, leaves you penniless in He shat nu a sheepish, ufortable nce, then lowered his voice to an angry whisper. "This whole ''penniless'' thing is nonsense, Mom. Stop it!" Max. Landen ''a voler rose in a di amat wall. "Don''t try to fool me! She''s already filed for divorce and wants back that 50 million the invested. How can you let her do that? It she pulls her funds, what happens to yourpany?sle''s heartless Stir pointed bei finger at the, continuing her fan "You bitch! You begged Elijah and me to let you into this family! in weren''t for us taking pity on you, you''d ever have had the chance to 1 business is doing well, you want to pull out and rob un blind!" madding few louder,. The hotjej hesitated as they took in ri scens, especially upus seeing Elijah, who was trying in vain to usher his mother away... the attention of the nearby nurses, before I could pass the button to call them, they rushed over. echoed down the hallway. "Mam, you don''t understand anything lust poluck!" lie piusled, his patience clearly fraying She continued to resist, stubdanly nting her feet, but with the help of the vases, le rentually managed to lead her out, though her shipotest. thure she was pone, I leaned back, closed my eyes, and took a long, steadying bawath. The tension began tease-until I heard footsteps again. Kijah had slipped Luck the ward without the nurses initirang- moked at kumm, raporundem nothing to say to him. He stood their awkwardly, deadly trying to fadile right words. Luuden. I da frmend you schedule a though examination for your mother. abuseets Cater inte having with a maswoman hurling insults at me." Ojarationing whether thinte was a slingle sane person in the L?nden Lamily. Chapter 137 Elijah was sent for a moment, and then, unexpectedly, he whispered. "I''m sorry." It took me by surprise-I ha''t expected him to apologize on behalf of his mother. I wasn''t even sure how to respond. After a long pause, I said, "Mr. Linden, you should leave." 1''dustunted to my cold, distant cone He took a step forward, and I immediately said, "Please, don''te any closer Elijah froze in ce, gazing at me with a sorrowful expression I''dowver seen before. Something inside me twisted ufortably. I looked away. "Mr. Linden, we''re done. There''s nothing lett between us'' Its voice was bleak "Ark, are you really going through with this divorce?" I nodded. "Yes" He let out a holoe Lough thought maybe after you woke up, you''d change your mind." I replied coolly. "No, I won''t. I''ve died twice now, and it''s left me with only one clear intention..." Elijah looked up at me sharply, hope flickering in his eyes. "And that''s to end everything with you, for good." Disappointment was evident in his erpes. His grip on the crutch tightened, then loosened, only to tighten again. Finally, he gave a small, deleatedugh. 1 should''ve known. You really were willing to jump from that height. I guess it''s true that you don''t love me anymore" He turned awer quickly, his voice barely a whisper.. ut love for him... right? I was stunned. Did he just cry? It didn''t seem possible. Elijah was always so proud; there was no way he''d shed tears over my lost My words were caught in my throat, leaving me unsure of what to say Atst, I managed. "Elijah, let''s part on good terms, okay? But saying those words left me feeling oddly hollow He turned back, his expression conflicted, his lips parting as if to speak, "Arl." Just then, Mr. F¨¹sse rushed into the room, out of breath. He was closely followed by Mr. Webb, who looked equally hurried Mr. Hussell quickly positioned himself between me and jah, clearing his throat "Mr. Linden, This is Ms. York''s hospital ward. If you have anything to say, it should go through us. Elijah''s face turned froomy. "as it really necessary for me to speak to my own 17-1 II through intermediaries?" he asked coldly.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Mr. We responded politely, "Mr. Linden, while it''s true that legally you''re still married, in practice, you two are now formally separated, and you''re the defendant in this case. Ms. York Ignoring them both, Elijah kept his gaze fardon me, his eyes holding a look that made me deeply uneasy. Fraised a hand to quit the two of them "Please, stop" Roth of them frent linedutely Turning back to Elijah, I said, "Elijah, bark to your ward. We can never go back to where we were." The unexpected tears began to fall aut findshed speaking Elijah turned and left, courch in hand, hobbing down the long hospital color until be disappeared into the shadows. I wiped my tears, ncing at Mr. Hussell. "Thank you. Hur F''o for. There''s no need to tell Mr. Wond about this," Mr. Bussel heurited "Wright, Ms. York" i could tell and ¨¹ksipdy tied Logo, whet''vet him and Mr. We could''t make it held. Mr. Hartsell and Mr. Welbenclunged ners, and Mr. Bissell finally sid. 26 Tak, Donidin''t help anking, "Aumn''t you buy, Mr Huell? He gave a way mode "I''s Mr. Webdeben added, "The bark your well-being in the top priority" cave test well. If you need anything. I''ll be nearby in the next room. cow, York Now that you''re awake, it''s time to start preparing for what might be a lengthy divorce case," 1, utreding mywell dia what was to norue Chapter 138 Jonathan showed up early the next day, looking furious. I had learned that after his fight with Elijah yesterday, Elijah''s younger brother and mother hade to cause trouble for me, only fueled his angri. I saw the dangerous glint in his eyes as he approached. Quickly, 1 grabbed his arm and said, "Jen, it''s line. They didn''t hurt me." Jonathan gently touched my face, his voice filled with concern. "Ark, you don''t understand., Forget it. I''ll arrange for someone to keep watch outside your room." 1 quickly protested, "No. This is a hospital, not a prison, I don''t like having so im soy people around." Jonathan''s gare turned cold and unforgiving "I heard that old bag tror into you to hun." The memory of Eliah''s mother scolding me had left a beary knot in my chest. Even though I knew she was bizarre, it still hurt to be attacked by someone so abound Iried to reason Jonathan. "Jen, don''t stoop to her level. She''s just venting It only shows she''s terrified I might file for divorce." Jonathan sneered. "Of course she''s scared. Now that Linder Group lest the bid, their reputation is in shambles. They can''t afford to have their cash flow cut off right now." 1 was stunned. I hadn''t expected Linden Group to be involved in any bidding while I was in aa this past month. What could they have been bidding on? I voiced my confusion, and Jonathan shot me a displeased look Why do you want to know?" he asked After a slight pause, he said, "We''ll definitely get revenge. The York family isn''t some pushover "You were madly in love with that scumbag before. Now that you''re done with him, it''s time for us to strike back." His words were vague, but I know Jonathan well. He was usually even-tempered. However, when it came to family matters, he could be incredibly vengeful and protective, Iremember once when I was a kid, I came home crying one day because a boy had pulled my pigtail, Jonathan went after every boy he suspected for a whole month until the culprit fina apologized to me He was a total menace when it came to protecting me. Itch ashamed "Joh, that''s not what I meant.." Noticing my unease, Jonathan immediately reassured me. "Don''t worry. I''ll take care of it. You don''t need to concern yourself with these adult matters. Just rest and follow Mr. Webb''s guidance on the do."Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. After a moment, I suddenly asked, "What about Mom and Dad? I want to video call them." Jonathan bestrated, and I stared at him nervously. Eventually, he let out a long sigh. Just wait until you feel better before seeing Mom and Dad. They''ll be heartbroken to see you like thi His voice trailed off. Trelt my heart sink I knew what Jonathan meant. Mom and Dad stall hadn''t fully forgiven me. Fall had atrived. After my medical check-up. Ter apanied me for a walk in the hospital garden. I was still using crutches, slowly practicing walking with a timp, Tari telped me over to a long bench by the flowerbed and thoughtfully draped a shawl over my shoulders. "Aru is something bothering you? Teri asked I was about to say no, but then I led couldn''t possibly be fine. I had so many woles that I didn''t even know where to start Seving my troubled expression, Terited to cheer me up. "Aut, what''s these to worry about?" she asked. "You have everything you could poly need - plenty of money, beauty, and people who care about you, especially Jonathan, who really adores you. you can do anything you want. Why are you feeling upset?" su continued I smiled and said, "Alright Mayould sit down the street like I own the ce, just to prove you''re right!" Then, Teil picked up my phone, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she opened an app. bat the scored in shock. A ring of me and stilled bes, tunne, four, live, da, seen, right sputtered though only had few million! When did alltid moneye on Terabaughed. "Tanyang''s bean sold Whale you were in a c, Mr. We took wer managing the assets that were elited to you. He own went ahead and s usallian was appointed as your guardian after that. But now that you''re awake, his ships vs. Don''t wy M. Webb knows all the ins and outs of "Why would they sell all t (immige Tri said duly "When you by Jingine, way, and Mu, Wolwan fa They locked theres away and discussed it for am the paused before continuing "The day, Mr. We started dating everything that belong to you. They even seni soggens to klijali''s vi to take back all your possessions. I was utterly shocked Chapter 139 That exined the sudden influx of money in my ount. I began to understand why Jonathan and Logan got along so well-they were ban of a kind, both vengeful and unforgiving Jonathan seemed impulsive and arrogant, but beneath it all, he was shrewd and decisive. In some ways, Jonathan and I were alike. Logan, on the other hand, pemainely surprised me. He seemed mild-mannered, gentle, and quiet-someone who didn''t like to cause trouble. But who would have guessed that he held grudges and was just as vengeful as Immathan? Teri kept rambling about how Jonathan had brought people to the Linden residences to vandalize them and take everything that belonged to me while I was in aa-everything! When Teri d"everything", she meant all except the jewelry, haute couture pieces, and lorry bags I had taken with her earlier. could feel my eelid twitching with irritation. I knew Jonathan too well. When it came to defending his family or showing favoritism, he could be truly terrible-an absolute tyrant I listened to Teri''n vivid description of Jonathan arrogantly sweeping through Elijah''s with, suite, clubhouse, andpany-practically ransacking everything in sight. A mix of emotions washed over me "Jonathan even threatened to use all that stolen money to take down the entire Linden family if anything happened to you," T¨¦ri added, her voice serious My eyelid twitched again, showing my increasing concern. "Was Elijah really threatened by Jonathan? Didn''t he get awyer or call the police?" Teri shook her head. "You were still in aa at the time, and Elijah was in the hospital with a broken leg barely hanging on. I heard he was so distraught that he didn''t care about anythi "With Jonathan causing auch amotion, the Lindens called the police several times. However, Elijah chose to settle the matter, so things didn''t escte." I felt confused Whe was Elijah just taking this lying down? I didn''t pay attention to what Teri said next before I could think about it further, I saw Evan walking and me. "All are you feeling any better?" he asked. I nodded. "Much better." Tewas about to say something, but I interrupted her. "I need to talk to Evan for a moment. Can you wait for me?" Ten nced at Evan and nodded After Teri Jeft, Evan stood there awkwardly, staring at me. "You just wanted to check on me, rightTM Lasked. Evan''s expression was tense as he asked, "I wanted to know did my mum yell at you?" Even looked defeated. "I get it. I''m sorry I really am. I key man would react this way, but..." I thought for a boment and replied, "It''s not your fault, but let''s forget it. This doesn''t involve you..." Evan suddenly turned to me and eximed, "How could it not involve? 1.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Turrowed my bow. "What does this have to do with you? We''re not rted anymore! and my expression darkened "Are you telling me to get back together with Elija Adres saying than, I turned my wheelchair to leave. Dorary any arboled to stop. No, no. Ari, However, Lignored him. frodinued pulling my wheelchul forward. "all, Art, please don''tipo mal Evan called out, voice filled with desperation. Jungped my whitektuu and turned to look at him. Evan approachedine, his face flushed and bis head hung low like a kicked puppy. Chapter 140 "Touredly disappointed me, Ivan," I said calmly Evan''s eyes reddened"..I was wrong. I shouldn''t have treated you that way. I always thought it was you who came between Eli and Josie." Iraised an eyebrow Evan quickly corrected himself. "I meant Jocelyn. We''re not that close. Tatened my tone. "Did she tell you something? Evan nodded. "She came to me and red for a long time. She said she couldn''t forget Eli. She also said... she said you forced them apart. That''s what she meant," he exined. I nodded in understanding, I knew Evan couldn''t have hated me that much; someone must have been talking behind my back. If Jocelyn could manipte Elijah so easily, fooling a kid like Evan would be a breeze. I didn''t want to bring up old grudges or ask what tumors Jocelyn had told Evan about me. It didn''t master Evan looked surprised when he noticed that I wasn''t angry at all. "Aren''t you mad? Don''t you want to know what bad things Jocelyn said about you?" he asked. I smiled and replied, "No, I don''t want to know. Besides, what difference would it make? She''s not doing too well now anyway "The important thing is that you don''t believe her anymore, and you''ve finallye to your senses," I added. Evan stared at me in disbelief. "Ari, you''ve changed," he stammered "You''re sitter from before. You used to always argue with me and them go confront Jocelyn" "And then Jocelyn would probably im bullied het, right? Then I''d end up arguing with Elijah again and getting into a big fight with you too," I replied casually. Evan nodded. "Yes, but_" He was too young to see through Jacelyn''s games... I took a deep breath "I made mistakes in the past. But you have to understand, when someone is wrongly used, they would fight to clear their name, wouldn''t they?" Evan tilted his head someone wrongly used me, I''d definitely confront them. Maybe even get into a fight." I sighed. "That when they insisted they were right? Wouldn''t that mean you were wrong for starting a fight?" Evan was about to say something but then he seemed to get it.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. "I beatly messed up." he admitted, looking down. "where I went wrong by believing forelyn without question "What did you do wrong I asked. lile was filled with regist. "I shouldn''t have jumped to conclusions and med you. You must have been furious when she wronged you, and then you argued with jocelyn, and then she..." I shook my head. "No, I wasn''t angry because Jocelyn wronged me. I was heartbroken for a different reason." Evan froze. "What do you own by a d¨¦ferent reason? I looked into his eyes seriously. "The people you care about the most should never doubt you. That kind of hurt. it''s really painful." Evantel udent. After a long pause, he apologized sincerely, "Ari, 1 was wrong I was so wrong Hourled beside me, and his eyes were filled with guilt. "Arl, from now on, I''ll believe what you say. 1.. 1 won''t listen to others" lles anymore," he said I sighed softly and patted his head. I felt auch of emotions as my eyes welled up with tears, and i realized how much I cared for him. This was the person who had always been by my side, calling for "Ari". Atst, he was back Evan and cleared the air, and things were between us after that. He stopped pushing to get h luck together with Elijah and lustead focused on my leg''s recovery. When I toldn in would probably be another month before could get the cast of, he felt sorry for me. "Tur''s going to be a hub for you this month, lurt 17a Evan sald, sounding sympathetic, Then, Benimbang coed my mind. "What about Elijah Tasked. Evan paused for a moment and replied, "Heb. Heat a fracture and a few minor injuries. He''s not going to die." Chipler Chapter 141 I chuckled "Don''t say that about Elijah." Evan''s eyes in up. "Ari, you still ke Elijah, don''t you?" Before he could finish, he saw my expression and immediately shut up. "Don''t get involved in my business with Elijah anymore. Just focus on your studies," I said Evan was in eighth grade now. He was about to start high school Since I had lost my memory, 1 didn''t know how he was doing in school However, he often showed up at the hospital, and guessed he probably wasn''t doing well. Sure enough, Evan said impatiently, "Ton''t even talk about school. Everything''s a mess at home, and no one''s looking out for me. I just can''t focus on studying right now," I felt a pang in my heart and asked, "Did something happen with your family?" Evan looked at me, and I immediately knew what he meant. "Did Jonathan cause trouble for your family!" Evan nodded. I felt a wave of sympathy for thisd in front of me. While the rest of the Linden family might deserve their fate, Evan was innocent. He hadn''t received much love from his mother as a child. She would leave him at summer camp for months at a time. With so little attention, he ended up getting bullied by the nanny the other kids. If it hadn''t been for me, he might have really suffered 1 looked at him for a moment and said, "Ivan, you." "Ari, I know I shouldn''t get involved in your stuff with Elijah, but my great-grandfather wants to see you, Evan said abruptly I was stunned "Who?" Evan scratched his head. "I''m not sure if he''s actually my great-grandfather since mine has already passed away, but everyone calls him that."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. I was even more pazzled because I had no memory of that at all, but I couldn''t let Evan see that I''d lost my memory. "Why does he want to see me?" I asked hesitantly. However, Evan was still young and struggled to find the right word, in he couldn''t exin it clearly. Just then, a figure appeared Exintly in the distance. Ifurrowed my bow and poised at them. "Evan, that person look familiar, Go check it out!" Evan nced over and took off after them. I waited in ce, and after a while, Evan returned with a woman wearing sunsses. She was dressed in a khaki dress and wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Her sunsses covered half her Lare, the seamed anxious about being recognized and nervously used her hands to cov miked "Mr. Cornell, why are you acting so sneaky? you wanted to see me, you could have just called." Jocelyn hastily removed her sunsses and said, "Um. I''m here to ask for your mercy and to drop thewsuit," Hoowned. "A li Seeing that really didn''t know I was happening. Jocelyn quickly exined the whole story. Ir all de sense now. That was the reason for therge son of money In my ount While I was in au, John and Mr. We went after hijab and took legal action against Jocelyn as well. They sued her for taking our marital assets. Jocelyn left in a sorry state, Evan personally walked her out the back of the hospital parking lot, and headed back to my hospital room It was juur a short walk in the hospital garden, but all the unexpected encounters and heavy conversations loft mepletely exhausted. Trubled my forelead. My head was pounding, but an itinally had the whole picture While I was in a cunsa, jota and M. Weiled for dive on my behall against Elijah. They also surd jocelyn to recover out marital assets but that wasn''t the main point. The surprising part was that Elijahed the sets and encore part of polyn''s shuru himself. Thai was why an eight-figure bnce suddenly appeared in my ount because of that Jovelyn ked nacting tabloid attention just to plead with me about thewsuit Chapter 142 nacting tabloid attention just to plead with me about thewsuit I was puzzled by Elijah''s sudden change in attitude. Why was he so willing topromise? Then, a smooth, gentle voice interrupted my thoughts. "What are you thinking about so intently? I looked up and sw Logan entering the room. Dressed in a light gray suit, Logan looked as charming and handsome as ever. He sat beside me, his gaze fixed on my face. "You''re looking much better now. Dr. Quinell said your leg should heal in less than a month, so don''t worry," he reassured me I looked at him and asked, "Logan, what about Elijah? What did he say? Did he agree to the divorce?" Logan shook his head and replied, "No, he didn''t." I was even more puzzled. "Then why was he so generous with the money and even covered part of Jocelyn''s s Legan looked a little surprised. "How did you know that?" I told him about jocelyn secretly visiting me today. Of course, I didn''t mention anything about Evan share?" I asked Logan shrugged. "Maybe he feels guilty. Besides, the money he covered for jocelyn is probably to minimize the impact of this situation." He paused and then added, "After all, if Jocelyn keeps causing trouble, it only damage Linden Group''s reputation further," I sensed there was something I wasn''t fully understanding "Is Linden Group realh in bad shape?" I asked cautiously. Logan gave me a long look and sidestepped my question. "Do you want Linden Group to do well or no? I was taken aback. How was I supposed to answer that? "It''s not that I can decide what happens with it. I don''t have that kind of power," I muttered.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Logan''s gaze softened. "If you want it to do well, it will. If you don''t, it won''t." I looked at him, confused. "How could that be possible?" Logan didn''t respond, and his smile only deepened A tralization hit me, and 1 blushed as I gently took his hand, "He''s so full of himself, thinking he can decide Linden Group''s fate, I thought. Lopan held my hand, tracing gentle circles with his fingers, Ha slowly massaged my palm, moving from my fingertips to the center. The center of my palm was incredibly sensitiva. His long fingers pressed into it, massaging with a gentle, steady rhythm Aspark shot from my palm straight to my heart, sending waves of warnath through me. The sensation was like a soft, electric pulse, reaching deep inside me. The atmosphere in the tappedmand and intimate. I quickly pulled my hand away just before I made a sound. My face turned red as avoided his gaze. "Don''t tease me," I said shyly. Logan looked at me gently, and I could feel my face burning *T''s not teasing you. I''m just helping to improve your cirction," he replied earnestly "I don''t need it. I went for a walk today. In fact, I walk every day," I said hurriedly. Logan shook his head "That''s not the same " "Wursdffund?" asked feeling puzzled Lopen looked at me seriously. "Of course it''s different. Can I like everyone? I was speechless and could only stare at luban. Buddenly, he walked wer and locked the door. My heart raced as heard a uodt click, sat are you doing? Why are you locking the door? This is a hopital too! I stared as he approached non Logan took off his muli jarket, invealing a white shirt underneath. I could ser lils diam muscles bulging beneath the thin Tabetc. I walked pervously. "What-mist are you doing?" I asked, my voice trembling Chapter 143 I had in admit, in had an impressive physique. He looked lean inclothes. When he took them off, his muscles were solid, well-defined, and not bulky or aggressive, Instead, they were sculpted and smooth, almost like a work of art. His body ceminded me of the ssic statues I had seen in museums, showing both strength and grace, while Logan''s long, lean limbs and strong frame gave him a powerful and p I stared at himpletely captivated I was so attracted to him. Logan tossed his suit jacket aside and started unbuttoning his shirt. graceful I was mortified, but I couldn''t look away. I watched as he shed his shit and took off his shoes: When his hand reached for his waistband. 1 yelled, "Stop!". Logan paused, and my gaze was drawn to the V-cut on his waist. My thoughts began to wander, but I quickly snapped back to reality. "You can''t take those off!" Logan casually grabbed some conty clothes and put them on. He then looked at me, puzzled. "How can I sleep it 1 don''t take them or?" I was stunned. "You want to sleep? Sleep here?"Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Logan nodded. "What else would I do?" he asked. 1 tumbled for words. "There''s there''s no way you could sleep here, Logan turned and flipped a witch on the chair, transforming it into a makeshift bed I was left speechless. After a long pause, 1 asked, "You slept here while I was in aa ?* Logan nodded. "Yeah, but only for the first week, Jonathan and wanted to make sure you were okay after the surgery." 1 felt terrible. I had misjudged him. I mumbled, "Why didn''t you exin earlier? I thought you were trying to get close, ur. There could fish, Legan cut me of with a kiss. Then, he pulled back, chuckling softly. "You were right I did want to kiss you." I was about to say something, but my words were lost in the unexpected sweetness of his kiss. It was a long, lingering kiss that left me feeling dazed and overwhelmed. Before I knew it, I had agreed to let Logan hold me while we pt The hospital was locked. Through my hary mind, I heard a nurse trying to open the locked door but failed. After some fumbling outside, they gave up and left. Inventually dried into a deep sleep. An hourter, I woke up to find Logan already dressed. He had transformed back into the elegant and handsome CEO, Mr. Wood "Ret up I''ll take you our tonight," he said, leaving a kiss my cheek 1 blushed, thinking about how we had fallen asleep in each other''s an. My mind was still in that innocent, 18-year-old state, never having experienced anything like this. I was relieved that Logan was a gentleman. Heludn''t taken advantage of the situation and respected out boundaries. Plus, I wasn''t sure I could have stopped him if he had tried. todded and asked, "Where are we going?" Logan didn''t reply. He milled softly, leaned in for a kiss, and then left. I waited eagerly the entire evening. During that time, the nurses came in several times to check my blood pressure and administer medication. I noticed them giving a strange looks, and I felt incredibly embarrassed. They must have heard about Logan locking my room door while we were alone, Chapter 144 What could be worse than this? The whole nurses station probably knew that Legan had locked the coom with just the two of us inside. It made the situation feel even more intimate Indo arte nothing happened, but I couldn''t hide my embarrassment. I pretended to sleep after the check-up, but it didn''t help much. Then, at 6:30pm, Logan arived with two women who looked like assistants. He turned to the two women and said, "I''m taking her out. Could you help her get ready?" The two women med gently and replied, "Of course, Mr. Wood. We''ll take care of everything Please wait outside for a moment." Once Logan went out, they opened the suitcases and began unpacking I saw a brand new dress, a full set of unopened makeup, and a hairdryer. I was both surprised and delighted 1 had actually been in the hospital for met a month. Excluding the time I was in aa, I had been here for about two weeks. Honestly, for a woman who cared about her appearance, it was torture. However, I never expected Logan to be so thoughtful by bringing along a hairstylist and a makeup artist. The two of them were young and efficient. They washed, ot, and styled my hair in just half an hour. Then, they spent another half an hour on my dress and makeup chourter, I looked refreshed and energetic, despite the cast on my left leg 1 nced at my reflection in the minor and save a woman with rosy cheeks, bright eyes, and a slender, fair tigern. I couldn''t stop admiring myself, a warm happiness filling my heart. It felt so good to be pampered and cared for a feeling I hadn''t experienced in a long time. As the hairstylist and makeup artist packed up their things, they smiled and said. "Mx York, you''re really lucky Mr. Wood loves you so much." Isted and stammered, "W-what do you MAKS They both smiled again. One of them exined, "We''re stylists at a beauty salon. Our schedule was packed, but Wood paid a lot to get us here. He also told us all about your preferences." "A handsome, wealthy, and considerate man like Mr. Wood is really hard to find," the other added as they continued packing. I tried to be modest, but the big smile on my face gave me away dr that moment, Logan entered the room with a smile. "Sh Iwe go?" he askedThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. His gaze softened renderly as he looked at me. lich warmth emeye Im. I''m ready," Treplied. With their job done, the hairstylist and makeup artist discreetly left. I fidgeted in the wheelchair, Dervously tucking my sby whoever Logan was around As his tops approached, my heart pounded. behind my ear. I wasn''t usually shy. In fact, I was always cheerful, outgoing, and bold. But ever since I lost my memory, always felt "Ari, you look beautiful day."Logan said as he kneeled down and took my hand. "And you''re getting more beautiful every day." Even though I knew he was just ttering me, I couldn''t help but sarulle. mar''s so beautiful about me? 2301 stantmered again Logan reached out and gently touched my cheek. "Everything about you is beautiful." I posted yfully. "You''te such a sweet talker " Logan Laughest wasn''t used to this lowey dowry atmosphere, so quickly asked, "We are we going tonight?". Logan umiled and replied, "I''m taking you out for der Afterward, we can visit a private art exhibition by an old friend of mine." westwious "T?d''t know you ludafrind who was an antur: Whoisir?" Logal thought for a moment. And college Jonathan knows her too Jonathan! Mysthen rarely talked about is college friends Hunde in knowlei?" Lasked my curiosily wing Chapter 145 1 pinned mischievously and asked again, "What''s she like, you antist friend? How''s the rtionship with Jonathan? Do you think Jonathan will go to the art exhibition too? Logan was caught off guard by my questions. He chuckled. ''I don''t really know her that well, Jonathan''s the one who knows her and dragged me along whenever they went out. I thought you might be bored, socked Quine if I could take you out." He nced at my leg. Tr. Quinell said your leg is fine. Just don''t put tos amoe Imodded eagerly. "Tin fine. I can do it. Just give me crutches, mid 17 walk on my own." Login shook his head, chuckling at my liness. "Silly girl," he teased. Unable to contain my curiosity, I asked again, 750, is she pretty? Does Jonathan like hen?" Logan looked at a loss With a resigned sigh and a small smile, he said, "Well, it seems she might be interested in Jonathan. That''s actually why she got in touch with me, asking me to visit her art exhibition. I was excited "So, Jonathan''s finally going to get a girlfriend? By the way, why hasn''t Jonathan found a wide yet?" Logan just stared at me in silence. Half an hourter, we arrived at a quaint, old-fashioned alleyway in the city. The alley was Hined with charming, historical townhouses. I saw a group of people up ahead, chatting and drinking in front of one of the brightly lie townhouses "Wow! There''s actually a bar here?" imed. Logan got out of the car and draped a delicate scart over myp. He nced at his watch. "It''s about to start," he said "Those are the guests. They''re waiting outside, couldn''t hide my excitement. "Let''s go check them out! Look at them, all dressed up and sipping champagne. 11''s like we''re in a movie scene." Logan chuckled and slowly wheeled me down the alley. La serves in a whine dorm recognized him. The server respectfully said, Ma. Wood, please follow me this way." Logan nodded slightly and wheeled me toward the red-carpeted wallway. The server quickdy soepped forward "Mr. Wood, may assist you?" he offered politely. Login shook his head "Thank you, but I''ll manage," he replied. The server nced at me with a puzzled expression. The surrounding guests also seemed intrigued by out unexpected paitingThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. As we passed by groups of pests, I overheard nippets of their conversations "Whos that? He''s so handiane," one woman whispered "He''s so charming Ch I think it''s Mr. Wood" another eximed, "Mr. Wood? You mean the CEO of that huge corporation?" someone asked, "oh my god, it''s Mi. Logan Wood He''s even taller and inore han in prison, Sunbelievable, someone wheelchair in the disabled" ""But who''s that with him? She''s gorgeous too, but why''s she in a "Noway Their away Mr. Wood would be with someone disabled," another guest scoffed "Maybe she''s so kind of famous actor? I''ve never heard of her before?" "Can''t believe Mc Gatiti pol Mr. Wood toe. This all exhtion in soupscale." Theard there are some prominent purata sii toe. It''s still early." Listening to their whispers, I tell a sense of satisfac?kan? someone added After walling turough the red carpeted walkway, we entered the lobby of the townhouse. As soon as we stepped inside, a subtle, calining fragrance filled the air. pok a depa berathi, surprised to find le was a rare focal scent mixed with jasmine The katy was sparnus, with a refined selection of appetizers and drinks set up in oneer. A few distinguished guests, led by a well-dressed manager, were attentively admiting the Au looked around, I noticed the pairings were at style I wasn''t qualified to age the paintings, but the special lighting allowed me to feel the emotion the artist was trying to Logan stayed with name for a dale, then thougiafully asked, "you 1 pulled my para away Eranthe paintings and only "You Logan umiled and motioned to the set. The verden galed to the small get door. A few older, distinguished guests were already seated Chapter 146 The distinguished guests in the dining room spoke quietly among themselves, asionally sipping their champagne. When Logan walled in, they looked at him with surprise, but Login seemed wed to the attention He thoughtfully wheeled me over to the table. The server quickly prepared our drinks and set out the dining sets for us. The guests at the table turned their sharp gazes toward us. One of them recognized Logan and eximed in surprise, "Isn''t that Mr. Wood?" Just then a voice filled with excitement called from the wooden spiral staircase. "Logan, you''re here!"" Everyone turned to see who it was All I saw was a stunning woman with a graceful and slender figure, elegantly descending the staircase. She was absolutely gorgeous looked bold and sensual in her red silk dress. Her skin was fair, and her long hair was elegantly pinned up, adorned with a cove The rose was artfully ced, nting into the bon from the left, with green leaves casually draping over her hair. She looked elegant and captivating, with a mysterious, natural beauty. She walked up to Logan and extended her hand. "Logan, wee. So d you could make it." Logan shook her hand briefly, then introduced her. "This is Willie Garrett, a talented painter." Willie turned to me, a look of surprise on her face. "And who is this?" I extended my hand. "Hi, I''m Ariana York" Willie took my hand and looked at Logan Logan smiled slightly and ced a hand on my shoulder. "She''s my girlfriend." Willie fence for a moment, then eximed in surprise, "Logan, you have a girlfriend now?" "Isis Ms. York rted to Jonathan? Are you ten siblings?" she added, as if realizing something Lopan nodded. Willie immediately ughtened her grip on my hand, her tone was was warmer "Oh! You''re Jonathan''s sister! I can''t believe we''ve never met before!" I guessed she hadn''t heard of me and had only looked me up after hoding out Logan was bringing me. But | didn''t mind. "How long have you and Jonathan known each other?" asked curiously the mention of Jonathan, a hint of shyness shed across Willie''s face. She gave me a meaning look before replying, "We''ve known each other for quite some time.! After she spoke, clearly eager to change the topic, she quickly guided us to our seats. Then, she signaled to the server to bring out the dishes. Soon, a delirion meal was served, and champagne and drinks were plentiful. Willie was a charumatic hostess. She made sure everyone at the table feltfortable and well-attended. In addition, she gave me special attention, eagerly introducing each intriguing dish I busied myself with food and listened to their conversation, while Logan socialized and asionally chatted with Willie. Willie had some champagne, and her cheeks were slightly flushed. She smiled at Logan and said, "I bet with Jonathan that you wouldn''t be settled down by the have thought? time you were 35. Who would Then, with a mischig, she looked at me." York Can call you Arl? Jonathan and I have known each other for years, and I''m actually a bit older than you" Ate, I asked out of curiosity, "Ms Garrett, how well do you and Jonathan know each other?" Willie blushed a brie. "Oh, we''re old friends from college. We''ve kept in touch over the years," she replied. unmiled and nodded. "I see, that''s nice. It must be great to have such a long-standing Bandship." I was absolutely sure that Will had fealings for fonathan What puzzled me was why someone as amazing as Willie had never caught Jonathan''s interest.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Chapter 147 I was burning with curiosity. But this current circumstance truly made it inappropriate for me to say too much. When I was about 8p% full, Tasked, "Why isn''t Jonathan here yet?- Willie stiffened up a little. Then, she smiled and replied, "He said that he has to work overtime tonight, but he should be bere moon." Upon saying that, she shot Engan a pleading book. Logan smiled. He then picked his phone up and said, "Let me give him a call" Logan walked in after a while. "Jonathan is on his way, He''ll be here in ten minutes. 1 noticed Wife letting out a long sigh of reli The more I thought about it, the stranges it felt to me. Did Jonathan by not have any feelings toward Willie, and it was Willie who really liked him? Why was it that Jonathan''s standard were so high? Ever since finding out that Jonathan was on his way, Willie staated to appear much liseliet and excited. She became more caring toward me. It gave me a feeling that she was treating me thi .because of Jonathan. At this momem, someone came over and whispered something to her. Has eyes lit up. She then excused herself to go to the person who just arrived. 1 tugged at Logan''s sleeve pently. "You didn''t tell me that Ms. Garrett was such a beaut. Why doesn''t Jon like her? No, I don''t think he''s disinterested in her." Logan pinched my cheek affectionately. "Why is a young woman like you being so nasy? I don''t really know much about Ms. Gameir. Why don''t you ask your brother about it? I stuck my tongue out "I don''t darel Was he kidding me? I had just found and reconciled with Jonathan. I was afraid of making him mad and having him igre me again. Ar this moment, a patron sitting at a table opposite recognized me he stuttered. "Ma York. You''re Mr. Linden''s wide, aren''t you?" The age des my face. What was meant to happen would happen sooner orter. looked toward the female parrot across from me. I gave her a police smile and said, "Yes, I was Elijah''s wide, but we''ve now separated and are in the mist of getting a divorce.'' That patr¨®n cesponded awkwardy, "I''m sorry. I didn''t know about that I just.. I just felt that you looked familiar, Ma York" I smiled rigidly. "It''s alright. But I have nothing to do with Elijah ammare." "Okay, okay. I got it." It seemed like the patron across from me was just asking out of curiosity. She didn''t have any ill intentions. "Elijah''s wife? Fan''t that the person with a rather bad reputation someone asked out of the blue. My faceflight at this moment, Logan grabbed my hand. Flooked toward the other patron who had just spoken. She was a noblewoman who looked in be in her sos. After she said that, she looked toward Logan Intentionally. Then, she directed her gane toward our hands, which were interlocked. She made a face Then, she quickly added, "it''s good that they''re getting divorced. There''s such as the inte seviske Elijah started cheating with a woman called Jocelyn Cornell a long time ago Logan pressed his lips together into a fake smile. That woman contmoed harily. "Arts dey and age, there are so many opportunities for men to cheat but morals are going down the drain. Ms. York, you made the right decision to divorce chucided, and I smiled slightly didn''t say a word the was sirviously trying to suck up to Logan. If he weren''t by my side, she probably wouldn''t be saying those thingsBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Lepe Law through me and asked, "Would you like to go up to the boon the second floors get some meha? They''re going to let paying visitors enter the first floor shortly turn, Let''s go up to the second floor. Maybe the interesting items are avable for viewing on the second floor." Logan smiled. He pulled my hair, then posted in werkbul to the elevator, At this movement, fler mediata e sported and acvediached¨¹r Wale was a falur to struts, apple der Jonathan was next to her, along with a few other well-dressed pations. Chapter 148 I immediately waved when I saw Jonathan When Jonathan spotted me, he was surprised. "As, what are you doing here?" The walled through the crowd and toward me as he said that yfully, I answered, "Ton, I''ve been bored to death in the hospital, so asked Legan to take me out for a walk" Jonathan red at Login. "This was your idea, wasn''t it?" Logan chuckled "She can''t be hiding all the time. It would be good for her It looked like Jonathan was gritting his teeth. This double entendie... It seemed like Logan was the more scheming one Jonathan had no choice but to say to me, "Ail, there are too many people here. Have him take you upstairs so that you can get some rest. Pausing for a moment, he then said, "I''ll be do soon. I''ll take you back to the hospitalter" I smiled "No worries. Logan will take me back. You should worry about those who you''re in charge of looking after instead."Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024. Jonathan''s fare flushed red. Then, he gave Logan another ce se. In an annoyed tone, he asked, "What did that prick tell you? Logan, listen to me-don''t bber or create rumors out of nothing!" After saying that, he gave Logan a warning stare. Then, he walked to Willie''s side. At this moment, Willie was already exining her creative inspirations and intentions to the patrons who were here to y I had to admit that this old bungalow was asfortable as ever To visit. Quite a number of people were looking around on the first two species. The ce was bustling with life while melodious music yed. There was also champagne and wine being served the visitors Meanwhile, Logan and I were on the balcony on the third floor, enjoying the gentle evening breeze. Thad never felt so rted. This made me feel so much better. "This such a beautiful ce. Thank you for bringing me here, Logan." 1. leased unto him as he focused on working on his iPad. Then, I gave him a peck on his cheek He from. Right after that, be realized what had just happened. He fixed his eyes on me, and then smiled. He grabbed my hands and pulled me toward him. Al that moment, I started to feel nervous. "No, don''t. People will being up heir shortly" could feel his warm breath by my ear. The next moment, he uttered flirtatiously, "Someone''s starting to get cheeky. Wouldn''t have to teach you a lesson, then?" Right at this moment, one came upstains. "Oh, there''s someone up here." That voice sounded familiar, but I couldn''t tell who it was I wanted to look back, but Logan pulled me into his arms without warning. "Oh, in''s Mr. Wood someone eximed is surprise upon recognizing Logan. in a calm voice, Logan said, "Oh hell, Mr. Acosta. And, this is That man named Most walked to our table. Because I had my back against them and Logan was holding my hands firmly in his, I wasn''t able to see the face of the person approaching us. Mr. Acta od, "This is my newlywed wide, Athena Manning" Lagan maintained that coal rane in his voice "Nice to mert you, I gether and char" I could feel Mas Acosta''s gaze on me. I like she was scrutinizing me Teeling condused, I looked toward Logan Mrs. Acosta. Feel free intake a seat anywhere. There isn''t much space on this balcony, so it''s a little inconvenient to sit However, he was not showing any on his face, which was typical of him. I still couldn''t tell what his intentions were even after staring at h at him for a while. Ma, etta led Mix. Acosta to anor table. Howen, he looked quite been oning over to connect with Logan. At this moment, Willie came up to the balcony on the third floor with a few noble-looking visions Chapter 149 "Please take a seat ampuhere. We''ve got a beautiful view and fresh air up here. In the future, this is the gallery that we''ll be renting. Feel free to select any of the art pieces that you I''ve also bought in some art pieces by famous artists in Uropia Willie sacied promoting her business. At the same time, more and more visitors came by. The balcony on the third floor wasn''t particrly spacious, but it was just spacious enough for fewer than 20 people to drink and chat with one another. Logan and were at the optimal spot on the balcony because we were on a tform two steps above. That gave us an elevated positionpared to the rest With a curious paze, I scanned the guests that Willie brought. Every one of them looked like they were wealthy and respectable people. Trouldn''t help but sigh. "Ms Garrett is skilled at promoting her business. She''s great at entertaining her guests." Suddenly, Logan remarked, "Maybe Jonathan doesn''t fancy her because she''s too adept at doing that." I was stunned. Then, I looked down and noticed that Jonathan truly hadn''te upstairs with her. I had a moment of realization, so I asked, "Where''s Jonathan? He didn''t leave after drepping by, did he?" My voice was a little loud, which attracted the attention of a few of the guests who just came upstaics. Mrs Acosta spotted me. the eximed, then asked, "Isn''t that Ariana? What is she doing here?" It seemed like she intentionally walked over is to verify if she actually saw me. I owned started to have the feeling that something bad was about to happen. Mrs. Acosta walked before me and took a good look at me. Then, she studied Logan. She poped "Mr. Wood, are the cums true? You and Elijah''s wife are now together?" Hearing jah''s name once again made my stomach churn In a displeased voice, I said, "Mrs. Acosta, I''m no longer Elijah''s wife Mrs. Acara disregarded me. She stared at Logan and stuttered, "Mr. Wood, you'' Logan casually wiped his mouth with a napkin. He asked, "Mrs. Acosta, what is it that you''re trying to say?" Ja expected, Mrs. Acosta was afraid of seeing Logan fly into a rage She smiled awkwardly. "Mi Wood, that''s not what I meant. I just think that. Seeing you and Mrs. Linden together is a little strange Strange? Did she want to say that we didn''t look like a good match? The look on Logan''s face turned grim as he asked me, "Ari, are you done with your meal?" He got up and was about to push my wheelchair. "It''s about time for us to leave," may I have a moment please?" Watching our interaction, Mrs. Acosta seemed to have gotten some sort of confirmation, she stood in Logan''s way. "Mr. Wood, may Logan ignored her. In a cold voice, he said, "Mrs. Acosta, please contact my assistant if there''s anything you wish to discuss." Mrs. Acosta felt award it was obvious that he was declining her. There was no way she wouldn''t have been able to tell from his r Opportunity. She started moving my wheelchair for me while Logan was about to leave. response. one. Nevertheless, she did not want to give up on this She stood in our way and said, "Mr. Wood, my younger cousin is only 20 this year. She has juste home from studying abroad and is about to attend a job interview at the biggestw firm in our city. He is Cora Parker. Would you like to see photos of her? She looks really adorable and pure" She then shot me a scornful and condescending lookThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. *M. Wood, I spoke with your aunt previously. She was quite happy with what she saw Cool-headedly, Logan responded, "Sonce my aunt was happy with what she saw, you may go ahead and talk to her, Mrs. Acosta. I''m sorry, but we have to leave." I finally understood Mrs Acosta was actually trying to matchmake Logan with someone else! Chapter 150 Mrs. Acosta was trying to introduce a potential partner to Logan. I couldn''t believe that she was trying to matchmake him with her younger cousin... Realizing that she wasn''t able to stop us, Athena raised her voice and said, "Mr. Wood, you''re young and handsome. Be wary so that you don''t get tricked by certain people out there." She wasn''t particrly loud, but she was loud enough for everyone on the balcony to hear her The atmosphere at the balcony came to a standstill. The dim lighting obscued the expression on Logan''s face, ars. Acosta was out of line with her words, and this frightened her husband, who was next to her. He grabbed onto her immediately and chided in a low voice, "Hey, are you mad? Just thi your mouth Mix Acosta, however, uttered urgently, "What do you even know? Cora is such a look. We linally got to meet- I didn''t get to hear the rest of her sentence because she started whispering with Mr. Acosta. The manager rushed over. Logan turned around and said something to the manager''s ear. Right after that, two attendants gestured politely to that strange couple and got them to leave. Mrs. Acesta still wanted to argue, but the manager gave her a warning in a low voice. Then, the couple left the balcony on the third floor while looking upset.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Willie came over to apologize. "I''m sorry, Logan 1 didn''t know that such people came today. Sorry for not being attentive enough." Logan replied calmly. "It''s not your fault." took a look at me and realized that I wasn''t as annoyed as she had imagined me to be. So, she let out a sigh of toliet les away from the balcony, where everyone else''s attention was. Then, she whispered a few words to the manager, After a while, the manager came back with Mrs. Acosta, who had an air of a nouveau riche. She rolled her eyes silently when she saw me. She timed her eye-roll really well. No one presen saw her except for I sat in my wheelchair In an unfriendly voice, she said, "You chased your guests away, then had us return. What''s going on?" Mr. Acosta pulled on her sleeve immediately, "You offended Mr. Wood with your words earlier. Aren''t you going to apologize to him?" Logan stood next to me with his hands in his pockets, locking expressionless Mrs. Acosta took a careful peek at Logan. In a voice, she said, "Mr. Wood About what I suggested earlier." The look in Logan''s eyes dimmed Standing next to Mrs. Acosta, Mr. Art wished that he could cover his wife''s mouth. He interjected by apologizing to Logan, "I''m really sorry, Mr. Wood. My wife was rash with her words and offended you I''d like to apologize to you on her behalf." Logan chudded softly. "Don''t say that Mr. Acosta Mrs. Acosta was clearly displeased. She pushed Mr. Acosta aside and said to Logan, "Mr. Wood, are you seriously not going to consider my cousin? She''s Before she could finish her sentence, Logan interrupted her coldly, "Mrs. Acosta, thank you for your kind intentions, but I''m already attached. I won''t check out any other women, so please mind your words, Mrs. Aroga Mas Acosta still wanted to persuade Logan, but Mr. Acosta held her back and gave her a fierce re. In the end, she could only utter meekly, "since you insist, Mr. Wood, forget IL MES She corected betwelt imedately. "Me York, sorry about that earlier." I nodded. "Man Acosta, I''m no longer jah''s wide. Please keep that in mind'' Mus. Acosta spered her mouth to speak but did not date to say anything rash. So, she just chuckled awkwardly. The elevator doors opened, and a plump woman in a flowery dress walked toward me. the worked. "Ah, you''re not Mrs Lunden just because you im you''re not? Aut you still in the misht of the couT CASE e looked to be in her 50s and was She went up to the wan the plumps aide. Even so, he was dissed extravagantly-In particr, she was wearing asking set of ruby jewelry on her neck and wrists. diately. "Mrs. Bryan! What is you? It''s been such a long time since I''ve seen you. I heard that you went to a jewely show in Dropia and bought lors of tomated gem Und you buy that the tow Chapter 151 35This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Stas. Bryant hummed an acknowledgment. When she saw me, she hat cumphed. "Isn''t the Mrs. Linden? Thi She directed hes paze toward Legan, In an instant, that chubby face of her lit She quickly asked, "W-Who is this handsome man?TM She had this gleam of greed in her eyes which made me really ufortable when I saw it. Wille introduced, "This is Mr. Wood from Wood Group." Max. Bryant extended a hand immediately, wanting to shake hands with Logan Despite usually being well-mannered, Logan didn''t seem to have noticed her. He lowered his volo and asked me, "Shall we go?" Mrs. Bryant''s hand was left hanging. Mrs. Acosta, on the other hand, realized that Logan hadn''t taken them seriously from the very start. As such, Mrs Bryant, Mr Acosta, and Mrs. Acosta were left standing there awkwardly. They Seeing that Legan was about to leave, Willie urged, "Login, hold on and help out a little longer. I have a few art pieces I need to I was perplexed What did her selling the act pieces have to do with us? Legan inquired, "Has Jonathan Willie answered. "He hasn''t. He''s speaking with a distinguished guest from the business field Ingan took a quick nce at her. With a slight smile on his face, he remarked, ''li ?nolis like Jonathan has gained quite a fair bit this time." Chapter 152 A wide and attractive smile spread across Willie''s face. She lowered her voice and said, "Everyone whoes to this art exhibition will gain something, it''s a pity that all you had was a me Logan. Since you''re alreach here, just stay a little longer. Who knows if there''d be more surprises that await you?" Logan gave it some thought, then nodded in agreement. Sering that Logan had agreed to her suggestion, Willis perked up instantly. She led us to an elegantly-decorated room on the second floor. The room was quit My sharp gaze led me to spot a number of beautiful artworks being hu Martly dressed room was quite spacious. It looked like a sm hung on disy. Seated in front of the auction table were more than t ten distinguished and wealthy guests who were solo exhibition afte They were seated together quietly as they browsed through a booklet in their hands. They were also discussing among themselves softly. Logan and rum at a spot on the right toward the front Aher sitting down, she exhaled and parted herself on her chest. "This is really tiring fortunately, all preparations could be put together this time. Otherwise, my first s returning to the country would''ve been a mess.'' Login preted at her calmly and said, "Ms. Gate, you did well. Everything is well oganized." Then, he suddenly said, "It''s just that some invited guests are an issue." followed his gate. I spotted the woman who was ring Logan earlier, Mrs. Beyant Mrs. Acosta, who spoke rudely, was there too I couldn''t believe that they followed us da expected, sorte prople were troublemakers. Wilte der out a sigh and apologized, "I''m sorry, Logan All sorts of people ended uping to this art exhibition. My main intention was to make the art gallery famous overnight, but I didn''t tipon saying that, she looked at me nervously. "Ms. York, please don''t be mad because that woman offended you earlier. It was my bad for inviting no Logan looked at the having and remarked, "As a really understanding now money like her." in his eyes made my heart skip a beat from the look in his eyes, he did not look like for was line. After all, they had just humiliated me earlier. Knowing his protective personality, night de tting nude, Altaj Willie rundorted in overboder and pointed at the items that were to be auctioned today. as truly amazing, Wathable exnation, she exined the poutives and gives of the items that were to be auctioned today. She also shared se insiderBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Man lupant walked ove us hapton dist sine. Me unded sweetly at all. Mr. Wool, apples about earlier. This is my business and Might I have the privilege to treat you to a meal, Mr. Wood!" Her buitens card was ttery di mati hand the chunky rings at bed with grinstones that she had plugs. More than that, it give of a teeling that she was faunting her wealth. Spin to im Your Surprise Reward! twould dare ure that Twas almost blinded by all the sparkle Ms. Tryant had on her Logan did not ept her business card He waved his hand nonchntly and said, "Thank you for your invite, Mrs. Bayant. I''ll have my assistant reach out to you if there''s a chance," Ms. Bryant''s hand froze in mid-alt. She was absolutely embarrassed in the end, she held herself back and said, "Mr. Wood, we''re business prople based in the same region. Wouldn''t it be a ?n a polite manner. Logan replied. "To wouldn''t." Login added cold, ¡°Ie from a strict family, Lean''t get acquainted with just anyone.¡± The muscles on Mrs. Bryan''s face started twitching I could see that she was fuming Even her voice went up an octave. "Mr. Wood, I don''t think you know who I am. Would you like to do yosat research betere reconsidering me? I am a hundred jewelry chain stores and own assets worth billions of dors. Even those people have to be courteous toward She blurted the familiar-sounding names of big shots in the city Even so, Lingan was unmoved. He acted like he hadn''t heard her tooting her own hom. His indifference humiliated Mrs. Bayant I looked toward Legen. Deep down. I couldn''t help but pity Mrs. Bryant. Logan, who was such a nie pry, could truly plus some off when he wanted to Mrs- Bryant mood there awkwardly for a moment. Finally, she gave up on Logan. She red at this charming and handsome man sitting here, wishing that she could skin him alive. Bady, Logan wasn''t someone she could get her hands on Feeling hurt, Mrs. Bryant directed her gaze at me out of the blue. At that instant, I felt be a prey that was being watched by a preditas Iturrowed my brows slightly. Nheless, Mrs. Bryant only took a brief nce at me before sitting down frustratedly a short distance-ampy, I looked over, she and Mrs. Acta were whispering to one another. They would peer over at no from time to time This gave me a really bad deeling because I was sure that they were scheating something. I shifted ufortably Realizing that weathing miss with me, Logan asked. "Whatswrong?" on the contrary, was quick-witted. She nced over quickly at Mrs. Bryant. a helpless vace, the said. "Um Logan, I think you''ve be someone''s target. Mrs. Bryant is well known for chasing after man. Ever since her husband died and lett a huge inheritance 15 years ago, the has been going around and seeking out handhome men of all ages.." 1 really couldar 1 help myself but stile augh Logan looked aduce at me kely, so shut my mouth Apologetically, Wille lowered her voice and continued, "Hut she''s truly wild when she hooks up with men. A few years ago, someone almost lost their life. It wasn''t until that happened that she toned down a little. Even so, that Baler of hers in truly a pain in the neck "Tasty, Logan Treally do why she ended up setting her eyes on you, of all people" Logan did not respond to Will. He samply took another nce at me. With a slight smirk on his face, he said, "You don''t have to hold it in. Go ahead andugh out loud" I shook my head immediately and pinched my thigh as hard as could Chad just bout my memories Idd not be dumb alter the fall. No matter how brave 1 was, I would not dare tough at Logan to bing a target of a cougar at alline ke this. This man was adde to lead wore a good lesson without baiting an eyelid. I know where I stood When Logan saw that i was belving, he barreled coldly. Then, he said to Willie, "Get Jonathane over here. I''m going to leave if he dilly-allies any further Logan leated in and held the booklet in front of me petice, he bed, ¡°Bale, which a piece do you like? ** Chapter 153 I had never heard Lapan address me with such affection re the that he was really, really about to blow his top: Abri entile, fimathan rane meni btedh. He undid his the casually and let mit a long estate. "Ter linally m Then be supposed to meet ally noticedesa, the asked, "Ari, are you still doing alright? 1.71 take you back to the hospital right now if you''re not feeling well. 14, "hii in doing fine the wantsjasta hekast have a little more fun." diste recuperate. Plus, these are so many people are here if you''re out here... do ma ?n public names enter. Vam''s face Aufhide for the rest of her life Then, Logan addedrxedy. "Askej bumping into thater kuni mitantly became infuriated. "Who are thone shaving prople? Did someone badly my sister again?" Mitje tried to calm him desin immedanck "No, no per misbehaved. - Logan trek a sip of champagne casually. He smiled slighch and urged, "Jonathan, you should protect your own sister. Don''t allow others to trample over both of you the entire me Otherwise, the Tork Tamil ''s reportarian is poleg to get crushed'' Lithe guts to provoke our family!" veter, he added. "These few years, our family has expanded in business overseas. Even so, we still have a lot of business dealings within the country. It''s true when they say that 111) be betten off thaan visu average Joe even after malding a loss. Besides, our family is still going strong." The one who bulliedyou? Tell me! wood Lasalle hm 1 know how I should exin it to him... maan koma for Baraation to start. The guests outside started entering after beating that the auction was about to begin. jnsportant part of the art exhibition tonight. news and the art gallery toaletourton off the p -pinces at high prices.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. med off fartem of thousands of dors. Latar bed withhi thuer portari Abexpected, they we 100 Lamiliar with art Alien isowsing through everything, there was only a postima plece that caught my eye. That painting was of the bead. The navel nadud on the woman''s body, unlining her ligure vaguely was of a stander woman lying in between use parface of the rocks. ?bout the sea water was sed, creating a huge contract with the woman lying limply on the course merrupted, "ili Garent. Why d super to Junathan. "Thest five paintings are worth collecting. Those five paintings were done by an up-anding young artist from sepprommately a hundred and you interestediit, Ma York give it to you if you are what you want to do. sally a painting i puishased from. ions through his aut well. nkrawn artist froin Daunt while I was on was just da awn toward that painting for some reason. I wanted to buy it and hang it up at home as the bead of the art gallery Of course, wild be d that the gallery watali jual ba ¨¤ possistart. prior in po grand Lach is in 1,000 dor increments'' Chapter 154 The moment the auctioneer announced the start of the bid, Traised my hand. "Thirty-five thousand dors No one else called any bids after all, they had not heard of the artist behind this painting, and it did not have any collection value. All of a sudden, someone else shouted, "Forty thousand dors!!! I turned back to look 1 wasn''t surprised to see that it was Mas. Acosta She acted sorry as she said to me, "Oh, Mrs Linden, I''m sorry. I''m quite interested in this piece los." Thunedhead once again. "Tilty thousand dors." 1 frowned even deeper. Jonathan looked over fiercely. "Who''s that? Why is she bidding against you? Is she crazy?" Thesitated for a couple of seconds before calling. "Seventy thousand dors." Another voice called out, "One hundred thousand dors frowning even harder, I turned to look Mrs. Bryant was interfering too. She shot me a smug look, then looked at Logan beside me and eyed him up Right away, I shouted. "One hundred and fifty thousand dorsTM Two hundred and try thousand." "Three hundred thousand your hundred and fifty thousand Just like this, a bid of son dors was being called for a painting by an unknown artist. No matter how dense one might be, one would have realized that this had be a contest Mrs. Bryant and I wirepeting against one another. The other guests started talking among themselves. "Why is Mrs. Bryant going against the York? What is she getting out of this?" My thoughts exactly The Yorks and the Bryants arepetitors, so why are they creating such a scene?" "Mes. Bryant in usually an overbearing person. Perhaps the Yorks stepped on her toes." "Ob dear. Why Gen turn out like this?" did not know what to say and took a deep breath. 1. Looking at the stage, I now that the Wille immediately called for a short break wasing close to 900,000 dors lowered berceau d to me, "Ms. York, maybe we should just let it go fast let her have this painting. It only couts tens of thousands of dors. You don''t have to spend up to bundreds of thousands of dors jou toiter." Before I even said anything. Jouan chimed in coldly. "So what if she wants to go up against her? Are you saying that she can afford it, but Art can''t? Jonathan said to me, "Call another lid! I'' fork out the remainder. I took a deep breath. "One million dors'' The entire cuvi went into an uproar, wasn''t because this painting was too expensive. Radier, it was because it was bid at such a high price when its value was not as high. It wasn''t a painting by a famous artist was at particrly meaningful. We were spending so much just to get back at one another, The atmosphere in the auction room livened up After I called a lot of a million doll, Mayted and arrogantly 15 mill I was boring with fory from wikan. Tavally.coThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. "L5 million dors!" couldn''t understand why Masi yant wanted toe at me. Was it because she was embarrassed in front of Logen arber, so she was taking it Alsai ralling out my tid. I used and gave the Manweir bad burk, indend Laid-back Logana pretul s Chapter 155 Upon seeing the look on my face, Legan curled his lips upward slightly. He asked, "Are you feeling tired? Shall I call your bids for you?" I was being mal "No. 1 call my pon bids." Two milion dor, was it? When I thought about the balloner in my bank ount, I felt confident again. "Thu ee million dors!" I called out. paps were headanoss the room. We were clearly going against each other. The bids were no longer called in 5,000 do on 10,000-dor increments.Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Mrs Payant saised her hand proudly. "Tour million dors!" "Woah, Mrs Bryant is such a spendthrift". "What''s up with Bus. Tryant? It looks like she might actually be wanting to teach the Yorks a lesson." "Did you people pocoguze het? That''s Elijah''s wife. Thur. That...." "oh" Why is #hjah''s wile sitting together with Mr. Wood! Don''t you think they look rather close "Haven''t you heard! She and Elijah are in the midst of a divorce. I heard that she''s had enough of Elijas cheating on her, so she filed for divorce in a fit of anger." 11 she has endly tiled to a divorce, doesn''t that mean that it hasn''t been finalized? How is it that she already has a new partner. "Who knows? Maybe it''s because she''s got the los." Who knows The people''s chumer was so loud that could hear them from where I was. They made all conts of remarks. Nice oss, mean ones, weird ones. I felt numb. Humans were creatures who couldn''t bear to see others doing better than them. I just knew that as long as I showed up in this circle, these tumors would never end. Everyone would only know of me as "Mrs. Linden", and they would have fun discussing my dark past. !! a hand on mine Terling stunned. I led my head Loganhadatender look in his eyes. "Don''t be afraid. You''d have toe out in public sooner orter. It wouldn''t be right for you to stay in hiding the whole time. I watched Mas Bryant, who was looking smug All felt was extreme disput Lasked, "What should I do? Calmly, Logan replied. "Defeat them with your own capabilities." Junurban leated over to me too. With a grim look on his face, he said, "Call for another bid! You have my support." I looked up immediately. "Tive million dors." Mrs. Bryant''s face nittened up. She stared at me gloomily. "Ms. York, can''t you just give up? That had a double meaning In a cold voice, I questioned her, "Mrs Bryant, why do you want to take something that someone else fancies? Jused a douliranteide coo The look on Ms. Bryant''s face turned even darker. She harrumpled, "Ms Linden, wouldn''t Mr. Linden pel mad at your behavior? Just because of '' adjusted bei gaze at Logan I became even miste enraged on the inside. Mrs Linden"? insane? Why was she humiliating me in public? She even daited her eyes toward Logan intentionally. Was she trying to humiliate me for cheating while I was still "M trying to say that I was fighting with her for that painting because of another man? He lookedpletely unperturbed, but I could see that of gloominess in his eyes. From the looks of it, Ms. Bryant had pissed him off. I was just about to argue back when someone suddenly said, "Ten million dors. I''m getting this painting." In an instant the air in the room became utili Truined my beat sully, only to see Elijah strolling Chapter 156 I looked toward me and continued, "I hope to get her forgiveness. I''ve made many mistakes and taken much of her love for granted. Right now, I''d like to ask for her forgiveness." Immediately, all hell broke loose in the auction rGONL Through the crowd, I stared quietly at Elijah, who had just rushed here. His face was pale, and he did not look too good. He lookedpletely different from that energetic, self-confident, and conceitedman whom I met after 1 lost my memories. Because he rushed here, the suit he was wearing had be crumpled. His hair was also in a mess. It looked like he had not styled it with any hair gol. He stared fixedly at me, as if he hadtuned out all the chatter that was happening around him. I tried to sprak but ended up avoiding that fiery pace of his. Jonathan stepped in front of me. He red angrily at Elijah. "you jerk. What are you trying to do?" Elijah walked through the crowd and arrived before Jonathan. In a deep voice, he exined, "I was wrong previously, so.¡± Before he could finish his sentence, Jonathan punched him in the face. A number of people cried out, and some people started getting to their feet. We quickly pulled Jonathan back and said, "Jonathan, don''t hit him. Don''t use violence. Use your w Jonathan shouted, "What is there to say? Right now, I just want to tell everyone that we, the Yorks, don''t ept your stupid apology, Elijah! You tricked my sister into saving your family''s financial situation when your family was almost done for back then "Finty million dors! Whichnd soul would''ve been able to offer you to million dors? This money almost caused our family to fall apart. It wasn''t that we couldn''t afford to fork our this money. It was you, you jerk! You made Ari cut ties with her family!" Jonathan shot me a resentful ne. I lowered my head. Although I did not remember this, I knew that I must have acted like I had been hypnotized at the time, Then, Jonathan continued, "So, Elijah, pou very well know what you''ve done. Now, you want to purchase a painting so casually to get Ari to forgive you? In your dreams! On behalf of the York family, I announce that the Yorks and the Lindens have irreconcble differences. "An York has nothing to do with a Linden at all! Jonathan dered Having been punched, Elijah wiped off the bloodstain on the corner of his mouth quietly. Exed my eyes on him. For some reason, so now filled my heart. I did not feel miserable, but just felt sad to see Elijah in such a state of helter-skelter. It still had my memories, I figured t would feel sad to look at him now Elijah looked at me with a firm gare. It was as if he was trying to look for any traces of my love for him from the look on my face. Unfortunately, all he ended up with was disappointment. I saw the gleams fade from his eyes.: Elijah said, "This painting." Wille stepped forward all of a sudden. "Everyone, since we have a dispute over this painting, please allow us time to discuss it. We''ll proceed with the remainder of the auction." After saying that, the instructed a staff member at the art gallery to lead us to another lounge. Even though this room was much smaller, it was properly furnished. Everyone sat down unhappily Max. Bryant continued staring at Logan.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. She sighed Sarcastically, the uttered, "I do have a liking for this painting it''s just - Elijah looked at her frigidly. "Mrs. Bryant, you don''t have any use for this painting after buying it, do you?" Elijah had made thest bid, so Mrs. Bryant didn''t feel any pressure. She beamed at Elijah, then gave him a wink ¡°Mr. Linden, if you like it, I can give it up to you Watching Max. Bryant''s behavior, I finally believed Willie''s description of her character. She truly was not picky with her targets at all. It seemed as if Elijah hadn''t noticed Mrs. Bryant. All he did was look at me and prompt, "Ari, say something" I shook my head. "Jon has wid what I wanted to say." Elijah sat in his seat, taken aback by what he heard. This time, I noticed that the look in his eyes had dimmedpletely. Chapter 157 In the end, thanks to Wille''s mediation, Elijah purchased the painting for 360 thousand dors. Then, he gifted it to me Mel Bryant was excluded from the bid, so the price of the painting returned to its original value. protistartim was witten all over Mas, Bryant''s chobber face. That being said, jonathan, Elijah, anda silent Logan were in the room. she was experienced in the business would. Naturally, she was ancare that this wasn''t the right time for her to kick up a fuss. She foft right away and left the painting to Elijah. After Elijah paid up, Willie handed the art piece to me on his behalf. He then left silently. I spotted him turning backtake onest nce at me after he left. From that nce, I could see the same sadness in his eyes. Could it be... that he still loved me? Logan put his hand on my shoulder, in a gente voice, he urged, "Let''s go, ALL" Inodded then held onto his hand meekly. When I got back to the hospital, 1 unwrapped the painting. The loneliness, destion, and blood-red waves felt like they were tangible. I got the help of a nurse to hang the painting up on Logan frowned slight. "This painting looks really dark and depraved. Are you sure you like it?"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. I nodded "do." Logan sighed. "Alright, as long as you like it just don''t overthink things. It''s over now." Tunderstood what he was referring to I nodded and reassured him, "Don''t worry. I won''t try to take my own life again." If my first attempt jumping at the second floor was to scare Elijah, my second attempt was because I found out about how I was being set up and humiliated. I wasn''t able to ept that Besling of hopelessness It worke''t happen a third time. That ware har told mell. Logan scrutinized me with aplicated gaze, one that containedplex emotions that 1 could not cu Idid not want to analyse it at this moment, nor was 1 in the mood to do sa Camden walked in. He turned on the Pad in his hands and said, "Mr. Wood, I''ve looked into Mrs. Bryant''s financial situation. Her main business is in jewelry. She has close to a hundred chain shares in the country for her suppliers and jewelers, she inherited them from herte hulumt 4 "I went years, the people''s pusing power has increased, so her jewelry business has been doing pretty well. The revenue of her business has been increasing for seven consecutive Logan nodded surftly. "Go on." Canides continued. "That being said,st year, Mrs Bryant ether eyes on property all of a sudden. She invested in a small-scale property developer to develop a new building. That building is going to be used as a mixed-use property, which means it contains bothmercial and residential units." Logan sucked "She won''t I to earn much by investing at this time. The property market is already saturated'' Canden pushed his sses slightly and said, "You''re right, Mr. Wood Thus, this project doesn''t look promising to others. Not only that, there seans to be some problems with their funding I was confused by their conversation, but I got the main point 1 asked, "Lopan, you want to goup aga Mrs. Bayant? Logan stroked my head gently "illy part, why would do that?!- I was puzzled "Why are you looking into live, then? Hended slightly and answered, "Just out of carbosity" He said to Camden," about the ce the vested in. I member that our corporation has a plot ofndmarty, which we haven''t dev [developed Chapter 158 Chapter 158 Camden avsponded immediately. That''s right. We were meant to turn that ce into a top-tier office building. It''s just that the board of directors Kain''t learn able to Logan took the iPad from Camden and took a bral nce at it. He asked in a calm voice, "How much did Mrs. Bryant invest?" Camden quickly answered, "She invested 150 million dors and owns approximately 20% of shares." Logan smiled. ¡°That''s quite a fair bit. Call for a board meeting tomorrow. We''ll decide on the development of that piece ofnd" Camden queried. "Um Mr. Wood, does this mean that you have something in mind?"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Logan lifted the corners of his lips slightly. "Let''s go with a top-tier mixed-useplex that uses modern technology for its tenants." Camden was stunned. "That Logan umirked slightly. "Goon. I want the board of directors to agree on this proposal tomorrow." With a nod of the head, Camden hurried out of the hospital. After Camden left, I peered at Logan, who seemedpletely harmless from the outside. "By doing this, Ms. Bryant''s 150 million dors will just go down the drain." Logan responded with a hum and then asked in a casual tone. "How would that be possible?" Trolled my eyes at him "With Wood Group''s capabilities, I''m sure it''s a piece of cake to build a top-notch mixed-use building However, the small-scale property developer invested in surely won''t be able to achieve that Whenpetition arises between the two, Sten diryant''s project will definitely suffer a terrible To Logan replied, "This is a business matter. I''m not targetingher." Thad no words to say. It seemed t had underestimated Logan''s piourtiveness The next day, after Wood drop had their board meeting, they came to a unanimous decision to develop that Land at Westside into a mixed-useplex worthy of being a Faton City Lindmark Mateuilt, the prices of it: roundingnd fell, negandess of whether they were twuides the buildings. All the prices were greatly affected. Some who had purchased properties there put them up for sale as quickly as they could out of fear that the prices of neighboring secondhand properties would beasconstruction on their t of Last. Some who had paid their deposits even decided to fade them. They figured that they''d n to save up topetuse Wood Group''s properties instead Meanwhile, the I plot ofnd that Ms. Bayant invested in was done tha abdued after Wood Group Ms. Bryant somed into the office. She pointed her finger at a scrawny look She yelled, "I invested 150 million dorsst year. Even until now, oudy the foundating has been shine. Did''t you say that you were al ang news even after hull a year? to gather other immeritves? Why huck''¡ü there been 1. Scrawny hung up his phone. In a dejected voice, he said, ¡°M. Ziegler is with awing bus investors want to withdraw their investments too." vestment of j¨® million aler Mr. Layton is wit showing Mrs. Bayan''s temper hit the rool "How could that be? Wasn''t everything already agreed upon Mr. Scrawny gave Mas. Bryant a re of annoyance. "Why wouldn''t that be possible? Wood Group gave a statement first thing this morning, saying that t our project into andmark mixed-use building. Many investors no longer see the potential in our project. Mrs. Bryant stuttered, "It''s just a statement. Are they mad3- Nu. Saway became frustrated. "What do you mean it''s just a statement? Men. Beyant, don''t you know how capable Wood Group in When they say that they in they''ll actually make it happen!" Mrs. Hiyant couldn''t help but age, "What does that have to do with us, though? We can just work on our project In a sarcastic vice, Ma Scrawny replied, "Ms. Bryant, the project that Wood Group in doing oveps greatly with ours We''repetitors. They hav also way stronger than I am technique-wise and in other aspects. Not to mention that we haven''t even gathered enogh funding Dui propert I was only at this moment that Mrs. Bryant seemed noterize the seriousness of this She raised her voice immediately and asked. To you mean that we''re done for?" Mary''s Lace was full of hopeless "That''s right. We''repletely done for!" Ms. Bryant screamed. "That''s impossible vested over a hundred million dors. We''ve purchased the materials and Weakly. Ma, Strawy said, "We should cut our les while we still an Otherwise, we ll beughingstocks eloping thend next to making than mo ch¨¬. They re Chapter 159 Men. Bryani sat down, feeling dumbfounded. "How could this be? How could this be? That''s impossible. That money.. Allen, she grabbed Str. Scrawny by his cor. "Gather more funds no matter what. We have to kick off this project. Otherwise, the project is going to get abandoned" Mr. Scany had choice but to concede, "Okon, akin. I''ll give it another pa After the fuss that Ms. Bryant made, she stormed out of the ce. The moment she got into her car, she received a call. "stes. Bryant, I have bad news! One of our customers bought a gold bracelet that weighs fout Troy ounces but ims that there was glue injected in it. The Consumers Association has sent their personnel to investigate us Mrs. Bryant was cattled. She roared, "Don''t you people know how to handle a matter like this? Offer money to that customer and tell them that we''llpensate them threefold. Don''t wrectate this bauel" "Alright, will do. But Mrs. Bryant, there are people from the Federal Trade Commission here rou." Mrs. Bryant froze as she sat in the car. Dear heavens, how did things end up like this? Was this the revenge of that extremely charming gentleman? Mrs. Bryant shuddered. That could''s, could in? Was that man such a cruel person? Did hesh out so hard just to teach her a lesson? While an upheaval was happening out there, my day was passing by peacefully at the hospital. The painting had been hung up on the wall. I would be able to look at it just by lifting my head. For some reason, though, I ended up staring at it an entire afternoon My mind was nk. I couldn''t remember anything, but it also felt as if I would be able to recall something I tried a little harder. This was a really strange feeling. It felt like there was a thin, blurry film that covered my mind. As long as I tore through this film, I would be able to recall everything Ar, what are you thinking about Don''t look at it anymore. What''s so interesting about it? It looks scary." Teri was here. She showed concern for me the moment she awed. Ishook my head. 1 exined, "I keep feeling like I''ll be able to call something, but I just can''t remember anything Unhappily, Teri asked, "Why are you trying to recall? Must you torment yourself by remembering how Elijah berayed you? Don''t be silly." I rubbed my swollen eyes 1 acknowledged her words with my silence She said to me, "I came here today to share some news with you." Tasked, "What is it? Teripled "Elijah has welded. He has made a public apology to yo I was taken atack. After he bought that painting for me as a gesture of apologyst night, I assumed that everything was over. I was surprised to hear that ho made another public apology What was he trying todo? "atur''s be trying to do? Terverbalized the question was thinking. "He''s not trying inpensate you by doing this, is he? I shook my head. "I don''t know." Tested, "Why don''t you give him call? Since he feels sorry, you should just get him to agree to an arcable separation. You can''t just leave thing in a stalematele this." I pondered over it for a moment. I felt that Teri had a point. As such, I removed Elijah''s number from my list of blocked numbers. I hovered my finger over that familiar number for a number o of seconds. Terged, "don. It won''t do you any harm to ask. You won''t have to waste your energy on going to court if you can settle this with an amicable divorce, With that, I tapped on that number. Two secondster, my call was answered Elijah answered the call in a horse voice, ¡°Ari, you''re finally willing to speak withThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 160 Elijah sounded very masal, and 1 couldn''t help but ask, ¡°Elijah, are you alright?" He sounded surprised. "Ai, are you worried to me? I could only choose to divert the topic. "wanted to ask you why you made that public apology." In a deep and low voice, Elijah answered, "I was in the wrong so felt like I needed to apologize to you I sighed. "You don''t have to do that. Elijah, you don''t have to humble yourself like this." In that same deep tone, Elijah replied. "Ari, I''m nuly sorry. I didn''t think that I would''ve hurt you so badly. It really broke my heart to see that look in your eyes at the beach that day- ¨¦vo hurt youProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Tinterrupted him immediately. "That''s enough. I don''t want to talk about that." An artigidity around me because I was not mentally prepared to face that dark past at all. Even though so much time had passed, I still wished that I could disappear from this earth whenever I thought about that time. Elijah apologized, "Thery, ALI- Feeling annoyed, I said, "You don''t have to apologize. I don''t need your apology" in a dull voice, he asked, "What would you like me to do, then?", ped, "Divorce me since you''re aware that you were in the wrong, let''s just have an amicable divorce and not go to couLL" On the other end of the call, Elijah started guttowing all of a sudden. A heughed, he started coughing intensely I waited patiently Finally, he was doneughing and coughing, in a low voice, he remarked, "Ari, so, it turns out that you''re calling me to get me to divorce you." I said, "That''s right. Our rtionship can''t go back to the way it was before. Your apology isn''t going to do anything." It was an of Elijah hch''t heard what I said. He asked, "Ari, you love me very much. Why did you change so quickly? I didn''t dare to blurt out just any reason. In a soft voice, I said, "I-I just don''t love you anymore. I''ve been hurt enough. I don''t love you anymore. Elijah¡ª¡± Heisterjected. "Ari, do you know? 1 teel that you''ve changed ever since that fight and after you came back from the hospital in the past, no matter how badly we fought or how mad you were, you would forge me within a week. We''d then be able to reconcile. Why is it different this time? Why must you divorce me? I don''t get ir ". I really couldn''t continue this conversation with him I said, ¡°Elijah, that''s enough. I''ve given you my reason cimless times I don''t love you anymore. I''ve had enough, and I w want to leave you! Suddenly, Elijah utteredcoldy, "Ari, you''ve lost your memories and forgotten. Because you forgot me, you no longer remember the fact that you love me. Is that right?" I paused for a few seconds. Fould''t focus on listening to what he said after that. Lended the call mercilessly, then blocked his number again. Noticing that I looked upset, Teri inquired cautiously, "What did he say?" After a while, 1 exined, "He knows that I''ve lost my memories." Teri covered her mouth immediately. "How did he know!" Anriously, the continued, "Do you think you shouldn''t have made that call? Webb told us not to be in contact with Elijah privately. Damn it. That cunning Elijah must have been trying to trick you into saying things you shouldn''t say. Bloody hell!" Tell waspletely repirital After a momented repet, I felt at ease, I failed to hide the fam that i had lost my memories, but someone as bright as Elijah would have figured it out sooner orter. It was just that I hadn''t expected him to figure it out so quickly. Alter calming myself down, I said, "Moving forward, you shouldn''t be in contact with him in private either. Let''s just wait for the court hearing" 1 I looked at my leg, which was in a cast, then let out a long exule This journey to getting a drore was much, much more difficult than I had imagined. Chapter 161 The next day, Willie came over after I was done with my regr check-up. She brought a lot of supplements with her, along with a few beautifulndscape paintings. In an apologetic tone, she said. "My apologies for letting you go through all that at the art gallery the day before yesterday, Ms. York." he pulled out a box from her bag. "This is also for you. It''s a top-pade freshwater pearl from Javerna. Thada feeling that you''d like it." lefused, "You''re too kind, Ms. dansett. 1''m happy to ept the supplements and such, but this is too expensive a gift.. Willie smiled. "What''s with the formalities? Aman outsider to you?" 1 felt like I was put in a tight spec I wasn''t sure what the rtionship between Jonathan and Willie was like. If I acepted the gilt just like that, what if Jonathan found out and med me for doing so? Noticing the hesitation in me, Will was sharp-witted enough to understand my position instantly, With a smile on her face, she said, "It''s not thatplicated, actually. It''s just that I really hit it off with you and think of you as my sister, Ms. Tork." I stammered. "1-1 don''t deserve that" Willie replied. "Why not? You''re Ariana York Jonathan loves you very much, and Logan fancies you so much. I''m the one who''s reaching above my station." Upon hearing herpliment toward me, I felt even more unsure about whether I should be epting her kind gift. "Willie? What are you doing here?" Theard Jonathan eximing in surprise I lifted my head and saw him walking in with some takeaway in his hands. The look in Willie''s eyes softened when she sported him. She went up to Jonathan and took the takeaway from his hands. She told him of, "How could you have Arleat takeaway foods lik these? They''re so unhealth." Jonathan was displeased. "This is a nutritious meal that requested from a chet from a hotel to prepare for Ari. Don''t run your mouth if you don''t know what it is."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. He pushed Willie aside without any besitation and then ced the item in front of me As he opened each of the bours, the fragrant a watted into my now. Indeed, it smelled like the food made by a professional chef. Ive Willie a regoriul smile. "Um, de in. chat with youces, Ms. Garrett? Nonchntly, Jonathan chimed in, "Since you''re already here, have some as well. He funded a set of disposable cutlery to Willie. He added, "I bought quite a lot of food. We won''t be able to finish it on our own." Willie waved her hands to refuse. "It''s alright I ate beforeing by. s, how could I be eating food that belongs to you and your sister? Jonathan gave it some thought. Then, he curled his Eps upward and said, "That''s true. Go wait for us over there, then There''s something I need to talk to Ari about. We had no choice but to leave the hospital ward I noticed how carefree Jonathan was I probed, "Jon, it''s not very nice of you to have her leave like this, is it? Whatever it is, ML Garrett is a famous painter and a gorgeous woman. Stop mating. You should just take her out for a good meal." Jonathan furrowed his brows together. " you trying to y Cupid? Who in the world told you that I was interested Lansweed, "No one said so I just feel that she''s quite a decent person." Jonathan ended up rolling his eyes at me when heard that. ''You''re still young. How are y Jonathan did not hold back on hisebacks at all I posted. "The ice. Why are you so mean I only meant wall.'' you able to tell whether or not someone''s decent?" Jonathan had no choice but to say, "Alright, I''m not ming you. It''s just.. Forget in Willie is a cele person, but she''s alsoplicated. Don''t get in touch with her so often." I nodded. Then, Lasked, "Jon, are you really not interested in her?" He preted at me. After a long while, he answered, "I''m not interested in women who are tooplicated. They''ll only end up being controlling and won''t be nice to you "ch"¡± I was staggered the grilled mushroom I was chewing on almost fell out of my mouth Chapter 162 i was supused to hear that the prison Imathan was winwilling to ept Willie was because he was worried that she would posh me around. I hadn''t expected that at all. Iwelledup. ¡°Jon. That won''t happen Jonathan red at me. "What do you mean it won''t happen? You silly girl. You don''t realize it when others take advantage of you. You don''t have a good judge of people''s characters. I kno what I''m doine I won''t be so mindless when looking for a parmer After saying that, he scooped up today te and getting all Logan came to the ward with a delicate-looking lunch box in his hands after a while. Ithan chided. ¡°What took you along? We''re almost done with our meal" Logan ced the lunch box nest to me. He smiled slightly and exined, "This is the pudding ordered for Ari It can be eaten as a dessert." Jonathan pobbled down the rest of his food He said, "Don''t try to put in a good word for Will next time. She''s a very scheming person. Engan uttered candidly. "But you''re already in you jos and you don''t even have a girlfriend" Jonathan rolled his eyes at Logan "Just speak for yourself." Logan chuckled "I now have a girlfriend, though once she recovers from her leg injury, I''ll bring her out and introduce her to others" It was time to see Jonathan not arguing back. After a long silence, he said, "Don''t allow others to take advantage of her." Logan nodded. "Twon''t" Joruthan ruminated to a while before saying "Right now, Elijah is indusing to divorce her. As long as he''s standing firm in that decision, Ari will be the passive one, and people will criticize you and Ari to bring together. I don''t want to be miticized by others" Logan rassed a brow. "When did you be so old-fashioned?- Jonathan led his brown "I''m not being old-fashioned. I just want to protect my younger sister. You''re a man. Of course, it doesn''t feel like a big deal to you. Burt''s sister who will be subjected to all that criticism." my younger I him, but Jonathan shut me a look to shut me up. Jonatan said, "light now, that jerk, Elijah, is ying the sympathy card He''s apologizing and buying paintings for Act. I''m sure that this asshole in dissatisfied about losing such a onderful wom Jnd that so million dors.." He snipered Jonathan had a trigid kook in eyes. "I''m positive that there''s someone teaching this jerk what toda Logan pushed his sses up. "I''ll get someone to get to the bottom of this." Jonattiam said to him, "The most wigent matter currently is the divorce hearing Present the evidence of him cheating" Upon saying that, he exhaled "I really don''t want Art to be the target of people''s criticisme and nder even at a time like this" Without giving them any warning, I said, "Jon, I''d seen and Dad" Looking surprised, Jonathan asked, "Why do you want to see them our of the blur?" i a miserable voice, I exined, "It''s been a really long time since I''ve seen them. I really miss them." Jonathan''s heart softened when he saw the tears in my eyes. "It''s not that I''m not allowing you to meet with them. It''s just. Forget it. The most important thing is that I want you and Elijah to finalize your divorce. Perhaps Mom and Dad wouldn''t be as amply then." I checked, "Aca Mom and Dadog to acknowledge me more because I manlod Elijah?" Tearssipated den myce. My heart was filled with sorrond misery.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Lopen walked over to me "Dowry. A Listen to Jonathan''s addons force in since he feels like the timing isn''t right." Chapter 163 Tredrombardei. As much as Lugan and Jonathan both took turns to corallout Buddenly, Will valkad indo the ward, and I immediately stopped crying Alter all, it wouldn''t look good tory in the presence of an outsider bed the three of us-Logan, Jahan, and my Shanked, "Are both of you tormenting Art even though Milk greined. "Why is the bowling her eyes out Blue that, then?t Jonathan raadio WCR, Tefort her for a hit, and don''t ask any other questions." Willie modded. Jonathan and Legan then walked out of the would. 2 could see them lighting ngarees and smoking in the hallway. Then, they turned their backs on me as they spoke with one another Mate examined the look on my face. She asked. "Ari, are you feeling sad because of Linjah?" Iwed my head and remained silent. Willie sighed. "Trom the way he expensed himsel yesterday, it does look like he''s sincerely sorry. After all, as someorie with a status like his, he was willing to ask you to in public. That''s not an way thing to do." Trubbed my eyes. "I don''t want to talk about him" willie nodded understandingly. "Let''s talk about other things, then. Your leg is much better, int it? What do you n to do after you becoVELL I was started. This was a question I had never considered I tried sounding her out by asking. "I''ll go back to studying!"" Mille was shocked. "Why would you go back to studying? Haven''t you already graduated?" Herectully, I danilied, "1-Eve forgotten everything" Wine was speechless. Suddenly, she asked, "How about getting a job?" 1 poped in surprise. Wie priked up. "I''mcking in manpower at the art gallery. We''ve really short-handed Memet, I feel that work at the art gallery is rting yet high-paying. You can work pan continued to encourage me, "All, you can work part - Kimar Astonished, Lasked, "Do I have to put gallery while you study was stunned by my question. We looked into one another weyen, thenughed I nodded. "I can give it a ps. Other than that, I have to goin university and pick up a Willie consoled me, "ai, you don''t have to worry. The only hudship an verything else. Studying is not considered a hardship. Rather, it''s pave bei moodi same thought and figured that she made sense. tras like you would probably have to go through in in rtionships. In the hallway outside, Logan asked in a calmvice, "How long do you n to hide it from he Jonathan took a deep pult of his cigarette. "I don''t know." Logan perced behind him. "She Blind out eventually" Looking troubled, jonathan said, "I know, but let''s just hide in from her for as long as we can. You''d better not say anything to her either Lupan Maugred. "I''m not that kind of a person." Jonathan seratibed his head in frustration. With a sous expression on his face, he said, "Also, what is Elijah trying to do now? I''m really tempted to seek him an Lopes lowered his eyes. "You''ll get a chance to do so At the mortem, Walie walked out, smiling politely, ¡°Jonathan, Ari is eling much better. She said that she wants to go back to studying after the recovers from her leg injury. I also asked her to Awkwardly, Jonathan said, "Thank you. She can go back to studying, but I reckon she doesn''t have to work part-time * Logan chuckled. "Having a part-time job is not a bad idea. But will she have a basic sry?"- Willie undled and exined, "There isn''t a basic sry, but she''ll eamissions from sales. I''ll give her a 20% est. It''s higher than whitetas put Jonathan wasn''t pleased "Wouldn''t the working for nothing if there tota ar sry?" Wille b?nked at him. "She''d have mate freedom without a basic sry." Jonathan gave it some thought. "Alright then Oh, right. Dol get any ducounts for the ast plece I bought "- She smiled sweetly. "Hull give you a dhurount that only the lofthe art gallery prish mallun grinned "suur That sadeal" Right after he said that, he mailord Logan staring at him as if he kn Jonathan scratched his head. "What is it this time?Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. Chapter 164 Logan said to Jonathan and Willie, pain and check Al After he said that, he enteued the hospital ward. Meanwhile, Willie held penathan back from trying to tag along with topanThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. "What are you doing?" Willie smiled at him "Mr. York, why don''t you see me all? Jonathan took a quick nce at me and Login in the ward. He had no choice but to agree to W s suggestion. "Alright, alright. I''ll set you off." Even though 11 I recovered from my leg injury to the most part, I still had to rest my leg, most of the time. In Quinell removed the metal sevens but me befoe be temaved my f yours, you might not be able to He examined my leg personally, then to me, ogdy, be careful in the future. If you end up having any more scris in these beautiful legs of y wear dresses the test of your life. 1 qricky nodded in acknowledgment Ds. Qui took another careful look, then prescribed trwn weeks" worth of medications and obtement for me. In a shocked voice, I asked, have to drink tonics too? 1. Qumell''s fare dropped. "Are you saying that you don''t want to be on medication With a conflicted look on my face, I said, "It''s biter, though." De. Quinell thought about in briefly. "In that case, I prescribe something that''s not as better." "Skeptically, I asked, "There are toman that aren''t biker" Dr. Quinell chocried. "There aren''t any to other patients, but for you, there will be " I giggled. "That''s really ace of you, T. Quine", " De Quinell mumbled to himself. "I should also include something that improves iron levels in her blood She''s a little anemic. With better iron levels, she''d have the energy to bear children in the I eximed. "What did you say? No, I don''t want H Dr. Quinell made a few more scribbles on the prescription, then looked at me ith a gleeful smile. I physical health in very important. I''ll be waiting to meet your chubby little son and daughter in the future¡± My tare flushed red i sutched the prescription from him. "No, no. Remove these.W-Whose children am going to bear." I do''t even know what ty The made and Jemale appiences next to De Quill were peeling Nervously, I rified. "Me Quine, I''m not married yet. Wait, no. I''m in the midst of a divorce. Hold on. That''s not " The 100 hanout 1 gut, the more I stumbled on my words How was I going to exin myself out of this freaking situation? th¨¬ b¨¢n siender Engers, Logan pulled the prescription out of my hand. He smiled at Dr. Quinell and said, "Thank you, Dr. Quinell. I''ll make sure she takes her medication" Dr Quibell''s grin widened when he owe Lupan. "That''s good to know the right, when can I met with your grandfather for a game of chess? the back in the country?" Logan nodded. "He in. He''s just out of town to attend to some matters and will be lurk in two days." De Quell gered us to lease and "Aright, got it. Hurry up and get her medication from the dispensary. Don''te again if nothing else happens." I had a blush on my face. Logan, on the other hand, was being careline Looking at his behavin, I trally deli liko beating him up Logan aliud, "stat Logan rated a bouw. "Tan poing to proan if you pinch any harder. That the attention of many_" Logenngled Rejuffled my hair and said, "Weight so to get your medications from the dispensary." I want going to resin f?trandendurrass myself. 1 gabled ontolds aim right away. "No, take me with you! Don''t you see all those peopleughing at me?" Topen beld back hissnt and led the away from the consultation room As we walkedikasigi ta lumpital''s haly, we und behandlowe walled Mussell to help me with my discharge procesites. Logan qarjud ¡°Aur you feeling Mower Chapter 165 Dumacked Depan''s lunch off my face. "Ten''Touch me. My face is still red" Lepas was stunned to see me pouting anguilly. A moment after that, he puwed That made me anxious. "What are youughing at?" I qinitioned. Loganreplied. "You''ve still feeling embarrassed? [looked down and lowandle. "I''m only 18, okay?" Demphasized, "I trally am only 1 1 yed at him before going back to feeling embarrassed. Then, Heard a familiar voler: "Mi. York..." I looked up, only to see foceles in a loose-fitting out. She looked trally different now. She was no longer dressed elegantly. Instead, she had a massive straw hat on her head and was wearing a ck-coloredtage mank. All I couldser weer het eyes. - had donned a loose-fitting tireddess and was wearing a pair of ts. I wouldn''t have recognized her at all if she hadn''t called out to me Thurowed my brown togethes. "Ms. Cornell, what beings you here? fceben semoved bei mask. She looked like she breathed a sigh of relied. "I came here for a check-up."Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. After saying that, she looked like she was anticipating a follow-up question from me. cup she''d be here for, but because I did have some understanding of her, I stopped myself from asking that question. As such, luerim and 1 simply stated at one another. Neither of us said a word. was keeping silem, Jocelyn had no choice but turn to Logan "Me. Wood, I didn''t think that you''d apany Ms. York to the hospital even though you''re such a busy man." Lagan said coldy. "I''m not bury." Jocelin was speechless. What followed after that was an awkward silence Finally, Jocelm spoke up. Hestantly, she said, "Ms. York. Um, I''m not sure I should say this._" before she couldplete hes sentence, Logan por to his feet and helped me up. "Since you''re unsure if you should say it, don''t say anything. We''re not interested in listening either." When Jorij uw that we were about to leave, the hurried forward She blusted, "Ms. York, I''m pregnant with Elijah''s childTM sodded slightly. A sly expression camrao Jocelyn''s face. Didently, she said, "I know that this is hard to talk about. But I''m pregnant," All of a sudden, 1 eiruses I was disgusted-extremely digasted With thut, I actually puked Logan patted my back with a frown on his face while Jocelyn stated?t me in shock. of tissue and wiped my mouth. I was about to speak up when Logan voiced out on my behalf, "Apologies, Ms. Coll Ari is also expecting Jocelyn had a look of utter dust on her face: Ligan muldn''t be bothered to entertain her any further. He held onto me and said in a gentle voice, "Ail, our ride is here. Let''s ga? While saying that, bes Puupported que we left, leaving Jocelyn standing at the same spot fit a state of bewilderment. Lin a daze after getting into the cat Ligal handed in a bottle of water. In a deep voice, he asked, ¡°Are you alright? Logan alueeyed in a cand nunner, "Wiko We''ll be able to find out what lolyn is plotting after we consul M. Webb " Flet sout enttej Laugh. "Mutelie could it be for other than for the sake of marry?" Chapter 166 Chapter 166 Logan smiled slightly at me. "This silly pal has prov The news about Jocelyn''s pregnancy left me stupefied for an entire day. h, and I was in a daze. Erculid lipne min why she was pregnant 1 really mulch TBelongs to ? n0velDrama.Org. she immediately called Elijah. As expected, she cussed away at Elijah over the phone Funkmaly, the hung up. Then, she said to me, "Don''t be afraid, Aut. Let the jerk and the bitch live together forever. Regardless of whether that pregnancy is true, Elijah is too embarrassed to Allt fel was this subede yet painful thich in my head Imassaged my temples andsighed Worriedthat I''day intake my Meagain, Texidil bei best to confort me. don''t want to know about this." It took me much effort inches that won''t feeling sad at all. 1 just hadn''t expected jocelyn to use an approach like this. My Wybrushed met once he hemat 1the news. He came over with a serious look on his face. Before he even put his bice down, he said, "We''ll be at a disadvantage in our count case if M.Cornell is truly pregnant." 1 was surprised. "Why wouldbe pregnancy be disadvantageous toward our court case?" The femalewyer next to M. Webb interjected. "Because this involves an illegitimate child. If M. Cornell is actually pregnant with Elijah''s child, a paternity test will have to be done. A "Even though she wouldn''t get in the way of your divorce proceedings, it would get dragged out for an extended period of time because of her. My head hurt even majo It seemed the wanting toile the dive as soon as possible was actually wishful thinking in an instant, my mood fell. Ma Webticed my cheer. He assured me, "Ms. York, don''t worry. We''ve applied for a separate living arrangement for you before this. "After two full years, you''ll automatically be divorced With regard to your assets, we can also apply for asset protection The temalewyer''s eyes lit up. "That''s right! Let''s hurry up with applying for asset protection. Ms Cornell hadn''t mentioned anything about her pregnancy prestously. Now that hat Blegitimane child is entering the picture to tight for a slice of the pie, it''s paramount to ensure that you assets are protected." Professional work should be done by the professionals. I would just have to stand aside and give my approval. Soon enough. Bu Webb''s team came up with a contingency n. The conclusion of their discussion was that the divorce case with Elijah would go on for an extended period of time. Even so, ma were uniti in control overall. The sun had already set by the time i saw Mr. Webb and his team oft Lora made an entire spread of food for me, but I didn''t have any appetite to eat. Loca sigled. "Mi York, you were just discharged from the hospital today, and I''ve made all these delicious dishes to celebrate your discharge really didn''t think that something like this would ve happened" consoled, "Mi York, cheer up. Men like him won''t married spouse." be able to benefit from anything in the ture. The same goes for that woman. The Tandled bitterly. "The issue isn''t ri cimple. I just can''t figure suit - Boca interrupted me, "Stop thinking about you can''t figure it out, just top mulling over it. We should''nt selves. T but dar pou poung to say that you want to figure every single thing out? That''s unnecessarywol" Loved topped ruminating over this After all, this a There are many things in the world that we''ll never figure version of meckt understand why Jocelyn was doing this. Was it for the sake of money or status? would be able to attain all these once Elijah and I divorced she would be able to have all that. Why was she stickaipi nor into than Griet that to digell me, I couldn''t think of any other purpose du might have. afortable shower, tained on tinyptop to search for information self-paced universiten I would love to say that losing seven years of memorers was challenging Attrach searching Lealized that this work had changed drastically At this time, the doorbell ring. So, Lara went to upen the door. A short momentter, the knocked on my doo and entered the room. With an award expression on I''mes people and "Wink itt is it Tend? That''s not right Teri is able to enter using the door''s face recognition." bona said. "Anording to the secully personnel, it''s a male visit. He said that he''s a friend of yours." Chapter 167 she said, "Ms. Chapter 167 My assumption was connect. Elijah was here. Moreover, he refused to leave. I called security and told them that I didn''t want to see him. I also asked them to chase him away. Half an hoog Later, however, the security team gave me a call. "I''m sorry, but you''re going to have to talk to the man in person, Ms. York. He just won''t leave, and we''re out of options to deal I was pissed off. "Why didn''t you guys call the police? He can stay there for however long, he wants. I''m not meeting with him. The security guard said, "On what grounds should we call the police fo, Ms. York? He seems like someone with a strong backing to W. We aren''t authorized to forcibly remove him." telustrated when I heard what the security guard said. He proceeded to say a bunch of nice words, but he still wanted me toe down in person and ask Elijah to leave. He promised m that he would never let Elijah in again and that he would let him rot outside next time. I mulled it over before putting on clothes and going downstales. As expected, I saw Elijah in the lobby. He looked pale as he kept smoking There was some epissed temper and restlessness in Elijah''s expression, but a lot of passersby still cast a nce his way despite his miserable state. Elijah had always looked handome, and he had a rugged char talim as wall therwise, I wouldn''t have been drawn in by his striking appearances and fallen into a pit of endless torture back then. I walked over and greeted Tjah with some reluctance. His eyes sparkled when he saw me, and he immediately snuffed out his cigarette. He walked briskly toward me, scanning me from bead to the meticulously 1 said coldy. "Thisn''s the ce to talk. Follow me." In the next west, I tubed and left without care about the look on his face. I headed deeper into the building. This was a high-end residential building. There was a luxurious option area at the entrance and a garden with hash nts at the center. Lastly, there was a lounge further back, Ther was a betto waterside pavilion, an artificial rock garden, and a small gazebo 1 walked in since with Elijah in tow. I walked very quickly without care if he could keep up with me. would''ve left him to his own fate if he couldn''t. It was a good idea to let him get lost in the muce-Du garden anyway.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. me that Elijah caught up time when I arrived at the gazebo. I turned around and went straight to the point. "What do you want from me?" Cheah stepped forward and intended to hold my hand, but I took a step back rmingly and avoided letting him touch me. Hii gaze darkened for a moment. Then, he asked softly, "Are you I padun a sea Elijah stood was farthest away from him and sat down. "I was discharged today." I took a seat. Then, he pulled out a cigarette and unoked again 1 frowned and gave him a heads-up because I couldn''t take it anymore, "You can''t smoke here." Elijah looked around and didn''t find any signage saying that smoking was prohibited there. He had just gripped the cigarette, but he lowered his hand and said, "Fine. I won''t smoke." I repeated my previous question again. Elijah raised his head and gave me a solemn gazetave it to me straight, Ari Are you pregnant?" loen it andughed. "I thought you were going to exine why Jocelyn por pregnant. Elijah looked at me imposingly. "But she said you''re pregnant as well" I got so mad har 1ughed again. "So, you didn''te here to exin Jocelyn''s pregnancy to me. Instead, you''re here to question me on mine! Chapter 168 Etapter 168 Klijah''s gaze was threatening "I''m warning you, Ariana. You''re mill my wife now you get close to another man, I can think of it as your way of getting bark at me. But getting pregnant is H needed and asked, "What''s wrong with pregnancy? Is that where you caw Lijph''s gaze was so gi im that it was frightening I looked like he woukian gle me at the next moment. He said collly, "Cut it out, Ariana. Are you pregnant? Whose baby is it? I started getting an intense headache again. I should never havee down 1 rose and prepared to leave. Elijah dartedover and stood in my way, blocking my route, dat him rily. "What do you think you be doing. Mr. Linden?" Elijah suddenly tipped my hand hurry up and tell me, Artanal Are you or are you not pregnant?" 1couldn''t take it ammose and swatted his hand away mercilessly. "Tye halensugh of your craziness. I''m not pregnant I''m not st shameless like you."This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Now that I finally said it out, I instantly felt selieved Elijah was stunned for two seconds before he became overjoyed. "Really? You really didn''t do anything with Logan?" I was so surprised by his nonsensical logic that I didn''t know how to respond to that. I pushed him away in exasperation and asked angrily, "Are you out of your mind? How could I do something like that with Lopan Then, I fell silent for a moment before I asked, "Wait a minute. Why am I telling you about this? 1 should be the one asking you about Jocelyn Why is she pregnant with your baby?" 1 got so upset that Iughed. "Wait another minute. Why am I asking you about it? it doesn''t concern me even if Jocelyn has your baby!" I ced at Elijah hully. "You''d better keep an eye on Jocelyn, Elijah. Don''t let her show up in front of me and do something that disgusts me. You''ve been warned. Also, none of your stuff Klijah was stored by the way I berated him. Perhaps he had never seen me talking to him this boldly. The bewilderment in his eyes dissipated before he frowned and stared at ine again," There was a concealed anger that shed in Elijah''s eyes. However, he immediately looked at me and asked, "Did Jocelyn seek you out and tell you that she''s pregnant? Did you tell her that you''re also pregnant because you wanted to preserve your dignity?" Paid nothing in return. This was exhaustine Elijah saw the look on my face and indiely defended himself, "All''s well as long as you''re not pregnant, Ari 1 believe you won''t do anything with Logan. I know Jocelyn said that she''s pregnant, but you shouldn''t believe her. you an oath chuckled coldly and remained quiet. At this moment, Elijah seemed to finally understand what made me feel revolted. He immediately raised his hand and swore an mur, dr. I honestly haven''t been with Jocelyn for a long time now." meered and asked, "Ras it been a month? Elijah was sturned. He pondered in and said, "Yeah Definitely!" I chuckled coldly again. "Well, what if she got prent two months ago?" Elijah was stumped. I stated his unsure expression and said carcastically, "Tocelyn could''ve gotten pregnant two or three months ago What if she already had your baby all the way back when I jumped off the building His Lace tunned pale from what I said. He wanted to defend himself, but it seemed for he couldn''t think of anything to say. He could only repear, "Believe me, I don''t love Jocelyn Emean it. I honestly don''t have any feelings for her. She could be prepant, and still wouldn''t divorce you." Dludlong given up on Elijah, so why did I feel more despair today? If I hadn''t lost my memories, my sorrow would''ve increased tenfald today. Intared at Elijah with a nk expression. "Yeah. You don''t love her." His fare I up "This is fantauk, All You fully trust me and know that I don''t love Jocelyn. I''ve exined myself countless time I swear I don''t love her the way you think I do." My lips nurled into a "You say thurt, but it didn''t stop you from rolling in the hay with her." Chapter 169 Llijah waspletely stumped. I chuckled celle and turned to leave. He didn''t take off after me this time. After I turned the corner, o I couldn''t help but turn around. Elijah was standing in the parebo in a daze, looking unterly defeated and broken. I might''ve felt something for him if I didn''t know the truth and saw him the way he was now, Howers, I would never feel anything for him again By the time I returned, Leca was already home. She also left me some supplements, I wanted to take them, but I fi I was very certain that I wouldn''t get pregnant, but the house made me feel wildly ufortable, The ce was empty, and Tech had long moved out Lepantespected me and didn''t ask to stay with me, Tonight, however, I stared out the window in a daze. Tsum a parked car by ident, and there was a familiar figure sitting as the floor and smoking. The billings around here weren''t too high, and 1 was all too familiar with the figure. It was Elijah He hadn''t lett. Instead, he was smoking on the ground near any bulbling I watched quietly and felt the difort in my body dissipate. I didn''t feel like throwing tightness in my chest an Looking at Elijah''s defeated and dejected state even made to have some drinks. So, I went to the file look for some lips. However, I came up empty-handed after a search of im house, aside from the cooking wine Lora used 1 pondered it and decided I would put my cooking dills to good use and make a bowl of pasta with the ingredients that Lora left behind Afterward, I moved the small table and ced it in front of the window. I began tucking into my supper al I watched Elgah I made the pasta spicy. So, shot and beams wereing out of my nose and eyes. Every time I couldn''t eat a nce of Elijah''s dejected demeanor seemed to reignite my appetite I was halfway through my supper when it suddenly rained outside. It drizzled at first, butir gradually used into a pouring rain. Raindrops stained the window entirely, blurring the view outside, I thought Elijah had left. So, I tinghed my supper with little interest and prepared to freshen up before going to sleep. hstan rose to my feet and was about to leave, I cast a casual nce out the window. I was stunned becauseth was still there, 1 immediately pulled open the curtains a title. As expected, he was standing by the car downched from head to toe. He wasn''t moving at all as the skies rained down on him. Was Elijah crazy? Whatthe heck was he doing? The disconfort in me intensified. I hardened my heart and closed the curtains before going away to freshen up Afterward, I got changed and was about to go to bed to sleep. However, I couldn''t help me and opened the curtains again Elijah was still there, standing in the rain. It wasn''t hard to tell that he waspletely drenched felt a mix of emotions as I stood in front of the window. Men like Elijah could drown, and they still wouldn''t be worth a semnce of concern. However, why did he have to do this? I watched him in snor for half an hour, and I discovered that he sti remained motionless 1 take the sight anymore. I put on some clothes and took an umbre before rushed downsta it was raining heavily outside, and the wind was biting as well. Thembling, gan to regret boing a good person anding downstairs. However, I was already here, and I could see Elijah guted my teeth and fought the chilling wind to walk outside just as I was about to teach the donated car swerved into the spad and drove quickly until it stopped in front of Elijah I stopped in my trade imedately. Someone came out of the red car andered out at him, "What on earth is the meaning of this, Elijah? What are you doing here? Are you waiting for that bitch It seemed like Elijah didn''t hear her as he didn''t respond to her.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Chapter 170 porteated a little, and watched the two people standing in the rain, Jocelyn was the one who came out of the redrar. Ichuckled bonery. Whoebe would it have been? : Aside from Jocelyn, who else would pesterah and cry her heart out? she contined to hold his hand and sobbed "Say something! Don''t be like this, Elijah" She wept for a while before she continued. "I didn''t lie to you, I really am pregnant." 1 qriety tuned on the camera in my phone and pointed it at them. Elijah remained numb, allowing Jocelyn to shake his arm. He gazed through the rain and mist as he looked at the building was aware that Eliah was looking at the unit lived in. For some reason, something stirred in my heart. It wasn''t a heartache, and it didn''t make me feel awful. With that said, it was definitely not something that made me feel good d Elijah''s cold voice as he said, "The told you a long time ago, Jocelyn. It''s over between us. Why won''t you eptin?" Jocelyn waded loudly, which was a stark cast to her usual collected and graceful demeanor. Her cries sounded particrly bleak on the rainy night. "All I have left is you, Elijah. No one ebe cares about me I love you, Thijah I got pregnant with your baby because I love you.'' Elijah muddenly popped the question. "How did you get pregnant?" John stopped crying abrupt as it someone hit the pause button on her. She stammered and said something that only Elijah could hear. I was too far away from them, sot didn''t catch what she said. I see Elijah chuckling, coldly before pushing Jocelyn out of the way aggressively. She wasn''t prepared for it and fell heavily avily to the f floor Then, the immediately clutched her belly "You pushed me ime really hard. Elijah My belly really hurts." Eliah frowned. He nearly helped her up out of pure instinct, but something seemingly popped into his mind. He said coldly, "It''s no use, Jocelyn. You can be pregnant with my baby, and 1 still wouldn''t marry you. More to the poor, you used some shady means to have my baby without my permission." He added. "TI never acknowledge the baby in your belly at my kid. Also, I won''t go through with the divorce. I love Ari." Jocelyn instantly tell apart. She picked herself up from the floor and pounced at Elijah" forbid you from loving her. Ariana is a bitch. She has everything, and I have nothin ana took you away from me. How could you love her? She''s done so many terrible things, and she''s not dignified at all. She doesn''t deserve to be your wide-not even one bit!" Jocelin started acting cry and rambled on nonsensically. All she did was curse at me non-stop. Their exchange began to draw the attention of onlookers. The security guards also piled out of the security booth to keep an eye on them. There were even other onlookers pointing at them.This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. gor tied trom watching them and prepared to head back upstairs. All of a sudden, Elijah reared, "Scram Get the hell away from me!" beard Jocelyn''s sharp cries. I turned around and saw him dragging Jocelyn out of his car before pping her mercilessly. After that, he locked the door and drove off into the distance. Jocelyn was stunned by the p: She mped to the drenched ground and fell in a trance. For a long time there, she couldn''t snap out of it. Only when a kind-hearted soul went over and helped ters up did the pick liselt up to the ground in tears and get back into her car. Jocelyn''s departure, the crowd dispersed I had no idea what to say about the mess I had just witnessed, but it was over. I went back to my ce and looked at the umbre preparedior Elijah. Then, I chuckled self-decisively. What a moron. I was Then, I tossed the umbre into the trash can dudainfully. I had So my coded the first between Elijah and Jocelyn and shared it in group chats Gossip traveled around the fastest. It took less than two hours for it to be edited and uploaded That was how a dip titled, "Elijah ps Homewrecker, I was ricted madly around several major social media tforms. All kinds of tales were spun about it. The denizens who didn''t know who Elijah was spected that he was the owner of a certain cat brand. They imed that he was there to catch the man his girlfriend was cheating with and The end who did know who lijah was said that apany''s CEO pped the homewrecker before driving away in a tit of fury Some of the seemed to know some alder information as well, with headlines like "Homewrecker lores CEO of Linden Group Into marriage with her pregnancy" or "The CEO of Linden Go cup pped gold digger in anger Chapter 171 Chapter 171 the rest day, I got a call from Teri when I was freshening up. She was in full gossip mode "Click the video, Ari. Hurry up. Get a move on. Watch how Elijah pped that damned Iresponded forless, "What''s so good about it?" I saw it in personst night. Teri yelped out of maprise, "What? What are you talking about? For God''s sake, Ariana. You have to watch it now. Otherwise, our friendship is over. You''ve been warned!" responded helplessly, "Is this all it takes to end our friendship? Come on. I''ll let you see the video I took myself." iped to send Teri the video recordedst night. After five minutes, her scream echoed into the phone. "I can''t believe they did this at your cest night. What are the two of them dong? Are they trying to win sympathy points? "Also, why is focelyn pregnant? When did she have Elijah''s baby? Is it possible that she stock in and did it with him while you and flijah were in the hospital? Something about it doesn''t jive, though After I was done freshening up, I said to Teri, who was mumbling non-stop, "I have no idea how Jocelyn got ce." "grant. What I can be sure of is that both of them were acting a life out ofN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. It as the homewrecker when she was the Teri chudded. "That goes without saying Both of them are lunatics. He didn''t cherish true love when he had it, and she eagerly asserted herself as the predyut there. What''s more, Jocelyn actually thinks she can rely on her unborn baby to elevate her status." The dadain in Tei''s voice was unmistakable, but I had no intention to keep talking about it asked her to go to the campus with me before I hung up the phone. Logan was very elhalent. The moment he learned that I wanted to study, he immediately asked Camden to get in touch with Halton University. Now, I could attend the lectures as a student and take sses of the course previously took. Naturally, I had a chose to choose any course of my liking. I could pursue two degrees at once. However, wouldn''t be an easy journey. So, I decided I would take a look at the campus first. Teri quickly came over, and Lora had prepared breakfast for us as well. Afterward, we took a short break before Camden gave us a ride to Halton University Ireturned to the old campus aher seven long years. Frankly speaking, my nerves were all over the ce. The campus felt familiar, but the students who went here were all strangers Meanwhile, my appearance Well, I took a look at my get up inday. I wore a white cotton dress and had a backpack on. I also wore white sneakers and applied extremely light makeup on my face. Meanwhile, Teri looked very differently. She wore office wear and held a briefcase in her hand. She also wore a pair of high heels When both of us walked down the path on the campus, I came to realize that she turned a lot of heads. As for me, my get-up made me nd in perfectly-looked like a typical university The person who weed us led us one of the lecture buildings before taking us to the staff office. There were a lot of people here, and it was messy tou. It didn''t look like a ce in a renowned university at all. The person said embarrassingly. This is the academic affairs office. I have to take you here to fill in your personal information and get your student card. Terreled and said. "This ce makes me feel nostalgic. I''ve been here before." The person was curious "Are you two former students at this university? Teri nodded. "Yeah I studiedemerce, and she did design." There was a bewfound admiration in that person''s eyes when he looked at me. "You used to be a design student? That''s a tough one to get into. It requires a high score to be a design student'' I felt a Intle embarrassed. "Yeal, but I''ve forgotten a little of what I learned. So, I want to take up advanced studies for it," My response made that person fell the more curious again. "Advanced studies? If that''s the case, why don''t you do it overseas, Ms. York? The design students at Halton University are an impressive lot. Most of them did their further studies at universities overseas as soon as they graduated. Only some of them were hired by major design instation within the country "There are quite a number of them who work alone, and most of them did quite well if I do say so myself" The mor 1 Intered to that prison, the more ashamed I felt. What had done in thest seven years? I spent seven years of my precious you as Elijah''s top ass-kisser. I did nothing with my career, and i ?v Ichocked bitterly "Tho Can you please let me register for my student card, sis? i can''t wait to solidify the knowledge I''ve rued in the past" (even ended up bringing humiliation to the York family as well as myself. The person kore he overstepped his boundaries. So, he hurriedly took me to the professor who was in charge of registering a guest student identification. The process went by without a Chapter 172 lion University was my alma mater, and 1 graduated from it as well. So, they only had to get my information from theputer for the guest student identification professor in change of the registration process suddenly asked, "You''re quite into learning, miss. Do you want to sign up for another corse?" ked. "For which course would that be! The professor thought about it before he answered, "Architecture. Are you interested? I was stunned. "What''s thetest news on architecture?" The professor adopted a mysterious expression. "An internationally renowned and prominent architect wille to our university as a guest professor in a while. I''m sure a lot of people will want to sit in his lecture, but the news isn''t out among the students yet. So, not a lot of them know about it. I can tell you love learning stuff, miss. Do you want to sign up for it? prve it some thought. "Alright. Are there a lot of sses?" The professor shook his head. "Not really. You have about four sses every month, which will be held once per week." It sounded wonderful, and it could work out for my schedule. Then, the professor added, "We''ve the students who attend this prominent architect''s lectures a certificate too Certificate? The student in the was awakened, and the was ready for any tests. "I''ll take it! Sign me up for it!'' The professor proceeded to make quick work of the registration I looked at the two sets of documents happily, and I instantly felt like a knowledgeabledy who could ditch my identity as the worthless Mrs. Linden at once. was about to leave when the professor called out, "Hey, miss. You haven''t paid for the registration." Tasked "How much is it?" Registration for the design course cost several thousand dors. Naturally, I had to pay for the architecture course as well. Moreover, several thousand pups for a guest student Identification wasn''t expensive at all. The professor stuck our five fingers. "It''s this much." I nodded. ¡°Oh, it''s 5,000 dors. Do you ept card or bank transfers?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. The professor chuckded. "It''s so thousand dors." I was shocked to the core Eventually, we haggled over the price to 350 thousand dors with Camden''s help. Afterward, the three of us hurriedly got out of the office. I could still feel the lingering shock in my heart. "um How could sitting in a lecture that much?" Camden chuckled bitterly. "You were tricked. Those sses probably aren''t lectures. Instead, this is probably a coborative training course between the university and the famous architect My Care fell. "What? I don''t une basic knowledge of architectura!! Camden soothed me. "Actually, you don''t attend these training courses for knowledge. Instead, you do it for socialworking. It creates a tform in which the people in the industry could potentially make connections to prominent figues" I wasn''t sure if i fully believed. "Are you sure?" Teriforted me, "Just think of it as polishing yourself a little. Also, doesn''t Mr. Wood have real estate projects? With this certificate, you just might be able to work in hispany." Both of them proceeded to talk a little and mapped out my future. I would take design as my main course of study and architecture as my supplementary course. Eventually, I would find somend of position in Logan''s grouppany to make up for the hiatus in my career history, My head telt numbatier Teri and Camden were done talking Would that work? Garden wearing and worldly expression "I''ll work. This is the fastest way to make your resume look good again, and it''s going to be wonderful" Teri was very en noun of me "What a steal, Art if only I had a boyfriend ad excellent as Mr. Wood, I would surely have I cut her off and corected her out of embarrassment, "I have yet to get divorced stop bringing him up all the time." Teriumissed it, "Although you haven''t divorced, you and Elijah were long done with each other. That''s what is troubling him now. Let him fight it out with poorly. We''ll just focus on muking ourselves Letter" I nodded in response. It semed like this was the only way forward for now. A smile appeared on my face as i looked at my guest student identification. If I showed an initiative to improve myself, Man and might just forgive me earlier than they nned to Chapter 173 was done with the guest student identification, my wok at the university was done. That was when Willie called, and her voice was very gentle on the phone. "Are you feeling better, Iresponded, "Much better now."" She chuckled. "Staying in the hospital mast''ve bored you out of your wits, huh? Come to my ce and hang out with me. I can arrange something for you to do in the meantime. That way, you won 1 Heel bered, Ms. York" So, it was decided. Teri and drove to Willie''s gallery. She still looked fashionable and exquisite. The tassel earrings she wore glinted, making her look beautiful and alluring. Topoldn''t help butpare Willie with Jocelyn Jocelyn was the typical charming but hypocriticaldy. She diensed beautifully, and she possessed a certain elegance. On the other hand, Wie was the kind ofdy who was independent. She was cunning and capable, but that didn''t mitigate her allure at all. Both of them were dainty and chasingdies who would are men''s hearts at first sight. However, Willie''s elegance was more decorous, and her smile was much more confident and spen 1pared Jocelyn and Willie in my heart and came to doubt Jonathan''s taste for women Why wouldn''t he consider an excellentdy like Willie? When William Mi, came ever with a smile. Her perfume smelled nice, and it actually made my heart race, the chuckled and said, "You came at just the right time. A new batch of paintings has just arrived. You can go ahead and see II there''s anything you like. I''ll be my gift for you." I instantly felt delighted after 1 heard what she said. I had to give it to Will. She was very good at making people feel good. She excelled at it. I made up my mind that I would surely agree to Jonathan wanted to make Will his girlfriend. she took me to the studio and, as she said, there were a bunch of paintings that had just arrived. She proceeded to introduce them to me with much enthusiasm I was a shame that I had no talents in arts of the sense for it at all. I could only rely on my own feelings for it. Just as Willie was still introducing the paintings to me, someone who looked Ike her assistant hurried over and whispered in Willie''s ear Willie''s eves sparkled "Alright. Go ahead and make some coffee. I''ll head up shortly." After her assistant was gone, she held my arm. "You came at the right time. I''m going to introduce a handsome guy to you. I turned down her oder "Totong with you. I''ll stay back and take a look at the paintingsThis content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Willie gave me an annoyed look. "That''s enough of this. I can tell you don''t know how to admire them just stop protending. The handsome guy upstairs is just as I blushed and feh awkward now that Willie had seen through me. I allowed her to lead m shone through it, giving rise to an incredible sight. s just as good-looking as Mr. Wood." Dince we were in the lounge, I saw a tall figure by the stained-ss window. The sunlight The woelig blue wide-cored shirt and white tapered pants. He was slim, but the open cor avealed sun-kissed muscles. He leaned on the side of the window, and he looked so stunning that be blended in with the colorful lights wlessly I stared at the man with a dared look, Willie thought I was stunned by the sight, and abe wouldn''t help but tug at my sleeves. I blurted out, "What are you doing here?" The man turned around leisurely. The colorful lights shone on his defined features, and the sight could just mesmear anyone. He was so stunning that he could''ve been Prince Charming from one of the fairy rales. The man was a little stunned when he saw me. Then, he chuckled. His delicate eyes were sparkling so much that he would have snatched the hearts of countlessdies. He asked slowly, "Why, lon''t this Aquana? What brought you? Chapter 174 was stunned "Do you pays know each other?" vimunning man walked over and stared at me with a smile. "How am I not supposed to know her? We''re almost family now Willie chuckled "Um" Obviously, the didn''t know Norman''s real identity. So, I introduced him to lies, "He''s Mr. Wood''s younger brother Now, it was Wille''s turn to be surprised. "Huh? Are you really Mr. Wood''s younger brother, Peter?" Norman rubbed his face. He just looked so much like a mixed race. "What''s the matter? Don''t I look like Logan?" Willie finally understood what was going on. "I''ve always wondered why you locked that much like Logan, Here I was, thinking that all handsome men look the same." Then, the hit Norman, clearly feeling annoyed. This is all your fault. You didn''t tell me anything, and you only ever give me your as. Now, I''ve just embarrassed myself in front of Ari Narman chuckled. "Well, we know each other now." His voice sounded lively andry, but I saw a glint in his eyes.. I frowned slightly. "Are you here to buy some paintings, Mr. Norman Norman smiled halt-heartedly. "Yeah. Of course, I''m here to buy paintings. Do you think I''m here to see a prettydy?" He shed an extremely smile at Willie. "I''ve heard that you had a batch of wonderful paintings that came in recently, Will. How about you show them to me?" Will was happy. "Of course. It''s my pleasure I''ll take you to them now." However, Norman didn''t move at all. He pointed at me and asked, "Is she also here to buy a painting?" Willesponded with a smile, "Not at all Art has just recovered, and I was worried she might feel bored. So, I asked her to work part-time for me at the gallery." Norman raised a delicate eyebrow. "Part-time? Is she selling the paintings?" Wille nodded. "Yeah. I need more manpower at the gallery. Furthermore, she''s practically family- Teton she could finish her sentence, Noman immediately cut her off. "Alright. I get the picture, "Ariana, if you''re working part-time at the gallery, how about I give you your first sale?"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. Didi just have my best sale? 1 asked in a surprised tone, "Huh? Are you sure, Mr. Norman Norman held me by the shoulder. "I''m absolutely sure. Hurry rup now. Such opportunities aren''tmon. You''ve got yourself a generous buyer." Then, he led me back to the studio was in earlier. I didn''te back to my senses until I was standing among the paintings. I swatted away his hand, feeling slightly annoyed "Don''t touch me Be wary of how you present yourself, Mr. Norman "Huh?" Normundudded. "That is a concept that eludes me." 1 zed at him. "What a yboy!" Norman''s gran deepened. "yboy? Hmm. It fits me quite well, but I''m different from the others." I asked, "How so?" He leaned in close, which caused me to lean backward rmingly. However, the scent of his cologne we went straight into my nostrils, almost choking me. Norman stated at me with an intriguing gaze. My heart pounded like crazy, and I couldn''t help myself but speak roughly, "You... Don''t get too close! I''m warning you..." He chuckled. "The others flirt with all kinds of messy women. Meanwhile, I''m different. I lovedies like you, Ariana" I immediately blushed, but I stared at him fiercely and said, "I think you''re just being party, Mr. Norman. The truth is, you don''t have a thing for me. You just want topete with Logan and take me away from him." At the next moment, Norman''s gaze lookedpletely different. The way he stated at me made me feel a bit uneasy i defended myself and said, "Am I not right? Given your wealth, you can fit with any woman your heart desires. Y-You''re just trying to make what''s Lo Logan yours. This is what we typically Chapter 175 un smiled a little. "th, 1 goess am a little petty." obbed his delicatechin and looked at me. "Well, what should I do if tran''t help myself but want to be petry?" sondy leaned in close rame, causing me to take a sharp breath. He found me to the wall, and his stunning face suddenly filled my vision. The scent of his cologne rushed into my Theld my breath. I was wostied that my nose would touch this man, who was adamant about being petty: me for a long time before he adenlyughed. Then, he let me gozily "You''re interesting, Ariana. I think I''m more intrigued by you now, "Pick out you own painting if you want it, Ma. Nou man, I don''t know anything about art. I''m going upstairs" intended to leave the studio. There were ente the two of us in here, and it was very dangerous to be with him alone. "Halden"" Norman called out to me Thorned around and saw him admiring a painting lovely. He said, "You''re working part-time here, Ariana. Let me be your first customer Win did it send si ange when he said it? Mr expression was about to change when Norman started talking to himself, "My vi was just renovated, and I need about 20 paintings. I''ve budgeted around two to three million dors v expression disappeared instantly. I started to hesitate, but snorted coldly all the same."Two to three million dors? Who are you trying to fool? What kind of paintings Norman ward what I said and lifted a painting. He smiled and looked at me. "The price tag on this painting, ''Autumn''s Day,'' says yoo thousand dors." shocked to the cor. Immediately leaned close to take a look at it, and the price tag did show the figure he listed edutch felt numb. There was a full of golden hue in the painting, but I couldn''t make sense of it. How was this doodle worth 300 thousand dors? I still had my doubes. "Did we count the zeroes? u one, Instead of answering on question, Norman continued to pick out some paintings and showed them to me. I was shocked. The painting I thought was the best was actually the cheapest while the painting cut put a finger on was worth the most cheapest painting cost 30 thousand dors with an ornate signature at the bottens. I asked Norman, who was still picking the paintings. "Are you actually going to buy these painting" He chuckled. ¡°Ani I or supposed to buy them?" cannoyed "Alright. Tine. Which paintings do you want, Mr. Norman?" polite, and I even got the paintings that were stored at the bottom of the box. He looked at me as 1 began to eagerly showcase them. Eventually, Nochan picud out ten paintings. After I crunched the number, I grinned from ear to eat. I couldn''t have wiped the smile off my face if I wanted to oral price for the ten pairings was 135 million dors, and that would ount for 230 thousand dors inmission. If Willie maintained the samemission cate for me, I we just katted 23 thend dor in an hour.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. I had in bold the calctory and and unch the numbers several times to know that I wasn''t dreaming. "Are you sparing mu? No rubbed my hair. Teloped. To you want to make payment now, Mr. Norman?" He nead at me and said, "do. Show me the way" (pertally led has out. Then, I heard voice from behind me. I pretended I didn''t hear him and walked upstairs happy. I just earned 270 thousand dors in an hour. So what if he said that I was silly? I would ve ?appay admuted in even il bebeled me as intellectually disabled Alter vorne lugging over the price, the tes paintings were sold for 12 million dors. Although I didn''t earn 170 thousand dors, I did make 240 thousand dors. Willie autely banalerted the contention to me as I held my phone and grlined from ear tovar. Chapter 176 1ub''s loow was that Norman and Willie exchanged a nce and shared a deliberate smile. Jure, Ariana. Now that you''ve sold the paintings and made this mach money, you should really buy me a meal "Norman chuckled and loaded at ded immediately."y are thing!" Norman med not have expected me to agree to it because he was stunned for a moment. Then, he smiled. "Alright. We''re poleg tohave the most expensive fondian da tasked quickly when I heard him say it was the most expensive dish, "How expensive is that? Willie vruldn''t take it anymore. She patted me on the arm and said, "It doesn''t matter, Ark. You have toy him that meal. You just don''t run into a customer as peterious. I finally understood what it meant. "Okay, 111 be my treat, and it doesn''t matter how expensive it''s going to be." Norman waspletely stumped by my response. He chuckledstyle. "Alright. Let''s go." I immediately followed him with a spring in my step. He drove a ferrari today, and it was a different color from the one he drovest time. I proceeded to move the painting to the i Norman sas me doing the work, and his lips curled into a grin. "You''re really something special, Ariana 1 wiped the swat off my box. "How so? Nouman persed his lips. thought you wouldn''t care about this small amount of money. After all, Logan is insanely rich." 1 asked aroundy, What does that have to do with me?" Norman was stunned for three seconds. He asked sarcastically, "Why wouldn''t it? Doesn''t he love y you? He can casually give you an amount of money that willst you for a I gave it some thought and said. "Yeah, I think you''re right. But he didn''t give me any money, nor am I going to ask for it." Ohnoushy, Norman didn''t buy a word I said. With that said, he didn''t argue with me. Instead, he signaled for me to get into the car.. I hopped on happily and aded, "Where are we going?" Norman churided and deliberately said, "I''m abducting you and selling you off to traffickers in the suburbs." [ pursed my lips. "You would''t die." Noctian smiled "der, your intelligence isn''t as low as 1 thought. You''re more than the silly lock you pot" Ted "I''m not silly at all." That was when my phone rang 1 took a look at it and answered in chirpily, "Hi, Logan What do you need?" ogan paused brartly on the other end of the phone and asked, "Where are you? Why aren''t you at home?" Tuesponded, "Tmat Will''s gallery, and I sold a lot of paintings earlier.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Lopen and, who bought them? I thought and decided would answer truthfully,'' Norman did-Norman Wood" "Hello? Hello All of a sudden, there wasplete silence on the other side of the phone. I called out quriously, I''s voice rose over the phone again, but he sounded a bit stern this time. "Pass the phone to Norman." I did as I was told Norman said sarcastically. "Gee, herees the interrogation." TH sually put the phone on loudspeaker mode and asked leisurely, "What lii, Logan?" Logan''s voice turned colder. "Why did you buy paintings at the galleryhi Norman charked as he drove the car. The renovation at my vi is done. It''s not that strange for me to buy some paintings, Logan." Logan said kily, ¡°There are a lot of painting unting in the storage at our house. Don''t buy toomany" Notman protested. "The paintings at the house ate too expensive. I don''t deserve them." Logan seemed to be stamped by Norman''s erratic response. He asked coldly, "Where are you taking Aut? Send me an address." Normas chuckled "Ariana jait did business with me, and she insists on buying an expensive meal" Logan pepaaded, "The adieu!" The temperature by the car seemed to have dropped sharply. Chapter 177 catally booke the silence and said, "We''re going to have fondian cuisine. The restaurant pave Logan the name of the restaurant, and be respondedicily, "Tondian cuisine? What''s so delicious about it?" I was at a loss for words In the next monem, Logan''s cold voice cose over the phone. "I''ll be there in 20 minutes. You''d better behave yourself, Norman." Then, the call ended, and an eerie silence hung in the car. No drove the car, and he wore an interitable expression couldn''t tell if he was upset or happy. tearefully felt him out "Logan probably isn''t in a good mood today," Norman turned the steering wheel and chuckled. "It''d be tare If he''s in a foul mood" Lasked. "Why? He whistled and added. "He rarely shows emotions on a daily basis. I always call him a money-making machine" Money-making machine? I was stumped when I heard what he said. It looked like Logan and Norman didn''t share the best rtionship. 1/1 We arrived at the Jndian restaurant very soon, pust as Norman parked his car, a staff member was already waiting for us by the car door. "Excuse me, but are you Mr. Norman and Ms. York? Mr. Logan is waiting for you on the third floor." Norman chuckled. "He''s fast." He followed the staff member upstairs as he spoke. All I could do was follow them while I felt a sense of unease in my gut. Once we arrived at the private room and opened the doce, we saw a table full of delicios for Landan dishes Logan was wearing a storm expression and sitting in the middle seat. He cast a cold gaze at Norman, who sashayed into the room, before turning it to me I couldn''t but hunch a little. "H-Hi. Lopan." Logan enacted gently and pointed at the seat next to him. "Take a seat." Tobediently at where he pointed. He scanned me from head to toe and frowned "Why do you look so pale? You were discharged for less than two days, but you''re already going all over the I hurriedly exined, "It''s not what you think. I put on some foundation. That''s why you think look pale Timmediately took the wet tissue from the table and wiped off the foundation on my face. Logan was so amused by my response that he chuckled. He held my hand. "There''s alcohol in the wet tissue, you silly pose." Then, Logs turned to the staff member and said, "Get some fresh towels? The staff member nodded and turned around to leave, but Logan added, "Make sure they''re warm The staff member exced the private room, leaving the three of us in there along with some fondian dishes Nouman picked up the cutlery with a smile and got ready to eat Logan nced at him coldly "Tasked you toe back to thepany. Why didn''t you do it?" Norman shook his head "There''s no way I''m going back" Logan''s expression new old when heard what Normun said. "You need a day job" Norman siled. "The Wood family only need you to hold down a job. So, stop interfering in someone else''s business¡ªincluding mino."N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. Logan wanted to say something, but he decided against it eventually. Once the warm towels were sent in, I intended to wipe my face, but Logan reached out and grabbed one. Then, he wiped my Lace carefully [luded again. My cheeks burned out of shame. Norman''s expression looked strange. "Hey, stop showing me these sappy moments, Lagan." Logan pred him and gave me the buite and fork "You mus ''ve been Bungry. Go ahead, turk in I was already attracted by the fondian dishes. So, hurriedly dug into the Meanwhile, Logan leisurely put some food on my te and nagged at Norman from time to time. E pretended not to hear it and focused on any meal instead. i was merely taking diga a at Norman for not doing anything of working at Wood Group, and Norman responded half-heartedly, Chapter 178 he stopped taking digs at Norman. Mga Borod that Norman didn''t care about what he said after he mapped at him for a whik. So, z Loran turned around and looked at me. "How much did Norman spend on the paintings today?" Thesitated a little before I told him the amount. Logan cast a colid nce at Norman. Nopsan said sarcastically, "Why are you pring me that look, Lepan? Is a million dors that much? Ariana and 200 thousand dors inmission. I''m supporting her." Logan corrected Norman coldly, "Stop calling her Ana." Norman chuckled. "What am I supposed to call her, then? Ari?" Lepan said sternly, "the''s your future sister inse, so address her respectfully as Ma. Ariana" It felt so awkward for me that I wished I could be on the other side of Earth. Norman chuckled again. "Toute a boldman, Logan. With that said, I can''t believe that I didn''t know you''d be this hopelessly in love once you''re in a rtionship. After all, you''ve always been serious and stayed away from thedies." Loganored Norman''s sarcastic remarks. He asked me, "Are you done eating?" I couldn''t wait to leave this battlefield of a meal it was a truly awful experience. They nodded, but I turned around and realized that Logan actually ate close to nothing 1 shook my head again. You haven''t eaten anything." Logan continued to look at me affectionately. "I don''t like raw food." 1 gave it some thought and said, "They serve grilled foods too. Hurry up and eat some. You''ll starve yourself otherwise." Logan''s game softened much more after that. He nodded. "Alright, I''ll eat it." de that moment, Norman, who was sitting opposite, an expression of disbelied. I frowned and looked at him. "What''s the matter?" He was about to say something, but Logan swept a cold ce over him, and he immediately shut up.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. After a while, the grilled lobster was served. I urged Logan, "Hurry up and it''s not tasty anymore if it is cold." Logan responded, "Okay." Then, he ate it all gentlemanly. I kept my eyes on him and didn''t avert my gaze until he finished the entire te. H When I raised my head, Norman strained and said, "I''m done eating. I''m going home" Logan didn''t even raise his head "Hurry up and got out of here. Your presence here is affecting Art''s appetite I was speechless. "That''s not it. You shoulder moe, Mr. Noman Namanwood Tendon lon''t eat anything with Logan here" I gave both of them a curious look, Norman ose to his feet and was about to leave. He walked a few steps before he suddenly turned around. "Ms. Ariana said that you don''t give her pocket mody, Logan" Huh? i waspletely dumbfounded By the time I came back to my senses, very nearly sprung into action and beat Norman to death. How could he say such nonsense? Logan finally raised his gaze at that. He said calmly, "Oh, that''s my bad" Then, he pulled out a ck card from his suit pocket. "Here you go 17 How could I take it? I rejected him matter-of-Lartly, "Don''t listen to his cosse, Logan, I don''t want your money Logan cocked his head "Hmm? Why?" I responded antiously. "Tim not anyone to you, Logan. Why should take your money?" Alter I said what I uid, I immediately exined, "What I mean is that we don''t have to be this old-fashioned." Logan hadn''t said anything before the damned Norman said again, "Lades are always shy, Logan. They might want something, but they''ll never say it out loud" At that moment, I had a strong urge to beat Norman to death. He was such a freaking traitor. I endured Logan''s slightly imposing rare and said stubbornly, "Um. I mean it when I say I don''t want your money. No, that''s not what I want to say. I mean, your money now. Grex I put it wrongly. I''m doing okay financially." 1, it fan''t exactly moral for me to Chapter 179 Sapter 179 I rompletely memb. I had no idea how to exin it All lild was make things worse unman said icily, "What Ms Ariana means is that she doesn''t need your money. Take a look at yourself, Logan. You might be in a rtionship with her, but you can''t make her feel like she shot up?" I couldn''t take it anymore and burst out. "I''m not going to sell the paintings to you if you keep talking!" aher I was done talking something felt wong. My threat sounded very hollow With that said. Norman Bealh got all my back. He chuckled. "This leaving, Logan Have a nice chat, you two'' Then, he lowered his head and left the private room. Logan and were left alone in the spacious from. He stared at me with a profound gaze. "He''s gone now. You can rify the situation with me," I won''t store it I shouldugh or cry. "You wered by Norman He''s such a bonehead and has such a sharp tongue." Logan responded, "I''m aware that he has a sharp tongue and that he''s petty. But he did make a fine point today. Go ahead and keep the card"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. anxious. ¡°I don''t want you money. I can make my own money. I managed to make 240 thousand dors today." Legam asked. ¡°Are you rejecting mo? loe became much softer. "I really don''t need money from you." Logan rubbed my hair. Taware of that, but it''s my mistake for not giving you some pocket money." I felt a headacheing How could he be this headstrong? I got mad and took the ck card Then, I said viciously. "If you give me the card, I''ll swipe it until ir maxes out. Let''s see if Orice Logs that the card, he was obviously much happier. He chuckled. "If you can do that, then you really are a big spender.¡°. Loomed "Really? Wan''t your heart ache? I can spend a lot. I mean it." In order to get his attention, even told him that I meant it Logan pinched my cheek lovingly and said, "Nothing could break my heart except you." was at a loss for words adto give it to Logan. He looked exactly like a dominating CEO when he acted this way, and he was more awesome than the movie stari. Llooked at the ck card in my hands, feeling even happier. That was the thing with money-it could bay happiness. At the very least, it worked wonders when it came toforting people. It was the weekend the next day I browsed the inte out of habit. Ever since Elijah left, my love life had gone on without a hitch. The same couldn''t be said for him, though. His life was I had been keeping an eye on the inte after wessed Elijah and Jocelyn''s spat. The incident was two days ago, and the public opinion got worse yesterday. Today was the right day to Iturned on my phone. As expected, Jocelyn made two posts back-to-back to rify the incident two days ago. To sum it up, she imed that she wasn''t the woman who got hit in the video, Then, Jocelyn wrote a mainly mncholic short essay to tell people that she gave her heart to the wrong man However, that didn''t stop her from loving that man to this day. Ichecked thement section and noticed that there were the factions here. There were even a lot of random people who felt ament and took a dig at jocelyn At that moment, a highlighted notification popped up on my screen Chapter 180 urwas a post from (hereby dere that Treserve the right to take legal action against all defamatory statements and rumors made by Ms. Jocelyn Cornell. I won''t hesitate to..." [scas instantly stunned. Once Trame back to my senses, I checked Elijah''s ount. There weren''t a lot of things going on there. There were only three posts in total, and the first two were One of them was shared from Linden ip''s aunt was an interview about thepany. The other one was a post he shared from a business partner as a sign of support The third one was the post I just got notified about. I tradevery single word and detected nothing but coldness. War Elijah actually drawing a line with Jocelyn? Demuldn''t quite process what I was reading. After all, jocelyn imed that she had Elijah''s baby, I went back and checked all of Jocelyn''s posts again, only to find that the didn''t say anything: about hei piegnancy What game were the two of them trying to y here? the webpage, finding the whole thing melodramatic, That was when Teri called me "Did you see it, Art? Elijah is totally dumping Jocelyn" Lasked. ¡°Why, though? She has his baby" Telwounded particrly disdainful when she said, "Well, aren''t you a silly one? Won''t Elijah be at a disadvantage in the divorcewsuit if he admits to having an affair with Jocelyn now? In desn''t matter what''s really going on He has to cut off ties with Jocelyn Ind be best for him to dry everything as it his life depended on it." I even more confused. "You say that, but he doesn''t have to go this far. After all, cheating in a marriage doesn''t mean he won''t get anything out of the divorce, and there isn''t any punishment waiting for him down the road either." Teri was stumped It was true. Tel and I could M, Webb about it. He told us in a helpless tone that the person hurring an affair wouldn''t face legal repercussions. There was also no way of making the person going through the divorce and getting nothing out of it. On the contrary, I had not been working ever since I graduated seven years ago. I wouldn''t be able to get a lot of things from the divorce. Te sounded treated don''t care about that. It''s very cathartic to see them turning onto each other. Don''t you find that liberating? I wore a nk expression, and said, "Not at all fact, it makes me feel sick I wouldn''t have concerned myself with their affairs if it weren''t because the court session would begin soon." Teilet out a sigh of rel. "That''s fine, then in any case, don''t go soft on him" I was surprised. "Go soft on him? Why would I do that?" Teti knew she said worthing wrong and she hurriedly exined herself. "I''m just worried about you. You didn''t need Elijah in the past. You were able to soothe yourself without him." Lesponded helplessly, ''That''s enough. Let''s not talk about him on surt a fine day. Anyway, I need you to go shopping with me today." about shopping, which we both loved, the mood took a turn for the better. An hourtes, Terished over and screamed out of surprise when she saw the ck card. "I knew it. Mr. Wood is jou a ss act. How derring, You can use the ck card across the globe. This is the legendary ck card" I immediately stopped Ter from crying our and and diffidently, know about ck cards, but is this what they look like now!" Teri culled bere r?yet at me ¡°rou ?te at heiress to a wealthy family who has seen the world, Ms. York How could you not recognize a ck card?" I said awkwardly, "I saw it once when I was young. How am I supposed to now if this is an actual ck card? I thought Logan just gave me a random credit cardTM Tripod and kept searching for something on the inte while she held the ck card. When she found what she was looking for, her face turned red from excitement. "This is an nonymous rk card, and yours is a secondary card. You don''t need any signature of PIN to use it. Oh, actually, signatures aren''t important. What matters is that it re Tasked, "What''s the Leait for this card?" t it represents your identity." Teri responded in an excited tone, "Theretically speaking, these cardi didn''t have a limit Word has it that it''s a hundred million dors a day." My lest turned into jelly, and i almost fell and hat the chali. I asked awkwardly. "That much? Maybe I shaubluetorn this to Login"This content is ? N?velDrama.Org. Teil rolled her eyes at me. "You''ve wasted seven years with Elijah, Ms. York. You''ve had your heart broken and your bank ount drained at that time. Now, God can''t even s and p?rer you a wealthy and handsome guy. Are you seriously going to return the card?" teven stand at anymore Chapter 181 Chapter 181 II Kinghed dryly. "I never wanted his money. After all, we''re only in the early stages of dating" clocked on tongue in dissatisfaction as I said it. I thought about my rtionship with Logan. I didn''t think I felt anything. He was like a breath of fresh air, appearing in my world of darkness. Then, without a word, he stayed. We had a decent rtionship, but itcked passion Perhaps we were trying to avoid suspicion. Avoid suspicions? The woods flickered in my mind. Instantly, the ck card in my hand didn''t seem as intimidating anymore. Teidi''t know why I was suddenly upset. She urged me to get ready and quickly head out to ripe that card Ichanged into a dress and put on light makeup. As I was cleaning up. Mr.Wb-called. "Ms. York Mr. Linden wants to settle with you outside of court," I was confused "Has he agreed to settle?" Mr. Webb said, "Yes I suggest listening to Mr. Linden''s proposal. If we''re agreeable to the terms, we don''t need to take this to court." I paused for a long time before asking. "Is he really willing to return the money to Mr. Webbhetated briefly. "He should return some of it, but we need to discuss this. Mr. Linden said he''d like to discuss the specifics with you personally." Tinstinctively avoided it. "I don''t want to speak to him face-to-face about this " Mr. Webbsighed. "know. Why don''t we meet with Mr. Linden''swyer to find out more? I quickly nodded, "Okay, go ahead. It''s best if we cane to an agreement, but.. I hesitated for a long time before I said, "Tell Elijah I don''t want to talk about it face-to-face, I don''t want that at Mr. Webb replied Elijah swiftly. However, au Teri and were about to head out, Mr. Webb called again. Lfrowned "What does Elijah want now?"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. 1. Webb sighed. ¡°He said if you''re willing to meet him, he''ll unconditionally return the 50 million dors and the dividends.¡± I was shocked and locked at my phone It really was Mr. Webb, not some kind of prank call Teci came and asked about what happened I repeated what Mr. Wabb said to her. To my surprise, Teri got angry. She took the phone from me and said to Mr. Webb, "Mr. Webb, tell Elijah that the money is rightfully aui''s. He can dream on if he wants to push Arito a corner with the money!" I quickly snatched the phone from her and asked, "Mr. Webb, how sincere do you think be 10" Mr. Webb seemed to hesitate. After a long time, he finally said, "Based on my years of experience, Mr. Linden seems pretty sincere. But the amount is too huge, so I''m unsure if he''ll return on his word." I nodded. ¡°Okay. Tell him that agree to settle, but if I''m happy with the settlement perms, there won''t be another chance, Mr. Webb immediately agreed After ended the call, Terexpressed her dissatisfaction "Ari, this could be a y. He''ll never return the money. It''s a huge amount... I shook my head. "I know he''ll never return all of it to me, but this is a chance, isn''t it?" Teil sighed. "I still think Elijah is up to no good Trii widened her eyes. "You know, yet you agreed to it." I appeared indiferent.¡± still have stry, right? Maybe Mom and Dad will forgive me it I can get the money back" Chapter 182 apter 182 This was an assumption i didn''t dare to put too much thought inte.. Five years ago, I thiked everything and invested the 50 million dors Grandpa left me to help Linden Group, which was in trouble. I heard from Teri that this incident had caused my patens to disownie public However, no matter hose had asked, willing to tell me what happened to my parents after that. Then, there was my brother, Jonathan. Jonathan and I had reconciled, but every time I mentioned meeting Mom and Dad on missing them, Jonathan avoided these topics at all costs. Indiced to find out the reasons for what happened. I was afraid I coul''t handle the truth. Now, My priority was to get the so million dors, the dividends, and the shares Elijah owed me There were always ways to mend broken family rtionships, but now, I could only use money to amend my past mistakes. Helt a tremendous sense of helplessness. Why? Why was it so difficult to take back what was rightfully mine? I was not in good spirits after taking Mr. Webb''s call, but Teri still dragged me out of the house. She knew I couldn''t coop myself up at home at this time. We went to a salon, and 1 got myself a new hairdo and engaged in their makeup service. As people said, clothes made a man.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. After a makeover, I looked more energetic ast looked at myself in the mirror. I was robbed of seven years of my life, but my energy and liveliness were still present Teisid, "Let''s go shopping. Let''s show that overbearing CEO that petty women are forces not to be reckoned with." 1 puwed. "What a phrase!" Teripated "Am I wrong? You''re a woman, and I''m petty. We''re a force to be recieved with!" She giggled as she went to pay the bill. How could let Teri, the corporate ve, pay the bill? i went ahead of her, "Oh, my. Why, if it isn''t Ms. York I can''t believe you''re still in the mood for self-care, Asarcastic voice came from the resting area I nced over with a frown Telegantly dressed women carried themselves with a sophisticated grace. However, I did not know them. No, I lost my memory, so must have lost my memory of these women. I didn''t n to give any attention to them and went to the front desk to pay. "It looks like York is still as arrogant as always. I wonder how it feels like to be made a fool of?" "Yeah, her husband cheated on her, and I heard that the mistress is expecting, III were her, I would''ve given the mistress a ce of my mind." "You''re right. Ariana York has never been one to control her temper. She would''ve gone after Jocelyn Cornell long ago instead of being here and having a good time." They were not subtle about their discussion I chose to ignore them and contred to walk away. Terved at me from the front. "Look at the evening gowns that were shipped from o overseas today! Do you want I waved my hand. "No, no. Why spend so much money? Let''s go shopping." "Mrs. Elsher, the evenings you''ve ordered have arrived. You can try them on The shop attendant held hangers with evening gowns and walked toward the two women behind me. I turned around and saw that they were the sharp-tongued women from earlier. I frowned slightly. Calm andposed, I tugged on Teri and nned to leave this ce as soon as possible, However, luck had never been on my side. Unexpected incidents always happened in moments like this. With a smile that wasn''t genuine, Mrs. Fisher sized me bump into you me up. "What a coincidence, Mrs. Linden. I thought I had gotten the wrong person when I saw you earlier. I never expected to really Chapter 183 ChapterThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. 183 jhich''t turn back, pertending to hear nothing as i walked toward Tri. Tinyhdchen women with unendly intentions. She remed and walked to my side. The walked in fent el is, blocking mat may observed Mas. Elsher closer. She was in her yos, with a t face and heavy makeup. She looked like a typical socialite There won a skinny woman beside Mrs Elcher. She was dressed in a style simr to Mrs. Elsher''s and had exquisite facial features. With one look, I could tell she had gotten stic surgery Mrs. Elsher was ohrrinusly looking at me up and down. I had seen that look before she was mocking me Mrs. Elshes forced a smile. "What a coincidence, Linden! Are you here to get your hair done too? What''s the asion?" I pretended I didn''t understand what she was implying. "Nothing. I''m just out and about." Teri''s gaze switched back and forth between Mrs. Elsher and mo. Then, she was struck by a sudden revtion I knew Teri had figured out who this person was immediately gave her a knowing look Teri mood before me and asked with a sharine smile, "It''s you, Mas. Elsher! Are you here to try on evening gowns? Mrs. Lisher hummed in assent, looking prood. "Yes, I''m attending Mr. Pearson''s celebration party for his eldest grandson. A lot of the big names will be there." intentionally ered me. "Mrs Linden, will you be there!" Istved silent Then, the skinny and call woman said in a suggestive tone, "Have you forgotten, Mrs. Elsher? It''s not appropriate for Mrs. Linden to attend." Mrs. Elshen looked like she had just thought about it and gave a crappy apology. "Oh, I''m sorry, Mrs. Linden. Forgive my memory. Oh, have you seen the news? Jocelyn is pregnant with Mr. Linden''s baby" Mrs. Eicher and thedy beside her mared at me, waiting for my reaction Teri couldn''t take it anymore."You" Before she could stort, 1 took her band "Terl, aren''t we supposed to be shopping? Let''s go. The car is waiting I dragged Temay Then, Mrs. Elsher''s voice came from behind "Don''t go, Mrs. Linden. Do you think this news is true? You''re Mr. Linden''s rightful wife and fought hard to marry him back then. How could you let an indecent woman trample over your shared bed with him?¡± Teri was so furious that the started running her mouth, "Why aren''t you saying anything Ari? She''sughing in your face." With a darkened look, I said nothing and continued walking out Mes. Elber''s voice sounded again "Sigh, this is life. You had every opp inity to be ady from a wealthy family, yet you''re now aughingstock. It''s unfortunate the Yock family has Teisbered the look on my face and swayed my arm in wor I said nothing and turned back Now, it was Ten''t grab my hand I walked to Ms. Eller and stared at her. "Ms. Elsher, who are you referring to as aughingstock?" Mis. Elsbet never expected I would turn back and was caught off guard. I pressedturtier: "Just what do you mean, Mrs. Elder? Are you saying I''m the one who tamed the York family into aughingstock?" Mas Esher''s expression turned lustly from my listentogation The statuan beside her now that she was stuck and quickly said, ¡°What is the meaning of this, Ms. Linden? Your husband caused this, yet we aren''t supposed to discuss it?¡± Chapter 184 I scoffed. ¡°He cheated, and I have nothing to do with it. I don''t care if you mock me, but why must you drag the Yorks into this? Has my family offended you in any way? At this point, the atmosphere was soldering. Elsher looked at how I was acting and said sarcastically, "Don''t stop to her level, Genevieve, Mrs. Linden is quite the troublemaker in the circle. Be wary that she might bring her temper to your husband''s office and cause trouble, ruining your husband''s partnership with Linden Group." Genevieve had a disdained look on her face when she heard that "Hes? Can she even keep Mr. Linden on her side? Mr. Linden hated her a long time ago. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have cheated Teriheard her and pushed her. "Nothing goodes out from your mouth! Here you are, spewing bullshit the moment you open your mouth. What temper does Ari have? Exin yoursel Who do you think you are? You and this stick-lookingdy are nothing more than just a small supplier for Linden Group. What right do you have to be bbering your mouths off?" Then, I realized why these two we were so hostile toward me-they were suppliers partnering with Linden Group, What a karjord The pettier someone was, the prouder they were. I suddenly lost interest in going head-to-head with them, but letting it slide wasn''t my style either. My gaze suddenly shifted to the row of lusters.custom-made clothes at the side I told Teri. "We came to shop today, and the clothes here seem enticing" Teri was my ride-or-die best friend-she immediately understood where I was going with this She started dramatizing. "They do look fantastic Ari, do you want to try this gown? I heard they shopped this from Laurecia. Also, this row of gowns is from Romarno. Look! Thebels are I waved my hand. "You can try it on. If it suits you, I''ll buy it for you" Teri immediatelyplied. "Day! You''re the best, Arl But this gown isn''t cheap. It''s 880 thousand Laurecian dors? Shit! That''s expensive!" Ter''s acting was subpar, but I had to take some of the me.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Asher ride-or-die besttrend. I had faded to give her the confidence to buy luxurious clothes without batting an eye. 1 took my ck card. "It''s nothing. Even if it''s 850 thousand Sterlines, I can afford it. Go ahead and try on bad more. Then, help me select two for i The shop attendant initially wanted to remind us not to touch the clothes, but her eyes widened when she saw the ck card fished out. myself." Soon, the female manager came with a smile on her face. "Mrs. Linden, right? It''s such an honor to have you shop with us today. These gowns are this year''stest trend. I''ll ask someone to help you try them on. The female manager pped her hands, and a female model with a fantastic body immediately took the clothes to the fitting room to change into them. Rage immediately appeared in Mrs. Elsher''s and Genevieve''s eyes. They may have been regrs of this makeover salon, but they were not prestigious enough to be given such VIP treatment. The VIP treatment was to have a female modely on clothes for the customers. Teri and I were escocted into the VIP area, We sipped champagne as we watched the model present the clothes before us, I noticed Mrs. Elsher speaking on the phone angrily while Genevieve was ncing in our direction in envy Ter looked at the model for a while and said to the female manager, Those gowns look amazing Why don''t we let the model try those on? I think they''ll look great roo The female manager looked at the gowns and looked troubled. "Those gowns have been reserved for Mrs. Elsher and Mrs. Baker." Teri asked, w they paid the deposit?" The female manages shook her head "They''re gold card members, so they don''t need to pay the deposit. They can change the gowns if they''re unhappy with them Teal snorted. "The gowns don''t belong to them if they didn''t pay any deposit. Bring those here for the model to try them on. Then, we''ll think about buying a few more gowns. How does that The Irmalen manager was observant and quick-witted. She saw though Tel''s Intentions. She readly rolled with it "Okay, please give me a minute, Ms. Linden and M. Stuart I''m sure you''ll be pleased? Tourertedber. Trom now on, please don''t call me Mrs. Linden Ms. York would do." The female manager was slightly Laken aback. Then, she smiled and said, ¡°Sure, Ms. York" Chapter 185 Ms. Elsher and Mrs. Baker''s expressions changed when the clothes were bought to us. They squeezed over despite the shop attendant''s attempts to stop them. pakes shouted. "Ariana York, what is the meaning of thi?t Testood up for me. She said sarcastically, "What''s wing, Ms. Baker? Did you see these gowns beforehand? Mrs. Baker was at a loss for words. The female manages teldus earlier that Max. Elber and Mas Taken were notoriously stingy. They would always use their power as members to try on own but never boy them However, the shop was not desperate for sales, so they paid no heed to their behavior. Hence, Mrs. Baker felt guilty when Teri asked whether she had reserved the gowns. Mr. Eshet realized Mrs. Roles was about to lose her ground and immediately said, "We did reserve these gowns. Mes, Linden, it''s not polite to snatch the gowns of others." Pate? I gave her a shantne smile. "since you said that you''ve reserved this, we won''t try them. In that case, Mis. Ehher, do go ahead and settle the bill. Otherwise, we''ll buy them for Mrs. Elsher apprated hesitant. The female manager smiled and tried to maintain the peace. "Mrs. Elsher, these three pieces are thetest trend this year. The quality is to die for. Many of our customers have requested them. Why don''t you buy them? Then, no one will get to try them on anymore. Mes. Elsher was put in a caught spot. She frowned. "They''re expensive. I haven''t thought it through yet." e''s eyes were on her. When she said that, she noticed everyone''s eyes the patted her chest. "TI definitely buy them, but I won''t let her try them on. Il she tries the Twon''t buy them anymore." She dered it fiercely and was about to leave. 1 said slowly, "Since you love them so much, Mrs Esher, I won''t take them from you. I won''t try them on anymore." Max. Elsher stiffened. She never expected I would push it so far. She red at me, "Mrs. Linden, you corrected her sternly. "Call me Ms. York. I''m no longer Mas Linden." Mrs Elsher suddenly mocked, "That''s right. Mr. Linden no longer wants you, You''re about to give your position as Mas Linden to someone else." Ms. Baket mocked me too. "The mistress is pregnant, and it has be a big deal. Tik, isk, this is the consequence of not being able to keep your man around."T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. The expressions on their faces changed Ten gave me a thumbs - ik Mrs. Elster printed her teeth "Ariana York, don''t be so smug about it. You''re nothing without Mr. Linden. Haha, weren''t you so amnious about him in the past? Why aren''t you bothering him since his mistress is pregunt Iughed. "Why would I do that? Plus, I''ve said it before his cheating has nothing to do with me. I might have wanted to be Mr. Linden so badly in the past, but not anymore." I posted at the clothes. "Would you wear clothes someone else has worn often, Mrs. Ephor? If you really wanted them, you wouldn''t have given anyone else a chance to try them." Mrs Elhor expression changed. I was getting impatient with her pestering I told the female manager, "Pack the gowns my friend and I tried earlier. These three designs are too old-fashioned for us." I took my ck cand, and the female manager happily swipedis Mrs. Elster and Mrs. Biker watched as I paid for the cloches. Their faces blushed with fury before paling in shock. Travesdropped on their conversation. "How did she get the money? Did Mr. Linden give it to her?" "Impossidet and tyre about to take matters to court. Now, Jocelyn is prepant. They would never get b thick together." "Then, where did slepte ck card? That ck and holds a very high level of prestige." After purchasing t clothes, I left the ce with Teri Teri conforted, ¡°Don''t be angry, Ari They''re just abusing their power. Their husbands are Lindeis Group''s downstream suppliers. They used to suck up to you. They''re only humiliating you now because they think you''re in trouble. Chapter 186 af - sighed. "This is the cruelty of humankind. We can''t escape from it." Tend continued to walk an the shopping center. Teal''s mouth lung open when she learned that I sold Normanter paintings s shocked andemdoms. "That''s amazing You''ve earned so much in such a short time, Tsk, ink, the Woods are a gold mine. Ifrowned. "Bin I find Norman odd for some reason. I just don''t know why Teriaked, "How is he? I couldn''t find the words to describe it. I always felt the Woodbrothersildi''t ter Fosper in Leouldn''t figure it out.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. 1- eye. They couldn''t stand each other, and Norman liked challenging Logan''s boundaries. 1 had my troubles to handle and had no time to think about the dama between the Woodbothers When I thought about the Wood brothers, I suddenly realized Norman had not officially asked me out on a date for days. Then, thought harder and realized I had dinner with himst night Why did I feel like I had not seen him in a long time? I was stating into nk space. Teri waved her hand in front of my face. "Hey, what are you thinking about? Are you thinking about your Mr. Wood Teri sounded suggestive, My face instantly turned scarlet. "No, what are you talking about?" Teughed. "You''re embarrassed. It''s nothing It''s normal to miss someone when you''re in a rtionship, Plus, you and that bastard, Elijah, ended long ago Her expression changed before she finished her sentence. I was about to ask when Teri pushed my head down and lowered her voice."Oh my god, would you look at that? Look at who saw I quartly turned my head and noticed a woman wearing a bucket hat, a ck mask, and a loose dress holding a fat man by his arm as they walked into a jewelry store together. The woman looked famr but was covered up, so it was hard to tell who she was whapered. "Can''t you sell? It''s Jocelyn! The man beside her must be her new partner" My hair stood on end Jocelyn, who was always dering how in love with Elijah she was, wat two-faced Wasn''t she ready to risk everything to be Mrs. Linden? She put so much effort into her schemes and spent many years picking a bone with me to make me look bad. Didn''t she do all that to have Elijah to herself?. How did she move on seo quickly? Or had she always been this way? Ter and I watched Jocelyn enter the jewelry store with an infier arms. After half an hour, they happily walked out. A shopping bag was in Jocelyn''s hand. It looked like the fat man had bought her jewelry," Tell took photos with her phone watched John wall into the bathroom and immediately dragged me with her. I panicked. "What are you doing." Teissid, "To catch her red-handed. Let''s see how she spins this story. Plus, don''t you think something is odd about her pregnancy?" I was taken aback When did this be so suspenseful? Theuated. "What do you mean?" Tricouldn''the bothered to exin to me and dragged me toward the bathroom. Chapter 187 Chapter 187 After a few minutes, Teti and I cornered Jocelyn in the bathu pom. -hen cookby''s wat het mask in time. I could tell she was panicking. She instinctively coveted her stomach. "What do you want?"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Truwetted, ¡°Joeln. Cornell, con''re such a yer. What''s the matter? Elijah doesn''t want you anymore, to you found someone else, huh?" i was was setitten on Jocelyn''s face. "No, that man isn''t who you think he is... He has nothing to do with me." Teri finally caught her by her words and solfed. "We haven''t even said anything yet? Besides, weren''t you hugging, that fat man earlier? Why aren''t you admitting to it now?" Jocelyn calmed herself down. "You''ve got it all wrong. That man is my sponsor, and I don''t have any other rtionship with him. Terisected:"I''ve taken photos. Do you think Elijah will still take your side it he sees them When Jocelyn heard that, she became calmer. "Haha, Elijah and fell out long ago. There''s no point showing him those photos. Terifrowned after she heard it. She thought Jocelyn would cave when she said she had photos of Jocelyn being intimate with another man. She never expected this to happen. However, I caught the panic in Jocelyn underneath her cold and calm exterio I asked, "Ms. Cornell, if you tell me who the father of your baby is, we won''t tell Elijah what we saw today" Joorly heard me and looked at me viciously. Heu pare was too sinister, and a chill ran down my back. Jocelyn scoffed. "Baby? The baby is definitely Elijah''s. Why would I do something I''m not confident about?" I felt my heart pounding heavily when I heard it. I grabbed my chest. I wasn''t sure why my body would still asionally react this way when I heard news like this when I had already given up on Elijah. 1 frowned. "Jocelyn, w-what do you want? Suddenly, Jocelyn''s eyes turned red She grabbed my arm and gave me a shatine smile. "What do I want? I want to be Mas Linden and own everything Mus. Linden should have-money, reputation, powrd!" She grabbed me so hard that I shrieked in pain. Teriakkly pushed her away and stood in front of me. Resisting the pain, 1 red at Jocelyn "Look for Elijah if you want those things. Why would you" Before I could finish my statement, I witnessed Jocelyn lening herself on the table. She hit her forehead on the marble of the dressing table, causing blood to flow Teri and were dumbfounded Jocelyn dialed a number on her phone and waited. "Elijah,e and save mel Ms. Yook was furious and pushed me. M-My stomach hurts." Teil and stared nkly at her orchestration. Jocelyn ended the call and stated at us viciously. "Just you wait. Let''s see if Elijah wants me of you. 1 let out a deep breath "You''re crazy." Jocelyn stared at me coldy andughed. "I''m not. You''re the one who has lost your migdover love, Ms. York! I suddenly understood what she was implying My face unted pale, "y Jocelyn proudly looked at me. "Elijah will be here soon. Will he believe the lies'' you created or me when he sees me?" Teil slivered from anger. "Y-You''re disgusting! Have you always framed and this way since the legloning?" Jocelyn scoffed. "What if I have? Elijah bates you. You think he''ll be grateful for the 50 million dors you gave him, Have uden we''re together" Ime tell you - Elijah is alwaysmenting about your ridiculous I in! This is a fatal blow to bin. He''ll never recoven," Jocelyn was sing, and the blood had added a n Maar continued, "Men will never be grateful for how you''ve saved them hom Jurlyn locked at me de clicumstances; they will only remember it as a humiliation once they''ve seeded" il 1 metr a worildnachan. "But I''m different. I''ve shown weakness in every aspect. Klijah feels like a real man atoundi Apprted backward. My mind couldn''tprehendi Imight have lost my memory, but my body continued to love and dimy heart started to ache wman who was not worthy of my love. My heart ached as I felt a sense of suffocation. Jocelyn held the wound on her foreheandsmided at me sinistery. "Mna York, you''ll never beat mef" Chapter 188 His face looked haggard. His dark circles were heavy, and his stubble looked scruffy. When he saw Jocelyn''s face covered in blood, he rushed to her "to, what happened to you?" elyn looked at me. Then, shey in his arms, wailing. She cried so pitifully. Everyone around us looked at me and Teri oddly. Te wanted to say something out of fury, but I held her backThis belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Elijahforted Jocelyn and continued to ask, "What happened?" Jocelyn timidly said, "It''s nothing, I wanted to buy something for our baby and bumped into Ms. York and Ms. Stuart. They cornered me in the bathroom and interrogated me. Then, they control and pushed me'' Teri couldn''t take it anymote "Elijah Linden, don''t believe her lies! Elijah''s face turned pale. "No matter what, she''s injured. You......." * you." He looked at me, who had been silent all this while. Disappointment showed in his eyes. "Ariana, what do you have to say for yourself? If you exin, I''ll believe Believe? Icould feel the inmy of it as I watched him hold jocelyn lightly. Indifferench, I said. "You don''t need to believe me, Elijah, I pushed Jocelyn." Everyone around us started pointing fingers at me "How did it tum out this way? She hit someone!" "She looks sa poised and quiet. But it turns out she''s so agressive!" Elijah was stunned, pocelyn, who was in his arms, was dumbfounded too Jocelyn looked at Elijah''s face and pushed him away, gritting her teeth Tears streamed down her face. Elijah, Ms. York didn''t push me. I slipped and fell, really." Teri mocked. ¡°Erilliant. With you saying that, it only convince everyone that Aui really did push you" Jocelyn, you swear you slipped and fem?" Jocelyn remained timid Thad to admit that Joely had a lock for iming the moral high ground swore while crying. "Elijah, I swear that it wasn''t Ms. York who pushed me. I was too cameless. I know you don''t love me anymore, but I Forget it. The baby is innocent. I''ll handle m injury myself. You should speak to Ms. York Don''t make things worso." was about to leave. Elijah was shocked and quickly grabbed her. "Where are you going?" Jocelyn covered hat wound and smiled pitifully. "I find a cobandago it up. It''s not that serious Elijah said firmly, "Don''t be stupid Let me take you to the hospital to check if the baby isy" She was stunned and asked enthusiastically, "Aren''t you angry at me, Elijah? A-Are you willing to ept this baby? Elijah heinated, but I could tell that he was slightly moved Iughed in self-mockery. "Mr. Linden, since Ms. Cornell said she fall, it has nothing to do with Elijah Bercely shouted, "Wait!" looked at him indiferently, waiting for him to say what he needed I''ll take my leave now He looked at me, then at jocelyn, who was so captivating, hugging at his heartstrings the sighed. "Al, the batry is innocent. This baby.." I turned myce away, failing to hide the disgust on my face, "You don''t need to exin it tame, Mr. Linden. We''ll meet in court anyway." I scoffed. "Looking at how things have unfolded, assume you wouldn''t want to settle with me outside of court anymore, Mr. Linden. This works out just as well I don''t want to see you either, Elijah? sat?r I mat was about to leave and graded my hand forcefully I felt an electate current run through me, I wanted his hand away. "Don''t touch me. I don''t want you your grabby hands on me." Lijah looked at me, shocked Flis pere sunk "Toyou think Endinty?" I stared at him. "A gotrying to convinced? You'' filthy brad to toe." I stole a nce at Jocelyn, who was su "Mease stop with the act, both of you. Let''s get the divorce quickly and let her be Ma Linden Both of you should stay locked together." Chapter 189 Chapter 189 jedi after I said my plece. riana, waliTM Eljah wanted to chase after me, but Jocelyn shouted in pain. around and saw Elijah holding Jocelyn up and looking at me. He seemed to want to rify this with me, but Jocelyn needed urgent medical attention. I turned around without any expression and drapped Teal with me When we returned home, Teri was still using him out. "Elijah Linden must be out of his mind! Is he stupid? He believed everything Jocelyn said." I said lighth, ¡°Jocelyn is definitely more convincing under such circumstances. Not every woman would have the guts to smash her head on a marble table." Teal was furious. "Why did you say that you pushed Jocelyn? She was clearly panicking, Lashing wildly as she put that performance" I calmly asked, "Would it have made a difference? Elijah had already assumed I mistreated Jocelyn." Teisemed like she wanted to say something I said softly. "There are no surveince cameras in the washroom." Teri shut up. A momentter, she said, "Forget it, Ari. Let them stay together. It doesn''t matter if Elijah loves Jocelyn or if Jocelyn''s baby is his. I''m utterly disgusted by them!" I watched Ter''s look of righteous indignation and chuckled as I caressed my chest. "Yes, they are disgusting." Logan arrived in the evening after receiving news about what happened. Lora cooked a table full of delicious food. Intentionally turned on some music and opened a good bottle of red wine. I was even in the mood to buy fresh flowers and ced them in every vase I could find in the house, Logan looked at the expression on my face and rxed. He walked over to me and asked, "Are you okay?" I nodded. "I''m okay. I just witnessed a spectacle. No, two spectacles." Logan observed my facial expression carefully and only rxed when he se no signs of anger or other emotions on my face. He took off his suit jacket and helped me arrange the flowers. The music was in the air, and the colors of the fresh flowers danced under the light. It was so perfect here that I thought the disaster I went through today was part of my imagination. "Come and eat," Logan called for me. I walked over to him and sat beside him. Logan set down the cutlery for me and went to serve the soup. I quietly observed his dashing facial features. He was handsome, appearing intimidating and regal. He rolled his sleeves up, disying his muscr and slender arms. I stared at them nkly. He must have some soup? Logan burned back andughed when he saw the look on my face. He ruffled my hair. "Stop looking at me. Eat"T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. I took the cutlery from him, looked at him, and asked, "How the business? Logan didn''t lift his head. "It''s okay. It''s going pretty smoothly." He then looked at me inexplicably. "What are you trying to ask? 1 sipped my soup and thought about his question. "I actually wanted to ask magical powers. How could he look like a gorgeous prince while serving k about the mealst times. Has Elijah lost his chance topete for the Land project? Logan looked at me intensely. "He still has the chance, but he might be eliminated eventually." Tasked, "Is this your idea or Logan appeared calm "Tes, it''s your brocher''s and my idea. But there''s there''s no way to tell what the person in charge of the bidding for thend is thinking, so don''t worry about it.¡± I asked again, "If I go to court and withdraw my case, does it mean Elijah is scored?" 39 Logan contemted. "In will hurt him, but Linden Group has been doing well the past few years. It''ll be challenging to sow him over Inodded "Tundd." Chapter 190 Logan ced his cutlery down. Ime sternly. "Arl, what are you thinking of doing?" 1 thook my head. "I don''t want to do anything. I just want my money back and see him get serendever" Logan leighed gently. "Don''t oury, M. Webb is the best in the business. He''ll fight for your benefits. I just don''t want you to get stuck in the crossfire." I held his hand Lepin flipped his hand over and noticed a ck card in his palm Teik Tim''s want to spend your money The look in Lepin''s eyes sank slightly "Why?" fuld, "Recus 1 have monry Plis, Thope you and 1 can get along normally " Logan shed the cardback into my hand. He said sternly. "We get along all. The card is for you. It''s my sponsibility as a man to take care of you. I was in a dilemma. But 1 have money in my bank ount." Loganughed. "That''s your money. This is an allowance from your boyfriend. It''s different." Logan smiled. ¡°Take it I''m bury at work and can hardly take care of you. You can buy whatever you want. Plus, I''d still want you to manage the money if we get married." Married! just nned to return Logan his card. How did marriage be the center of the conversation? 1 quickly shook my head. "No, I don''t want to get married now. I-I just want to date you. No, I mean I just want to get my divorce from Elijah as soon as possible." I couldn''t think straight, and my speech was a mess. I wasn''t sure if Logan would get angry after hearing what I said" Logan thought of it andughed." "Alright. That wancareless of me." I didn''t know what he meant by being careless, I wanted to ask about it. But Logan smiled at me. "Let''s eat After we''re done, we''ll go out." I was happy. "Where are we going?" I couldn''t help it. The 1-year-old in me couldn''t resist going out. Logan Laughed. "I WOOT II I you yet, but I can tell you that there''s word of a Leonid meter shows tonight! I''ve found a great lookout spot. I''ll bring you there to observe the meteor shower." "Teally I was surprised and overjoyed. This news hadpletely wiped our the anger and devastation from the day I quiddy ate my food and urged Logan to eat quickly. The atmosphere at the dining table became merrier. Logan drank some wine, which tiated his face pink 1 quickly stopped him. "Don''t drink too much. You need to dive Later!" Logan''s eyes glistened under the light. He said, "Okay, I won''t drink too much." After finishing our meals, I quiddy packed up and got into Logan''s car. I wasn''t sure if he had asked the driver to switch the car''s model at thest minute. His usual steady Rolls-Royce had be a sleek convertible sports car I was shocked. "You own a sports car!" Loganughed. "Do not look like someone who owns a sports car?" Haughed. "I thought only men like Norman would have many sports ranu." Logan put into the car and asked me sternly, "Why?" I thought about it long andnd "H-I just thought you were more grounded." Logen tearst outughing "I know you''re eating about the bush, calling me old-fashioned, but you''re wrong, I own sports caN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. I quickly nodded. "Yes, you''re her than him, so you have more cats." I cats, and just as many as Norman has." Logan muddenly can cloure, and his eyes were filled with a look couldn''tpared. Its breath carried a faint alcoholic fragrance. My chest tightened, and my heart started to pound wregrly He looked into my ayesimely and said in a low vole, "I want told you." Chapter 191 Any woman would''ve softened and lost their rationality at such a sincere request "AL"Logan came closer is deep-set eyes narrowed, pinsing mose mesmerizing and dangerously alluring A sweet scent permeated the air. Istulleted, "W-We can o-only kiss. Telone could say "for a second", his sweet lips collided with me. My breath was taken away. Then, all I could are wasN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. 1 tee was Logan''s crazily bandome fare andhis slightly opened neckline. The kisssted for a long time. We were painting when we separated Istuttered. "Tuulid only for a seyred." Logan smiled cheekdly "So, the kiss wasn''t long enough, huh?" He came close to me again, but I quickly stopped him "Let''s not kiss anymore. We''ll waste more time Logan elegantlyughed and caressed my hair. "Okay, we''ll stop" suddenly held him and kissed his thin lips. Ligan stiffened from my buch I then proudly returned to my seat. "This is what meant by a second Logan was stunned for a moment. Then, he guwed Intrigued, he looked at me. "You''re so cute, Arl" Embarrassed, I looked at him and urged, "Let''s go I want to watch the meteor showet." Logan sled. He stepped in the elerator, and the car zoomed off So, I threw caution to the wind. My heart pounded wildly. An hourter, the car stopped by the seaside. The nighttimue se a breeze carried a fige of saltiness, the waves hit the beach profusely, I stood by the long curved walkway, enjoying the long-awaited sea breeze The familiar atmosphere brought me memories of my childhood with Grandma in the small thing vige. It had been a long time since I felt so rxed and free. Logan held my hand, and we strolled casually. Many couples were strolling by the beach hand-in-hand. They brought the in beachside a tinge of som I stole a nce at Login Every time looked at him, it felt like a dream. Logan took his suit jacket off and hang it over his arm. He looked astounding with his white shirt and greyish-blue pants. He was tall and slender, carrying a retired As we walked, I noticed a handful of couples stealing nces at him. At least seven to right couples had looked at His during our short stroll Yes, they were couples. Both men and women were stealing nces at him. I even noticed a fewdies snapping photos of him. We arrived at a gratty in on the beach without realizingit I looked around, and there was no one. Great! This seemed like the perfect spot Logan nodded. "Okay, I''ll grab some stuff from t Helt anxious. "What do you need from the car? Don''t pa". Logan said, "I''ll get a mat and water. You must be thirsty." I was taken aback. I never thought Logan would be so attentive. He walked a few steps, and I caught up to him when I remembered something "Wait!" Logan stopped in his trade. "Don''t worry. It''s not that far." I stuttered, "1-If a woman asks for your number along the way, don''t give it to her." Logan was shocked, "Will there be any?". Suppressing my anger, I patted him. "Many were staring at you when we made our way here, both men and women. Some even took photos of you." Logan chuckled "Roger that! I won''t give anyone my number" Then rxed and let him go. After a while, Logan came with a ck bag. I noticed a faint tint of pink and asked, "What is that?" Logan presented a bouquet of pink rose from his back. He smiled. These are for you!" I was pleasantly surprised. "Where did you hide them? Why did I not see them in the car?" Chapter 192 Logan delt helpless. "When I returned, someone actually did stop me. That it wasn''t because they wanted my number, which way what you were worried about. Two adorable pirispestered me tobuyoses from them." I was dumbfounded. "Huh? How much did you spend on these?" Logan pointed at the bouquet of roses. "One rose for ten dors, twenty tres for 200 dors." Deximed in shock as my heart ached to him. "Oh my god, the rest of a rose is less than one dor. You''ve been scammed!" I looked at the bouquet, As expected, the roses were wilted with a few unevenly trimmed stems. This bouquet of roses might have been picked up from the trash and bunched together. That was 200 dors! This was daylight robbery! I didn''t know whether toughery. "I got to tell you, lime girls may be selling Homers here. Did they keep bugging you, refusing to let go And they kept convincing you to buy bouquet for your gulliend?" Logan nodded.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. My heart ached. "It''s 200 dors, and the flowers aren''t that great" Logan was okay with it. "It''s okay. I always thought we missed out on flowers on our first date together." cand some drinks. A clean mat with coses, a fer bottles of drinks, and macks were ced on the grass in a short while. I looked at his graciousness and instantly felt like I was dreaming Logan suddenlyughed. "Actually, we''re missing something, but it''s on its way." Lasked tteringly. "What did you order?" Logan patted the seat beside him, and I leaned over. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. It felt heavy. My heart started pounding again, I couldn''t stop it. I had to admit that I was a hopeless romantic The sea breeze blew by my eat, and the waves crashed on the beach. The stats above us were glistening in the night sky. The surrounding seemed to have dimmed, and only the stars above us shona brightly across the ce. I didn''t dare move an inch, afraid it was all a dream. A steady breath sounded in my ear, and my heart palpitated uncontrobly. It seemed like a lot was happening, yet nothing was conning through my "I was about to break the silence when Logan''s phone lit up in his hand. Curious, I looked ever A suede box was in his hand. The suede box looked intricate, embroidered with myth 15ooked at hin He used the toolight on his phone to shine on the box, signaling me to open it I couldn''t help butugh after a moment of shock "What is it?" Logan med "You''ll know once you open it * My eyes moistened. "You wanted to give me this gift long ago, right?" Logan tilted his head, thought momentarily, and said, "I guess so." I cheekily red at him. "It''s either a yes or a no. What do you i ean ''you guess so''?" Logan smiled. "The gift was ready, but I wasn''t sure when to give it to you, Coincidentally, I wanted tobring you out tonight, so I brought it." 1 pouted and smiled. What a convenient excuse. He urged, "Openit." I took the box from him and slowly opened it. The moment I looked at what was in the box, my eyes reddened. My hands trembled slightly as 1 held the box for a long time. Iughed with tears and said. "You finished it" Apair of emerald bracelets, fixed to perfection, sat in the box, along with a picture of me and Grandma.I took one of the bracelets from the box and looked at it carefully. Loans the light on them. The color of the emerald was fluid and glistening. There was no trace of the crack on the bracelet after restoration I choked. "This is amazing! It''s wless! How did you do it I couldn''t control the tears in my eyes. "How did you do it? And the photo.." I picked the pup. The rip and fold on it had been restored If I weren''t holding it in my own hand, I wouldn''t have noticed that it was a recovered phoro Tears streamed down my face. Logan sounded gentle hired a professional to do it. Don''t worry, I made sure the person did a careful job. It''s wless and won''t get damaged easily." I choked as I leaped into his arms. Thank you! Thank you!" Logan was stunned. Then, heughed. "Silly," Chapter 193 Theld the light from the phone and looked at it carefully for a long time. I stared at it until my eyes turned red, only to carefully ce it back in the box Logan asked, "Why don''t you wear (1?" I shook it. "I''m afraid of damaging it." shed when I said it because 1emembered saying this when Grandma gave the bracelets to me, "Aria, these are my wedding gift to you. Remember to wear them when you get married They''ve been passed down for generations and will ensure you have a good life and a wonderful family." Legan wanched as I carefully ced the suede box into my bag. He chuckled. "I never thought you had such a deep rtionship with your grandmother, Jonathan doem''t share the saine sentiment." I snorted. "How can hepare with me? I was Grandma''s precious dading. He was so mischievous that Mom and Dad brought him to the city to raise him there long ago. I stopped speaking and lowered my head, not saying a word anymore. After Mom and Dad had me, they were busy with the business. When the bustoss was building up, they chose to leave me with my elderly grandmother instead of bringing me to the big city. They must have favored sons over daughters. So, at that time, I wasn''t the adored princess of the York family but the girl who was burdensome to the family in the dirty fishing vige. With her walking cane, Grandma held my hand and brought me back to that hut, where she staffed me with food and turned me into the adorable and chubby did I became I wouldn''t have been here without Grandma, and Mom and Dad wouldn''t have remembered they had a daughter if they hadn''t seen how mature I was when they returned home. After a long time, Logan lightly caressed my hair. "That''s enough. You''re the precious darling who deserves all the love in the world." Inodded bouil Legan suddenlyughed again I was sed in my sorrowful thought when hisugh interrupted me 1 red at him, silently Tuming "What are youughing at?" Under the dim light, Logan had a strange glint on his face. He smiled. I''m amused to see that you''s like a little girl, Arl Trefused to ept it and straightened my chest. "How am little?-1a-am. Forget it. I don''t want to talk to you about it anymore." Logan Laughed even harder. Embarrassed, I noticed couples leaning on each other turning toward us... I quickly covered his mouth "Don''tugh! There''s nothing funny!"This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Logan grabbed my hand and stared at me with passionate eyes. My hand began to burn, and I quickly swatted his hand away. This was too embarrassing! Here I was, at my age, utterly helpless toward dating and rtionships I coughed lightly. "S-So, when is the most shower starting We can''t be here the whole night, right? There are too many mosquitoes here." Lopinquished his eyebrow "You can''t bear sitting here with me, huh?" I quickly corrected, I mean, exined to him, "No, I just think it''s boring" Logan quicked his eyebrow again. So, being here with me is boring" Was he picking a fight with me! I red at him "I mean, it''s boring now. Before could finish my sentence, a loud bang sounded from the other side. I was shocked by the loud nose and quickly turned to see what it was. I stared nkly at the fireworks on the other side. Balls of fireworks cose into the night sky, painting it with beautiful flowers of color. They formed animals, stars, and shimmering hydrangeas. They were colorful and gorgeous. The couples strolling by the beach were gasping in awe as well. "it''s so beautiful! oh my god, is there an event going on today?" "It''s sporgeous Look, it''s a rabbit! There''s a dent too Woah! They look amazing!" I was speechless. leturned to my senses and quickly grabbed Logan''s hand. "Look, look!" Logan smiled but said nothing. He stood beside me as he silently watched I looked back and saw the reflection of the feworks booming in his eyes, one after another. It was breathtaking. He smiled and asked, "Do you like it?" inted, I asked, "Did you arrange this?" Chapter 194 Logan smiled but didn''t reply. Then, he asked again, "Do you like it?" lesuldn''t hold it in and burst into tears. I nodded profusely Logan was firm but rxed as he stood beside me, quietly admiring the fireworks disy. Our hands intertwined. It was as if we had finally found each other after years of s Images flickered in my mind, but I couldn''t grasp them. I vaguely saw a young man in a white shirt standing under a bright light, smiling at me. He asked, "Al, what do you like" Treplied "like flowers" The young mun answered lightly, "h? What kind of flowers?" "Fireworks!" The young manughed loudly. "Silly, fireworks aren''t flowers." Ipouted "What do you mean they aren''t? I want fireworks on my birthday." The young man stood in the light, his voice carrying a sense of urget "But I have to go now I can''t give you reworks" Tasked, "Where are you going. Woody? Aren''t you going to celebrate my birthday with nie?" The young man turned around and said slightly. "I can''t. I have to go.". separation. I grabbed Logan''s arm forcefully. "A-Are you celebrating my birthday for mo?- Logan looked at me calmly. "Aria, happy birthday! 1 know it isn''t your birthday yet...." Heted his wrist to show me the time He sounded helpless as he said, "It''s an hour away, but you said you were bored, so I had no choice but to ask them to disy the fireworks now." 1 was overwhelmed by the feeling of wanting to cry andugh at the same time. I didn''t know what to say Fireworks into the sky, bursting into vivid colors like flowers in the night sky. Logan suddenly said, "Give me your hand." I extended my hand, and he slowly grabbed my finger. I felt something chilly between my fingers. When I looked down, I noticed a diamond ring on my finger. It was dazzling like the fireworks in the night sky. 1 stammered. "W-What is this?-This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. Aring could mean anything, but I dared not guess. Logan smiled. "This is my second gift to you." I was riddled with shock and joy. But I also felt embarrassed by the unexpected gift. I stuttered, "W-Why would you give me a ring? This is too expensive. The price tag obviously meant nothing to Logan. He held my hand and exined carefully, "This is on your ring finger, but it''s not a proposal" I let out an exmation as I felt heat running through my linger. Logan looked at me intently. "I wouldn''t propose to you so casually. This is just a gift to keep you close." I wanted tough. "Do you think a ring will keep mo close to you?! He quirked his eyebrow. "Isn''t that what a ring is for? He raised his hand, only for me to notice a white gold ring on his left ring finger. It was simple, but it was the same style as my ring. They were matching rings, I never thought a domineering CTD would be so tacky. I was at a loss for words. Warmth flowed through my heart as 1 touched his ring This was how it felt like being in a real rtionship. He loved me, so he wanted to keep me close, but he wasn''t worried about keeping himself close to me. Couple rings were a symbol of love between two lovers. It wasn''t mandatory, but it was a warm gesture. He lowered his head and gently kissed my hand. Then, he said again, appy birthday, my dear Axia from now on, we''ll never be apart from each other." Chapter 195 couldn''t recall if we saw the mete shows that night, All I knew was that fell asleep happily while watching the fireworks. In my dream, I saw a young man dressed in a white shirt walking toward me from the light ence again. I looked at him in surprise. His face slowly transformed into Logan''s. He then smiled and said: "1 pot you your favecite fireworks-" There was still a smile on my face when I woke up on the bed. I rubbed my checks and felt the The dazzling Eight on my finger brought me back to reality-it was a diamond ring! Itruly wasn''t dreamingst night. Logan had set of fireworks all night and even given me a gift-all jest to celebrate my birthday. Trubbed my eyes and carefully wiped the diamond ring. It was about thire carats, but the dazzle made it seem like four or five carats. I flipped it around and gasped involuntarily. It was a custom-made Cartier ring! I quickly took a photo and sent it to Tai, "Look what this is was currently at work, yet she replied instantly, "oh my god, that''s beautifall when did you buy it?" 1 porsed my lips smugly before typing, "It''s a birthday pit from Logan." Soon after, I was attacked by a barrel of stickers from Teal After sending over ten stickers, she begrudgingly asked, "Help me ask if Mr. Wood is looking for a side piece right now." I texted back. "He even helped me fix Grandma''s belongings" Te replied surly, "How about you just list out all the things Mr. Wood did for you all at once? I want to quickly get it over I felt embarrassed after reading her words While we were chatting. Teri suddenly sent a screenshot. I opened the screenshot, and sure enough, someone had caught a photo of Elijah bringing Jocelyn for her prenatal check-up Teri was beyond indignant. This world-ss jeuk is truly disgusting! He has deleted his Tweet where be imed he had nothing to do with Jocelyn, and the same goes for her. Looks like this cheating pair are stuck together because of the baby now!!!N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. I opened the Twitter ounts. As expected, both of them had deleted their previous posts only found itughable-birds of a feather would eventually end up getting stuck together. It seemed like a showdown between Eliah, Jocelyn, and me was bound to happen Teci asked. "When are you appearing in court with Elijah?" I checked the calendar and replied, "In about ten days." Time really flew by. Everything would change in just two months, and the final verdict would be made, I could feel Teri''s wrath from her words "You''ve got to fight for every penny! Otherwise, Jocelyn will be the one spending it if you don''t get it back Doesn''t that give you extra motivation?" Treplied, "It does! Te''s text read, "Good luck!" Trubbed d my eyes and went to wash up after I was done chatting with Teri As I had just seen something I didn''t wish to ser, I deliberately cleaned my eyes thoroughly when I was washing my face, Loca prepared a scrumptious breakfast for me in the dining room. She said, "By the way, there was a call from the security officest night, Ms. York. They mentioned someone was looking for you. I frowned and asked, "Who was it?" Lora replied, "It was a Mr. Linden, but it wasn''t the M. Linden from befe" She then handed me a piece of note. The handwriting on the note seemed a little childish and familiar Tasked, "Did the security ask him what he was here for?" Loc replied, "They did. He said he was here to visit you, M. York. He even left his contact number on the pote Chapter 196 Chapter 196 Thesitated Loreley said, "It''s fine if you don''t feel like meeting him, Ms. York. Since he''s a Linden, he should be from that family as well." She continued disdainfully, "That family isn''t any good, so you don''t need to keep in contact with them anymore. Don''t worry, the guards won''t let them in to cause any trouble." I understood the reason behind it. Ever since thest time Elijah insisted on meeting me and causing such a hugemotion, the security office of themunity property had be much stricter with visitors. I pondered for a moment before replying, "Don''t worry, Loya, I know what to do." 1 gave van a call after finishing breakfast. He epted my call shortly after. He said, "You finally gave me a call, Arl Tasked, "Why did youe to find me?" Evan said hesitantly, "Do you remember thest time I asked you to meet my great-grandfather, Ar I recalled that happening. But honestly, I couldn''t remember any great-grandfathers from the Linden family. Besides, there really wasn''t any need to stir up unnecessary trouble with thewsuit against theming to a crucial point now, I was looking for ways to refuse Evan when he anxiously said, "My great-grandfather wants to talk to you, Ari. He says he can help you get back the money," I frowned. "How''s that possible? What exactly is he trying to do!" Evan sighed from the other end of the phone call. "I''m not sure either, but my great-grandfather said it won''t do you any good to take Eli to court like this. I don''t really get it, so I''m just passing his message." I was intrigued to find someone from the Linden family to be on my side. Wholy was this great-grandfather? Chesitated for a while be asking, "Who exactly is this great-grandfather you mentioned? What''s his name?" After a while, Evan replied. "My great-grandfather''s name is Jeremy Lindeq. I''m not sure what he does. I don''t think he does much of anything" I asked, "Is he a major shareholder in Linden Group?" Evan replied cluelessly, "I don''t know" hry call." He truly had no idea about anything, but it didn''t matter. I told him, "I''ll check with mywyer fast. Just wait for my Just before I ended the call, Evan softly asked, "Are you really not reconciling with Eli, Ari?" I sighed. "Have you watched the gossip channel, Evan?" Evan softly replied, "I have had no idea Eli betrayed you. He actually cheated on un you My heart sank when I vaguely heard a choked sob from the other end of the line. Evan must have really looked up to Elijah and adored Jocelyn, yet the more he admired them, the harder the blow was to him. At his young age, he probably couldn''t understand ho someone he believed to be a good person would suddenlymit such a filthy betrayal I sighed and said, "Don''t be sad, Evan. Perhaps this is a kind of relief for m Evan hummed in a low voice. "You deserve better, Jul" I felt conflicted after ending the call. The issue I had with Elijah had nothing to do with Evan at all. 1 truly did not want a minor like him to get involved in this, but whoexactly was this great-grandfather of his? *Famous nts Ms Cornell Talks About Her Views on Love", "Famous ssical Musician Ms. Cornell Discusses Female Empowerment". "Nothing Can Stop the Power of Love", I felt nothing but disgust looking at the overwhelming publicity. Jocelyn''s negative press had mysteriously vanished ever since Elijah took her to the hog interview acuicles with her. hospital after the incidenN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. the incident at the mall. All that popped up on the local trending topics now were old I knew that she had won back has affection as she had wished. He was now building up her image again. This time, though, Elijah''s affection for Jocelyn was out in the open and no longer hidden since I was out of the picture. Chapter 197 I scrolled through my phone, looking at one morous photo of Jocelyn after another in the interview articles. Thad to admit that I was feeling somewhat jealous. Although I no longer had romantic feelings for Elijah, it was still ufortable seeing my husband in namevishing attention on another woman. I decided to stop locking and turned off my phone. I even cleared off my browsing history angrily Mr. Webb''s call came through at that moment. "I''ve looked into it, Ms. York. Mr. Jeremy Linden is a veteran shareholder of Linden Group. He''s probably a distant rtive of the Linden family who invested in Elijah''s father''spany." No wonder he insisted on involving himself when Elijah and I wanted to divorce. Mr. Webb continued. "He''s quite capable. He made his fortune early on before moving to Ercenia for other invements. He''s been living there for many years and rarelyes back here." Perplexed, I asked, "Why does he insist on seeing me if he rarelyes back here, Mr. Webb passed before replying, "I''m not too sure about that. Perhaps he doesn''t want to to see Linden Group sutter because of the divorce case. His goal might be to convince reconcile with you." I firmly said, "That''s impossible. Doesn''t he follow the news? Jocelyn is already pregnant Elijah to Mr. Webb replied helplessly. "This kind of thing doesn''t matter much to sessful people from his generation who made their fortune early. They''ve probably experienced marriage alliances back when they were young as well."T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Realization dammed upon me instantly. He probably wanted to mediate the conflict between jah and me to get us to reconcile. He wanted us to pretend to stay as a married couple just for the sake of thepany''s interests, I felt disgusted thinking about it. I said, no longer want to meet him if that''s the case." However, Mr. Webb replied, "I personally think it might be good for you to meet him, Ms. York. After all, he''s a veteran shareholder of Linden Group and knows a lot of things that aren''t made public. If you have his support, you might be able to get buck your rightful shares, or at least sell them at a good price." I wavered. Although 1 felt disgusted, the whole point of this divorce case was rease was to get the shares. Besides, I still needed to get what was rightfully mine and seek my patents'' forgiveness. thesated for the longest time. "Do you think I should go, Mr. Webb Mr. Webb nodded. "You should go listen to what he has to say, but I can go with you as well, Ms. York "Alright," Lagreed. Mr. Webb rxed. "Il my guess is correct, perhaps Mr. Jeremy Linden wil i will pressure Elijah into settling with us out of count." We decided on a time and ce for a meeting aftering to a decision. The next step was to call and informs Evan. To my surprise, no one answered his phone after I called for a long time. Efigured he sight be in ss, so I decided to stop calling However, someone suddenly retained the call. The person''s one was sharp when he asked, "Are you Evan Linden''s family?" I was taken aback. I then asked, "What happened to Ivan?" The other preson said harshly, "Ts Andy Less, Evan''s homeroom teacher. He got into a fight with his ssmate in the ssroom earlier andnded them in the hospital" Lasked in a panicked tone, "Is Evan doing line?" ''s parents came over and demandedpensation and an apology from Evan, but this punk refused to Mr. Lewis replied annoyedly, "Oh, he''s definitely doing fine alright! The other student''s p apologize! You shoule over and handle things if you''r his guardian." Lasked, "Are there no other contacts in his phone?" Mr. Lewis answered irritably, "No. He has cleared his contact listpletely, so there''s no way to reach anyone. This punk has been disobedient all this while, and he has always refuted to get his guardians toe whenever asked for them." I replied, "Alright. Please send me the address and goover, Mr. Lewis" Mr. Lewis left an address. I quickly got changed and hurried over to his school. Chapter 198 Honestly speaking. I wasn''t surprised that Evan pot into a fight. What surprised me was that at his age, shouldn''t Questa and Elijah be stepping in whenever he caused trouble? There wasn''t any time for me to pender further as I arrived at his school. A security guard then brought me to the administration offic As soon as the door opened, 1 saw Evan sitting glowmily at the back of the room. His face was all bruised up. Teximed "Evan Evan stood up in shockschen he saw me. "Why are you here, Mi?? 1/1 He looked agonized when he realized something forgot to tum efl my phonel" > bruise on the corner of his mouth. I quickly walked over to examine Evan''s injuries. He had two cuts on his cheeks and arge to I felt a twinge of sympathy as 1 took out a tissue to wipe the blood off his face. "What happened? Your Lace is almost unrecognizable!" Evan grimaced in pain and avoided my hand. "I''m fine, Ari. You should go back. Everything''s fine" Andy walked in looking ashen. "What do you mean everything''s time? The student you hit is now hospitalized! Do you know how much trouble you''re currently in, Evan?" Evan''s temper instantly red up when he saw Mr. Lewising over. He growled, "He''s the one who cursed at me first, and he refused to shut up when asked him to That''s why I had to reach him a lesson!" Ma. Lewis eximed angry, "No matter what, it''s not right to hit somebody! You hit your ssmate and even injured them gravely. You''ll definitely get expelled for sure!" Evan retorted stubbornly. "Test expel me, then! I refuse to attend this horrible school anymore!" Exasperated, Mr. Lewis started hirting Evan with the book in his hand. "Try repeating that again! You''re the biggest troublemaker in the whole ss! Not only do you drag everyone down, but you eve and leave early! You''re even getting into fights now! You''re truly hopeless, Evan! What a disgrace!" Thurriedly blocked Mr. Lewis'' book from hitting Evan. As the book was thick and heavy, it hurt when itnded on my arm Enduring the pain, I said, "Since it''s not right to hit someone, you shouldn''t hit him either, Mr. Lewis" Only then did Mr. Lewat look me in the eye. He frowned and asked, "Who are you to Evan? Where''s his parents? Please get his guardians toe to the school." I turned to look at Evan. He got even more stubborn when he said. "I refuse to call my guardians over! Go on and expel me if you dare! 1hamedly pulled him back, even mping his mouth shut with my hand. Evan''s voice turned muffled. "I refuse to call my guardians.. You.. Expel me. Go ahead!" 1 was boch angry and frustrated, sol yanked at him hard. Lthen told Mr. Lewis, "Let me talk se sense into him, M. Lewis. I got him to admit his mistakes, okay? Please don''t expel him!" He had a disapproving expression when he said, "He''s bing a freshman soon, but I reckon he still be a useless piece of trash anyway. It looks like the school can''t get him to reform, so be should just leave when all this end!" Evan burst out in fury. "Who are you to ack to leave I covered his mouth rightly so that the rest of rest of his words weren''t heard I managed to get Mr. Lewis to leave it now. I then closed the door and ced at the rebellious Evan. His chest heaved dramatically out of angeProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. I massaged my arm where Mr. Lewis had hit earlier and sched. "Can''t you just talk callely for a while, Evan?" Evan looked at me, his gaze Landing on the red bruise on my arm. Gul shed across his eyes, but he quickly turned his head away. "Just leave me alone, Ari. You should go back" sighed and asked, "How can I just leave you alone?" Chapter 199 I walked over and found the first aid kit in the administrative office. I then quickly disinfected Evan''s face before applying a band-aid on him. He did not struggle but allowed in patch him Upon seeing that he was still upset, I poured him some water. "Drink up. Then you can tell me why you got into a fight." It took Evan a while to open up about the reason. It turned out that he had never gotten along with the student who got beatenap Evan was good-looking and often sl?pped ss to y basketball. His bad-boy image had made him the crush of many girls in his grade. The student who got beaten up liked a popr gel from another ss. He spent a good while pursuing her, only to find out that she liked none other than Evan It was a clich¨¦d plot. I sighed and asked, "So, you got into a fight with her pursues i over a girl you don''t even like? Evan was seething when he replied. "That''s right! He was the one who provoked me, so beat him-pl 1 didn''t know what to say EvanN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. por irritated when he saw me keeping quiet. "Why are you still here? Hurry up and leave! This has nothing to do with you anyway," I sighed. "What do you mean this has nothing to do with me? I have to find a way to keep you from being expelled." Evan looked at me weirdly. "Why are you helping me out, Art? I replied in slight annoyance, "That''s because you''re the one in trouble now. Why would help if you''re not the one in trouble?" I paused before asking. "If I hadn''te over today, would you have gotten your mom or brother toe over?" Evan replied decisively, "I wouldn''t won''t let them know about this!" I was surprised by his stubbornnesa Lasked, "Doesn''t your homeroom teacher have your house number? He''d be able to reach your guardians if he wanted to Evan fell silent. After a while, I told him, "Now, let''s think about how to handle this matter without letting your mom or brother find out." Evan muttered, "I don''t want to study anymore I was taken aback. "Why?" Evan swang his fiat anguly and said, "Why should I study when nobody cares about me or pays attention to me? I''m just wasting my time here! Besides, I''m not even good at studying, 1- He was tearing up, and 1 started feeling upset on his behall went over to beg him and gentlyforted him, "There, there. Someone cares for you. You''re like my younger brother, Evan-my annoying little brother. How could I not care about you? an stiffened before turning to look at me increduloushy. I was parting the back of his head as it conforting a child. But I almost couldn''t reach bird as he was around five foot eight. Evan eventually hugged me back and sobbed. "Don''t you me me anymore, Ari? I''m so sorry. I whispered, "You don''t need to say anything. Don''t cry, Ivan. There''s nothing to cry about." Yet Evan started bawling like a child who had been wronged for saklig I stood there awkwardly. ruly sorry. It was my Lault hack then. I shouldn''t have--" I was five foot Eve, whereas Evan was five foot eight. He was hugging me tightly while crying his heart out-it was truly a ridiculous scene. Twasn''t aware that someone else had been quietly watching everything from outside the administrative office. Chapter 200 Crucer 200 Evan stopped crying after some time: I hurriedly grabbed a tissue to clean his face before going through another round of disinfecting his wounds and applying band-aids on him. Once Evan had calmed down, he asked me in an embarrassed manner. "What do you think we should do now, Ari?" I gave it some thought before replying. "We can only paypensation and apologize to them." Tvan turned his face away."I won''t apologize!! As usual, I told him, "Alright, you don''t have to apologize, then. I''ll do it on your behalf. I just hope the other party can be more understanding. Otherwise, we''ll still have to get your mom and brother involved. I won''t be able to help you see this if ites to that." Evan frowned "I don''t want to let my mom and brother know about this. I sighed and said, "Let me try appealing to your homeroom beaches, then." I got up to look for Mr. Lewis Behind me, Evansoftly asked, "Must we apologize?" I nodded and replied. "An apology should calm them down, and we can justpensate them after that." Evan bit down on his lip and contemted for a while. He then gritted his teeth and said, "I can''t let you apologize, Ari. I''ll apologize to them myself!" I turned hesitant. "Can you really do it? Evan insisted, "It won''t hurt for me to apologize anyway! I''ll apologize to that bastard pean''t let you do it on my behalf, Ani!" I was taken aback, and warmth filled my chest. Truly, my annoying little brother was back-he had always been one to protect me. I found myself tearing up as I said, "Okay, I''ll go appeal to your homeroom teacher. You can stay here at After that, I walked out of the administrative office and found Mr. Lewis. He was probably in his 50s. He looked particrly stern with ck-immed sses and a slightly pay figur I exined Evan''s situation to him and pleaded, "What do you think about this, Mr. Lewis? You can bring me to apologize to the injured student and his parents. We''re willing to cover their medical Bills andpensate them for emotional distress." Mr. Lewis gave me a once-over. Perhaps my youthfulness made ade him feel that i wasn''t trustworthy. He frowned and asked, "Who exactly are you to Evan? I''ve asked around-lis only guidani age his mother and brother." I was shocked "Have you informed them?" Mr. Lewis butted and replied, "I''ve given them a call, but no one cane ovri: I felt relieved. "How about this? You bring me to the hospital, and I''ll apologize to them, M. Leegi. We''ll see how muchpensation they ask for, and we''ll pay ! I wasn''t sure which of my words set Mi. Lewis off, but he snapped. "Ti tha about money Le everywhere be poes? You can tell him that there''s no saving him this tim? has to be expo D?d!" Feeling awkward, could only continue to plead humbly however much they y ask for."This belongs to N?velDrama.Org: ?. (Evan''s family is well-off. Is that why he refuses to study and keeps causing trouble Suddenly, a familiar voice sounded from behind me. "I''m Evan Linden''s brother, M. Lewis. I''ll take responsibility for this matter. I immediately turned my head and saw Ebjah walking in with a dark expression. Mr. Lewis'' temper mellowed slightly upon seeing him. "It''s not that I''m intentionally making things hard for your brother, Mr. Elijah, but Evan is truly a tough student to teach. It''s not the first time he''s gotten himself into trouble, and he''s led the entire ss astray with his behavior" He went on and on,ining endlessly while Elijah listened on unexpectedly. When Mr. Lewis finally finished his rant, he noticed we had been standing still while he had lectured us for almost an hour. He sighed and said, "Alright, here''s what we can do for now. You should go to the hospital and apologize to that student''s parents. We can talk about the other matters after that." 1 horriedly asked, "Is there any way we can avoid expelling Evan, Mr. Lewis? Nu. Lewis'' expression remained troubled "It''s hard to say. He''s already been given a warning if he gets another one now, the only option left would be expulsion." Chapter 201 I was shocked "When did he get a warning?" Mr. Lewis nced at Elijah. "You didn''t know he got a warning? That''s stran You should. Mrs. Linden was herest time Elijah''s face darkened. "No. My mother didn''t know either. It must''ve been.........." I suddenly understood the situation. That little rascal Evan must have paid someone unrted to pose as a parent to deal with the school''s warning Forgetting that Elijah was still there, I turned to Mr. Lewis. "Til talk to Evan again. Could you please speak with the other parent and let them know we''re willing to cover any damages?" Before Mr. Lewis could respond. Elijah frowned at me. "What gives you the right to decide for him Holding back my frustration, I froze as I finally asked, "Mr. Linden, do you think I''m overstepping? Elijah looked at me intently. "Veu''se bis-sister-inw. It''s not exactly overstepping." His response left a bitter taste in my mouth. I shot back coldly, "If that''s how you see it, then I''ll have a serious talk with Evan Without another word, I turned and walked out. I heard Elijah call out, but I pretended not to. I rounded the cones, heading straight toward the elevators. The moment he showed up, I''d made up my mind to stay out of this mess. I was no step into sort this matter out. I was no saint and only came here because of my rtionship with Evan. No Ewan. No one would me me even en it I did But I couldn''t shake my worry for Evan. I was worried that he would get expelled this time. I also wondered if anyone in the Linden family cared about him, Lost in thought, my pace slowed I decided 1 still needed to speak with Evan The Lindon family might have been full of entric characters, but Evan wasn''t one of them I turned back, only to see Elijah slip out of the office. He spotted me and walked straight over. The moment he sawime, he immediately came over.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Great. Just my luck. I turned around to walk the other way. ""Wait!" Elijah called from behind. I pretended not to hear him and picked up my pace. "Ari, are you going to abandon Evan?" I stopped and looked at him, frustrated He approached me and studied we carefully, his garending on the diamond ring on my linger. Hest, sharp with recognition "Did Logan give you that?" I instinctively drew my hand back, hiding t g the ring under my sleeve. "It''s no of your lines, Mr. Linden," I said icily. His expression shifted a mixture of anger, resignation, and something like an urge to reprimand me "If you have nothing else to say, I''ll be going Evan well, he''s your brother. You should look after him." "Wait, Ari." Elijah quickly stepped in front of me, forcing me to back awar Upon seeing my guarded expression, a flicker of regret crossed his face. Quietly, he said, "Ari, I didn''t expect you to still care about Evan." Turning my head, I repliedecolly, "e used to know each other. He''s like a brother to me His gaze per thoughtful "But you two always argued. Evan never Eked you," Chapter 202 I feigned indifference. "He was just a a kid who didn''t know any better. Now that he realizes his andstake, I don''t mind considering him my brother again." Elijah seemed moved by my words, stepping closer. ", it seems like you''ve changed You''ve be more mature and forgiving" I took a step back in disgust. "Mr. Linden, if you have something to say, just say it, but keep your distance." The light in his eyes dimmed slightly upon hearing my words "Ari, 1.. wanted to exin ju''s pregnacy and how it happened... *?" I covered my ears. "I''m not interested!" 1 red at him, finally losing my patience. "Mr. Linden, don''t think I''m so broad-minded that I''d listen to any filth you bring to me. I don''t need to know very sordid detall. "How many times have I told you? I don''t love you anymore, and we''re over. I want a divorce! I don''t care about you and Jocelyn one bit!"T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Elijah (was taken aback by my outborst and stared at me strangely. "Ari, do you really not love me angiore? it you don''t, then why did youe here today! His woods made my eyes sting with frustration. "I''m here because I care about Evan. This has absolutely nothing to do with you. Llijahtched onto that. "No, Evan is my brother. How can it have nothing to do with me? Art, you still care about the Linden family, don''t you?" Iughed bitterly at his twisted logic. Coming here was charly a mistake. If I could go back in time, I''d p some tense into myself before setting foot here. I took a deep breath to calm my anger and spoke slowly and clearly. "Listen carefully, Elijah. I care about Evan because he was Ele a little brother to me growing up. I can''t just watch fall apart "Evan is his own person, and so are you. The Linden family stands on its own. Do you understand?" jjah looked at me intently. "So, you''re willing to see Evan but don''t want anything to do with me? Not even ate Before I could respond, a voice interrupted us. Evan''s voice rang out. "Ell, give it a test Arijs way out of your league" He walked over to me and took my hand. "Ari, I don''t want to study here anymore. I''m leaving with you." I was taken aback by what Evan had just said I waspletely sh ned, and so was Elijah. After a few seconds of tense silence, asked. "Tvan, do you know what you''re saying? Wiping the blood from the corner of his eyes, Evan said, "I''m almost 15. My mom never cared about me, and my brother didn''t either. Only you did. You''ve been treating me so well all this time, but I let myself get manipted by Jocelyn" He swore fiercely, "I just made a vow. I''m sticking with you, Ari You''re my real family now. None of you matter, not one bit!" He directed his words at Elijah. Elijah snapped, "What nonsense are you talking about! This is no time for your tantrums. Evan''s gaze was filled with disdain. The whole inte''s talking about your aftale. You''ve let me down, Eli §á§à The blow from Evan seemed to shatter Elijah''sposure, his fare a mix of shame and anger. Pointing a finger at Evan, he stammered. "You you Chapter 203 But he couldn''t form a single coord I grabbed Evan''s arm, gently saying, "This isn''t the time to fight with your brother. Let''s go to the hospital and settle this matter He pulled his fund away from my grasp. "I''m not going, you shouldn''t go either. The family of the guy I hit has connections. They''re not going to ept my apology. They''ll just use it as a chance to push you around." Evan nodded. "Yes! Don''t go I''d rather take the school''s warning" Elijah lost his temper. "So you really don''t care about school anyone then! Just wait. You''ll see how I handle this." With that, he stormed off in anger. The world felt quieter with him gone. Id Evan out of the school. The two of us stood at the just outside, both feeling a bit lost. Act Fast Free Bonus Time is Running Out! With things turning out like this, both Evan and 1 felt a bitt. Are the initial shock we oft, Evan excitedly grabbed my hand. "As, from now on, I''ll stick with you. "Stick with me? I chuckled. "You''re not even 15 yet, Evan. Your mom and brother are still around. It''s not my ce to be responsible for you, really." Evan waved it off. "They don''t care about me anyway. Whether I live in die doesn''t matter to them. So, I''ll just follow you" He looked determined, almost like he found his new path. "Ai, Fran work, I''ll finda job, earn my own money, and support myself. You don''t have to worry about giving me anything Isighed. "Don''t talknemsense. Remember, you''re still a minor. Your mom and brother could take you back at any time." Nevertheless, Evan just shrugged, looking as unconcerned as ever. Seeing that nothing was getting through to him, I decided to take himT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. for lunch It was a good reminder of how much a teenage boy could eat. I took him to a foreign restaurant, where he devoured two steaks, a bowl of corn and mushroom soup, a huge salmon sd, and arge drink all by himself finally tull, he looked at me with a satisfied grin. "Ari, I''ll start making money soon. Next time, binch is on t Iughed. "Alright, but stop talking about making money. You still need to go to school. If that school''s not a fit, we''ll find a good private one "But as for the tees. I thought for a moment before saying, "I''ll cover it for now. Whatever happens, you need to go to college." Evan''s fall."?_D I held up a hand. "This is non-negotiable. I won''t take you in if you''re unwilling to pursue your stud you, even if it''s reluctantly." He had no choice but to agree, his young face looking reluctantly resigned 1 sighed inwardly, wondering how I abys managed tond myself in these thankless situations. get your mom and your brother in take you back. But if you''re willing to help y lunch, I brought Evan back to my ce. He walked around the apartment, eyes wide with amazement. "Ari, did you win the lottery? This ce is amazing! It''s even nicer than Elijah''s vi'' Iughed. "This isn''t my ce. It''s "Before I could finish, I decided against exining further. Evan headed into the guest room, delighted. "Can I stay in this room?" besitated, and he immediately looked hurt. "Ai, are you saying you don''t want me here? I quickly reassured him "No, it''s just this ce isn''t actually mine.. I needtocheck." Believed, continued exploring the apartment with a smile, cheatly unfazed by my exnation Sighing i retreated to my room to call Login I figured it was best to let him know had brought a ''plus one'' home. Later in the afternoon, after a short rest, Camden ved Evan was still mapping, so I asked softly, "Is it possible to get him into a private school?" Camden adjusted his sses and unilet. "With enough funding, yes, though it''ll be a t¨¦t costly,'' 1 falt both anxious andembarrassed. "L. This was really overstepping is Mr. Wood upset?" With a professional smile, Camden reassured me. "Wir. Woodpect? Not at all. After all, the Wood Group has donated to many schools in this city. Gi school isn''t a problem." I quickly ttered him, "Yes, of course Mr. Wood is so generous and mobile." Camden couldn''t hold back a chuckle at my response Getting him into a decent private high Chapter 204 Camden cleared his throat. "But, Ms. York, are you certain you want to help Evan He''s under a, and both his custody and guardianship are with the Linden family. This could end up being a I put on a sheepish smile. "I know, but I n to help him find a school fir find a school first and then suggest he talk it over with his family. "He''s at that rebellious stage, and I can''t just let him go off the rails. If I do, he''s bound to ruin himself." My worry deepenedas 1 spoke, and Camden gave me aplex look. "You''re genuinely kind-hearted, Ms. York, Elijah losing someone like you... it''s truly his loss." I managed a small, strained smile in return. With Camden''s help, we quickly selected a school. It was an international school with a solid 20-year reputation, offering both a prestigious high school curriculum and direct guidance for studying abroad after graduation In short, this school was a suretine path to studying overseal. The tuition was so thousand dors per year, plus another 30 thousand dors for misceneousfers-altogether, so thousand dors a year. Over three years, along with an additional year of early prep, it totaled around you thousand dors Though I had the funds, the Linden family''s approval wasn''t guaranteed just because I was willing to pay After talking with Camden, we decided to take Evan to the school tomorrow to see the facilities and gauge his interest. Then, he could return to discuss it with his family. Just then, Evan came out of his room, having woken up from his nap. He stopped shout when he saw Camden. "And.. you are?" With a polite smile, Camden introduced himself. "Mr. Linden. I''m Mr. Wood''s assistant. You can call me Camden" Evan, polite as ever, bowed slightly. "Nice to meet you, Mr Russell" Tilled Evan in on the ns that Camden and I had discussed. His brows furrowed upon hearing that the fees totaled 300 thousand dors. "Ari, don''t spend all that money on me. I Tout him off before he could finish. "That''s enough. You either go to school ur forget about having me as your sister." He quickly gave in. "Alright. I''ll call Elijah. He should agree to it." Then, he headed back to his room to make the call. After about half an hour, he reappeared, his face beaming. "Ari, Elijah agreed. He said he''d cover the tuition." I let out a long breath, smiling in relief. "How did you get hirm to agree?" I asked. Evan thought for a moment, then said, "I told him if he didn''t let me stay with you, I''d drop out and be a e a street punk" I felt that there had to be more to it. Evan was clearly holding something back, but decided not to press him. Taking on on this responsibility was already out of the ordinary for me as it was The following werk was a whirlwind of school tours, meetings with teachers, and handing the atler math of his light at the previous school. Alter countless conversations and red tape, we finally secured his withdrawal from the old school. Amid it all, I had to dy my start at Halton University for a few days just to get everything Norted When Teri found out about me taking Evan in, she was anything but sympathetic. "Ana, have you lost your mind! Why are you getting involved with Evan? He''s Elijah''s brother, for heaven''s sake." I sighed. "I know, but I can''t just ignore him."T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Teri scoffed. "Haven''t you read the gossiptely? Elijah and Jocelyn have been parading around together. He''s more in love with his new me than his own family." I sighed again. "It seems like he''s living without a care." Teri''s voice turned sharp. "Exactly! He''s living it up with his beauty while you''re left babysiming his brother. Ariana, are you serious? How can you be this naive? Chapter 205 I was caught off guard by the whole conversation. After a moment, ughed unconfortably, saying "I know. I reallor this is a lot, but, honestly, what else can I do? On the other end. Teri fell silent for a while before finally trienting "Whigha 1ptit. The kid''s not toobadanyway, but Ana, you really don''t owe the Linden family anything more, okay?" I nodded quickly, "Bebeve me, I know. This is thest thing I''m doing for them" Satisfied with my answer, Teri asked, "By the way, Silverwood is having its second annual band showcase tomorrow, and the denizer asked for your contact info. They said they tried calling but couldn''t get through Tasked, "What''s this brand showcase about?". "Oh, right. You lost your memory." Terisad, almost as it she''d forgotten "A few years back, you invested in a small startup brand, and it''s done really well. They''ve asked you every year to attend these shows since you''ve been their top sponsor. I remember you pay the sponsorship tee every year." I had absolutely no memory of this, but Teri spoke with such detail that it sparked a thought. Tasked, "Did I sponsor them under the name of Linden Group?" Teri thought for a moment. "Probably. Back then, you wanted to make a name for Elijah, so you sponsored all kinds of random things "Honestly, a lot of people mocked you for being so eager to make an impact. Your investments and sponsorships were often seen as impulsive. I wasn''t too optimistic about it myself. time either. "However, the brand silverwood has actually been doing really well. You probably have some equity in it. And there are a few other brands I need to think about and look up. "Check your old posts on Instagram or do a quick search online, because, hey, the inte members everything" A spark went off in my mind. "So, are you saying I might actually have shares in quite a few brands? Teri, reminded by my question, replied quickly, "Yes, definitely! You should go to the showcase and see if you can pick up any insights. You might uncover all kinds of info on brands you invested in She got excited. "Denim styles have been all the rage these past few years, and silverwood has been killing it. If you sponsored them early on, you must have some kind of partnership with them "Wow, Ari, I''ve gotta say, sometimes luck follows you in the strangest ways. If you have a contract with Silverwood, you might be in for a windfall!" Feeling energized by Tori''s words, I quickly looked up the brand online. Sure enough, I saw that Silverwood''s sales had exceeded 10 million over thest three years. en afterbor and operational costs, it had earned hundreds of thousands in petit each year Silverwood had also moved forward with a sessful livestream marketing strategy I rushed to sift through the pile of documents I''d brought over from Elijah''s vi. And there it was-the partnership agreement with Silverwood, followed by another contract, and another.. I paced around the room in excitement, my head spinning This cursed amnesta-how pruch would actually have to my name if my memory returned? For a fleeting moment, the past seven messy, embarrassing years felt like they''d been worth it. Two dayster, Silverwood''s brand showcase began Teri and I dressed in carefully chosen outfits. To match the theme of the show, I picked a fresh, light-wash denim jacket with subtle embroidery and paired it with a soft, tvory pleated skirt. I wore the emerald bracelet my grandmother left me on my wrist, and around my neck was a pearl ne with a touch of jade. My hair was styled in a sleek, ssic updo. The whole look was simple and elegant, almost like a portrait from a vintage painting Teri wore something simr, but she went with a modern, tailored denim dress. As soon as we arrived at the venue, a brand representative came to greet us. Her name was Dixie Camacho, She lit up when she saw us. "Ms. Linden, Ms. Stuart! You''ve finally here!"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. She looked me over, visibly impressed. "Mrs. Linden, you look stunning today. I didn''t expect denim to suit you so perfectly. We''d always thought..she abruptly stopped herself mid-sentence. I could guess what Dixie was about to say. Back then, I probably piled on whatever was expensive without caring about how it matched or fit the theme. Realizing her slip, the host quickly changed the subject. "Max Linden, please follow me. We''ve reserved VIP seats for you. I suddenly spoke up. "From now on, call me Ms. York, not Mrs. Linden" Chapter 206 Dixie hesitated briefly but quickly recovered, saying smoothly, "Of course, Ms. York, Ms. Stuart, pleasee with me. The founder of ourpany and a few directors are waiting over there. A macking voice cut through the an. "Oh, so she''s not Mrs. Linden anymore? That was quick. Not long ago, she was bragging everywhere that she was the real Mrs. Linden." I turned, my gaze sharpening Jocelyn, dressed in a loose-fitting dress, was protectively cradling her belly, her arm licked with Elijah''s. The one making the sneering remark was none other than Eveln. Evelyn hovered next to focelyn, her eyes ncing at me with an amused plint When Jocelyn noticed me, her eyes briefly widened before she nested closer to Elijah with a delicate, almost fra "Elijah," she said sweetly, "why didn''t you tell me ts. York would be here? Elijah, clearly not expecting me, frowned. "What are you doing here?" I raised an eyebrow, matching his tone. "And why are you here? This brand showcase wasn''t supposed to invite you, was in?" Thated that I couldn''t remember everything If my memory were tact, 1 would''ve known exactly how to make Elijah leave. This pair could never leave me alone. Iped at Tek, hoping to steer clear of them, but she stood her ground, a smirk tugging at her lips as she stared at Jocelyn. "Oh, Mr Cornell," Teri said with a sarcastic smile, "how''s that injury on your forehead?" Jocelyn, early ufortable with the confrontation in such a public setting, touched her forehead and murmured, "It''s much better. The doctor said it almost affected my brain. Terilet out a cold chuckle. "Well, it''s good Mr. Linden rushed you to the hospital. Anyter, and your injuries might have healed on their own." Jocelyn''s face teisted, caught between embarrassment and resentment._ Elijah''s eyes shed, and he spoke in a low, irritated tone. "Ms. Stuart, if there''s nothing else, don''t block the way " Teriwain''t one to back down, especially when provoked. With her hands on her hips, she steered. "Mr. Linden, I didn''t even get to ask why you brought this mistress to a brand showcase." Jocelyn gasped, swaying slightly as her eyes filled with tears. "Elijah.. she... she called me a mistress......."T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Ignoring her, Teri pressed on, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Elijah. "Well, Mr. Linden? I''m still waiting for an answer. Elijah scowled. "The FR department at Silverwood called my office, inviting me to attend. So, here I am What''s it to you, Ms. Stuart? Teri turned to Dis. "Excuse me, but is it possible that your PRteam invited the wrong person? Ms. York is the sponsor for Silverwood''s brand showcase, so since when did Mr. Linden be the VIP?" By now, guests invited by the be and were beginning to arrive, and several people looked over, curious about themotion at the entrance. Elijah''s expression darkened, his eyes zing as he looked at me."Ariana, do you really have to make a scene right now?" I felt a wave of nausea rise within me. Making a scene? At this point, Elijah still thought I was trying to create drama for his beloved Jocelyn I shot back coldly, "M Linden, this isn''t about making a scene. ga scene. I am the sponsor for Silverwood. I hand their brand showcase every year. "When Silverwood called Linden Group, I thought it might be a good PR opportunity for yourpany. But to rify, this is not yourpany''s sponsorship. In other words, you don''t have any right to be here." Chapter 207 Elijah was taken aback, clearly having no clue about the real purpose of this brand show. As for Jocelyn... 1 nced at her. Sure enough, she averted her eyes nervously. Tjah turned to Jocelyn, frowning. "What''s going on? Jocelyn locked up at him with a fragile expression. "Are you ming me, Elijah? I really didn''t low. been invited to attend She put on a tearful face. "You k Sidory, told me Linden Group sponsored a brand showcase and that we''d know how much I enjoy fashion and artsy wins...I didn''t know what was going on with this event." Her exnation soothed Elijah''s anger, and he patted her shoulder. "It''s okay, I''m not ming you, I just. Never mind. It''s not your fault." He turned back to me, his gaze filled with irritation. "Ariana, what exactly do you want?" He fidgeted with his tie as he spoke, clearly ufortable. With more guests gathering around, I kept my tone cool "I just wanted to rify that this brand show is sponsored by me persoully. It doesn''t have anything to do with Linden Group However 1 paused for effect and then continued, "Since Mr. Linden is already here, why not join us inside? I''m not that petty." Under normal droumstances, his pride would have had him turn on his heel and leave, but with Jocelyn by his side, he wouldn''t walk away and risk losing fare. Dixie, relieved that I wasn''t making a fuss, quickly chimed in, saying, "All of you are honored guests of our brand. Pease,e right in!" Elijah gave me a cold look before leading Jocelyn through the VIP entrance. Teri grabbed my arm, gritting her teeth. "Why''d you let them in? You could''ve had them kicked out!" Treassured her. "Since they''re here, let''s just enjoy the show." She looked parried. "What are you nning?" I gave her a slight smile and led her through the VIP entranceProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. The venue was tastefully arranged, blending vintage with modern elements. A live jazz band yed softly in the background, the gentle notes creating a warm, sophisticated atmosphere. Teri and I met with the brand''s founder-a young, energetice designer with a clear passion for her work. Her name was Crystal Trenton Her eyes lit up as soon as he saw me. "Mas Linden! It''s been too long!" I felt a pang of embarrassment-I genuinely didn''t remember her and had no idea about my p?t ctionship with this rising star in the fashion world I quickly extended my hand with a polite smile. "Hello, Ms. Trenton It''s impressive to see how much you''ve grown in just a year." She looked at me, he expression admiring "Mrs. Linden, your outfit today is absolutely stunning! You look amazing! Jamie, quick, get some photos of Mrs. Linden''s look! I''m feeling inspired Several assistants pulled out their phones at hermand and started taking photos of me from every angle. Helt¨¤ mix of embarrassment and delight. Thankfully, all the effort I''d put into picking the perfect outfit and styling myself had paid off, I''d done a deep dive into Ms. Trenton''s aesthetic preferences beforeing, and it seemed like my choice of attire was alceady making a positive impression As she showered me withpliments, Ms. Trenton eyed me curiously. "By the way, Mrs. Linden, you seem a bit different than I remember. I thought you used to have a different style..." I quickly smiled, "Well, over the past couple of years, I''ve be a fan of your designs. The more explored vintage styles, the more I realized how well they suit me." Ms. Trenton''s smile blossomed "Wonderful! That''s exactly our brand''s philosophy. Mrs. Linden, let''s sit down and have a proper chat after the show. Chapter 208 Seeing that my n had been sessful, I quickly agreed. Ime Ariana or M. York" As I turned to leave, emembered something and said to Ms. Trenton, "Oh, by the way, I''m Mrs. Linden anymore. You can just call me Ariana or Ms. Trenton paused, surprised. "What?" Her assistant leaned in and whispered a few quick words into her ear. Then, Ms. Trenton''s eyes filled with sympathy as she sighed and took my hand. "Ms. York, 1 muly admire your courage." Just then, she turned and noticed Elijah and Jocelyn approaching, her expression quickly shifting to visible disgust. "What''s this scumbag doing here? And he even brought I took the opportunity to excuse myself. "Ms. Trenton, let''s chat in detail after the show "With that I turned and returned to my seat. Behind me, I overheard Elijah politely greeting her. "Ms. Trenton, your setup here is quite unique." Jocelyn chimed in eagerly, "Ms. Trenton, I''ve heard that your designs have won international awards. Would there be any chance you could design a costume for me? Ms. Trenton''s tone was icy. "I''m sorry, but I generally don''t take on custom orders. I simply don''t have the time." There was no mistaking the hostility in her response. jah''s voice took on a restrained tone "Ms. Trenton, yourpany has a promising future. Have you considered scaling up? Linden Group would be interested in investing He didn''t even finish before Ms. Trenton let out a dryugh. "Mr Linden, as you mentioned, ourpany''s future is promising So, why would we need outside funding to expand? "We have plenty of interested investors. Skybridge Capital alone has approached us over a dozen times." Theld back augh. Ms. Trenton''s reputation was well-earned. Her straightforward, sharp personality was just as people described online. Her background was tragic. Growing up with a single mother who had pulled her from a trash bin after her father discarded her for being a girl.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Her mother had frantically searched through every bin until she found her and raised her alone through incredible hardships. Ms. Trenton had grown into a force to be reckoned with, a woman fiercely independent and resilient. She despised irresponsible men and loathed thend who abandoned their partners. The assistant must have filled her in on the story between me, Elijah, and Jocelyn, which exined her hostility toward them Settling into my seat, I shed Teri an "OK" sign. Teri stifled augh. "Ari, hose did you manage that? Look at Ms. Trenton''s reaction to Elijah and Jocelyn. She can''t stand them! They look like they''re about to slick back to their seats 1 kept my expression neutral. "Just focus on the show. If things go as nned, I''ll discuss our potential partnership with Me Trenton after the show." Teri''s mouth dropped open. "Ari, you''re finally over him? Look at you-you''re amazing!" I quickly covered her mouth The show began. As lights danced across the runway, models stepped out wearing pieces that ranged from vibrant to elegantly subtle. Each outfit was a masterpiece, a blend of vintage and modern that was simply breathtaking 1. Trenton was indeed a rising star in the fashion design industry. Each garment was brimming with creativity. Guests murmured their admiration all around, and I couldn''t help but take photos, one after another. During the intermission, 1 felt an intense gaze on me. Frowning, I named and saw Elijah sitting a few seats away, his eyes find on me with a dark intensity My heart skipped a beat-what was his problem? why was he staring? Did I have something on my face? I met his gaze briefly, then turned back around with a deliberately indiferent expression. "Elijah, what are you looking at?" Jocelyn''s soft, affected voice drifted over. "Do you want to go talk to York? Djah''s voler was distant. "No. Don''t overthink it. I''m watching the models." Chapter 209 chapter 209 Jocelyn was stunned into silence by Elijah''s response, her gaze turning forlorn as she looked at him. But Elijah''s attention wasn''t on her at all (my darction. Amused, I simply turned away and refocused on the runway show. I noticed Jocelyn biting her lip, bet eyes brimming with resentment as she shot avmous look in my silverwood''s brand showcase was a resounding sess. When the lead designer, Ms. Trenton, took the stage for her closing remarks, the apusested for over ten minutes. A swarm of journalists surged forward for interviews while the invited sponsors were led backstage to a lounge for a brief rest. Teri and I sat in the lounge, excitedly discussing the outfits we had photographed and admiring some of the stand-out designs Teri''s passion for fashion had always nan deep. She''d even studied fashion design courses in college. Her enthusiam and keen ayad me to sponsor Silverwood''s brand showcase in the first Now that thepany was flourishing, Teri was overjoyed. As we talked, a figure appeared in front of us. I looked up, my expression darkening It was focilyn-again. She clutched her hands together, visibly uneasy. "Ms. York. I just wanted to apologize." Thadn''t even opened my mouth before Teril, pretending not to hear her, raisedher voice, "What? Are you asking Ari to give up on Elijah?" Jocelyn froze, and 1 was stunned. Ter''s voice had captured the attention of everyone in the lounge, and now all yes were on us Jocelyn''s face flushed a deep red under the scrutiny. Her feigned difort from a moment ago now seemed all on real, especially with several people in the room who recognized both Elijah and her, thanks to the recent viral drama. Jocelyn quickly tried to regain herposure, her eyes glistening with tears. "No, M. Stuart, you misunderstood. That''s not what I meant..." voice still loud. "Oh? You mean you are not asking to give up on him, but you want them to get a divorce quickly?" Terifeigned surprise, her voi Tel saw the shocked expressions around the room and went in for the dll. "Oh, I get it-you''re already pregnant with Elijah''s baby, and you''re getting impatient." A collective gasp rippled through the room, and murmurs began to spread. People pointed at Jocelyn, their expressionced with disdain. Jocelyn''s face want pale, and she swayed as if she I subcly tried to pull Teri bark, but she brushed me off, leaning close to whisper, "Don''t stop me. Watch how 1 handle this drama queen" Under the seathing gates of the crowd, Jocelyn covered her face and started to cry softly. At that moment, Elijah, mingling and chatting nearby, noticed themotion and quickly strodeT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. d Jocelyn, ring at us. "What did you say to jo?" He wrapped anatim anarim around j Teriput on an innocent face. "We didn''t do anything. We were just sitting here when Ms. Cornell came over and told Arl to hurry up and divorce you, saying she''s pregnant and can''t wait any longer" Jocelyn''s tear-streaked face looked up at Elijah, her voice trembling with emotion. "Tut''s not what happened, Elijah. You have to believe me. I just..." Te didn''t allow her to exin, loudly interjecting, "50, Ms. Cornell, are you or are you not pregnant?** Jocelyn''s attempt at a response faltered, the words stuck in her throat. Teri continued, "If you''re pregnant, then just focus on that, What''s the point ofing over here to bother Ari?" Jocelyn finally found her voice, "I just wanted to apologize to Ms. York..." Looking at her with pity, Elijah murmured, "lo, there''s no need to apologize. You did nothing wo Chapter 210 Upon hearing Elijah''s reassurance, Jocelyn''s tears flowed even harder, a (, a full disy of "damsel in distress." Teri scoffed, taking my arm. "Let''s go. This ce reeks of bad energy." Then, we turned to leave "Wait!" Elijah called out I stopped, frowning at him. Elijah seemed to want to say something, perhaps to warn me, but realizing it was neither the time nor ce, he simply said, "All, stop picking on Jocelyn for the sake of the child" I let out a colduch. "Child? Whose child?" Elijah''s face flushed red, then turned pale. "Ari, don''t be unreasonable."Thest few words came out weakly,cking conviction. I smirked. If there was one change in Elijah''s demeanor since my memory loss, it was this. Drece, he''d cheated with brazen confidence, even ming me. Now, all he had left was guilt and a faltering voice. why she so eagerly came Not wanting to waste any more breath on him, I replied icily, "Mr. Linden, why don''t you ask your precious Jocelyn why she so With that, I walked away with Teri without waiting for his reaction. Behindus, murmurs from the guests filled the room. "So that''s Elijah and the mistress? Wow, what a scene. Mistresses are getting bold these days." "Unbelievable! Bringing a baby bump to make demands? In public? "She''s crying like she''s the victim here. V Who''s buying that?" "That young pianist? I don''t care how cultured she ims to be-this is shameless behavior." Teri andi navigated through the crowd, overhearing the whispered judgments Once we reached the restroom. Teri let out a sigh of relief. "Whar a headache. At least that two fod act didn''t work this time" I smiled at her. "Thanks to you She waved it off with a grin, "No need to thank me! That''s what best friends are for Let me tell you, the only way to deal with a fake like her is to go all in." I was a little lost. "Go all in how? eats just to stir up trouble?- "Get ahead of her by taking the moral high ground?" Teri exined "Every time Jocelyn pulled her stunts with you in the past, you always took the hit because of your patience." Ashadow crossed my eyes, "I guess I really was clueless before" Teri sighed. "It wasn''t cluelessness. You just cared too much about that jerk, Elijah. Now that you no longer care, they can''t hurt you anymore." At that moment, the restroom door opened, and Dixie spotted us, visibly relieved "Thank goodness! Ms. York, M. Stuart, Ms. Trenton has asked to see you both." Teri and exchanged a quick, excited nce A few minutester, we were ushered into an office on the second floor where we met Ms. Trenton, who had just wrapped up a round of mingling with the press. With a smile, the extended her hand to me "Hello, Ms. York 1 invited you here to discuss our partnership" I was both surprised and delighted. "Ms. Trenton, are you really open to coborating Wait are you actually interested in my investment?" She pulled out an old, slightly yellowed contract and smiled. "About three years ago, Silverwood was just a tiny operation with maybe ten people, including the owner and employees. You were the first to believe in us enough to sponsor one of our brand showcass" Her heartfelt recollection tired memories for me-t had forgotten it all since the memory loss. But thankfully, Teri remembered prifectly. "Tes!" she said, thrilled. "Back then, we saw Silverwood''s potential from a mile away. I tried so hard to convince her wait, no. It was actually who had the vision to sponset you." Ms. Trenton nced at Teri with a knowing smile. "Yes, Ms. Stuart, I remeinter you quite vividly." I felt aware of gratitude, not just toward Ms. Trenton for offering me the partnership but also toward Teri, my best friend, who truly had my back After all, it had been bidea all along to push me into sponsoring Sherwood in the first ceN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. Chapter 211 It was Teri who had the sharp eye, not me. But here she was, ghing me all the credit to make me look good in front of Ms. Trenton Ms. Trenton smiled softly at me and sighed, "Teople really do changes. Honestly, I didn''t have the best impression of you three years ago, Ms. York." I felt a pang of guilt. "Was Farrogant back then? I''m souy ill was She shook her head, "No, it wasn''t arrogance. It was your reputation. Let''s just say it wasn''t very positive. Some of our staff felt strongly that someone with your reputation wasn''t a suitable sprer for our brand." It even more embarassed. "I see." Ms. Trenton continued, "Bat another group of employees felt that, since you had the money and were willing to support us financially, we should make the most of the opportunity" I was even more flustered To think that, three years ago, my reputation was so poor that encen a fiddling brand like Silverwood hesitated to take my money. Ter wanted to say something to defend me, but Ms. Trenton gave her a reassuring kot which held b?r back "We decided on very strict term for the sponsorship," Ms. Trenton exined "Ms. York had to sponsor our brand showcase for those years without any expectation of returns. Twensilion dors per year, totaling six million dors over three years. Only after that would we consider a partnership with her." (It all made sense now. No wonder the old contract i dug up yesterday was to one-sided. It involved three years of sponsorship with no guarantee of bing an investor.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Weil, that certainly seemed in line with the haughty, entitled heiress I must have been before I lost my memory. I looked at Ms. Trenton and asked, o, do you lind me a good fit as an investor for Silverwood now, Ms. Trenton?" Sheughed warmly. "Absolutely. I wouldn''t have invited you both up here if I didn''t" Overjoyed, I grabbed her hand, "Thank you! Thank you so much!" Teri was equally thrilled. By now, the fashion desigs industry in Halton City know about Silverwood''s Impressive rise. Investors were practically throwing money at them, desperate to get a foot in the door. So, far Ms. Trenton to offer me a partnership now was nothing short of striking gold "Ms. Trenton, wait!" An unwee voice interrupted us from behind Dixie, who stood at the door, looked at us with an apologetic look. "I''m sorry, M. Trenton, Mc. Linden insisted on seeing you... Ms. Trenton''s expression hardened as she asked, "Mr. Linden, ? - Trenton, are you nning to coborate with Linden Group? Elijah''s gaze swept over Teri and me coldly before he directed his question at As Trenton "Ms. T Ms. Trenton shook her head "No." Elijah''s gaze sharpened, practically piercing through me as he let out a coldugh. "Then, Ms. Trenton, are you ning to coborate with Ms. York?" Ms. Trenton nodded. "Yes. Is there a problem with that?" My heart raced Elijah''s one was icy as he replied, "It Ma. Trenton is considering a partnership with Ms. York, it does concern Linden Group. We''ll need to discuss this in detail." Ms. Trenton frowned. "The original sponsorship agreement clearly states that the funding came from Ms. York personally. So, if we were to work together, it would partnership with her "How does Linden Group factor into this?" Elijah responded confidently, "Because three years ago, Ms. York was my wife-and legally, she still is. "Any funds she contributed were part of our marital assets, so technically, Linden Group, my wife, and I have jointly sponsored your brand over these three years." dbe a personal Chapter 212 Upon hearing his words, blood rushed to my head, and a Tamr wave of dizziness overwhelmeddine.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. could barely make out Teti''s furious voice "Elijah, do you have any same? You actually dare to call this marital property? A paid for this sponsorship with her own money! You you''re beyond shameless!" The room spun, and I struggled to stay upright. Weakly, I called out, Ten, L She quickly supported me, guiding me te sit down. As I steadied myself, I nced up at Elijah. In my dazed state, I thought I saw a sh of concern in his eyes, though I couldn''t be sure, Ms. Trenton noticed something was wrong and said gently, "Ms. York, don''t worry. We can take our time discussing things" Taking a deep breach. I steadied my emotions and spoke slowly. "Mr. Linden, what exactly do you want?" He hesitated for a moment, but then the calcting businessman in him resurfaced "Sherwood is open to epting Linden Group''s investment. I can offer Ms. York a 10% share of her original investment." As soon as the word left his mouth, Teri jumped to her feet, seething "Elijah, have you go shame at all? 10% is that all you think Ari deserves?" Elijah''s gaze darkened. "Ms. Stuart, this doesn''t concern you. If you continue to insult me. I''ll call security," "Go ahead then! Call them! Let everyone see the kind of man you are!" Teri''s voice o "Three years ago, you were sneaking off to meet that shameless mistress, Jocelyn, overseas. Meanwhile, Ariana was kept in the dark, doing everything she could to support your business. "She knew nothing about running apany, so I told her to advertise. She poured her money into it, blindly funding every ad she could "That''s how Silverwood got its first big break-it was part of an over-the-top.citly alcampaign she paid for. She shot him a fierce look, tears glistening in her eyes. "You didn''t know any of that, did you? All you saw was a woman who you thought was ackless and rivolous with money. While you .off with Jocelyn, she was bere, breaking herself for yourpany!" Teri wiped her tears, her voice trembling with rage. "And now you have the nerve to im this as marital property? You''ve here trying to offer her scraps of what she built with her own I swallowed, tasting something bitter and metallic at the back of my throat. Exhausted, I put an arm around Tei and murmured, "Enough, Teri. Let''s just walk away from Teri wipedher tears away angrily, her face full of frustration. "But this is such a huge opportunity! As long as you be a partner in Silverwood, you''ve alreadye out on top!" I managed a smile. "It''s not. Let''s consider the money lost and move on. We don''t need to waste our energy on people like this." I nced at Teri, the tear stains on her face filling me with quilt. "This is my fault. Let''s go. We can tater." Elijah, who had been stunned into silence by Teri''s outburst, quickly stood up as we tuched to leaye I caught a glimpse of something in his eyes-regret, perhaps, or even sorrow. But I looked away, umilling to face that all-too-familiar mask of his that once held such charm. Now, it only His barely steady voce called after me, "Ari, I didn''t know about everything you did..) I raised my hand to stop him "M. Linden, you''re right. Legally, we''re still married, so any money I put forward technically belongs to us both. "Il Siverwood agrees to partner with me, you''d be entitled to at least half of my stake.. up the investment, and the 10% was just because-" Elijah''s face went pale. "That''s not what I meant...... Ariana, let me exin. I meant that I would put up Teuthim ofl. "No need to exin Even if you offered me 100% of the shares. I''m not interested anymore." Chapter 213 I looked at Ms. Turnton apologetically, "I''m sorry, Ms. Trenton. It seems I''m not in a position to cobonate with yourpany until I''ve sorted out my personal burs." Ms. Trenton sighed, dearly appointed. "There''s no need to apologize. We had med to expandthis year and allocated shares for potential investors. Todd not to invest. Ms. York we have to offer the opportunity to someone else. She added regretfully, "I''m sorry, Ms. York Our ns are already set, and if you miss this chance, it won''te and again. 1dabit smile and nodded. "I understand" Beside me, Teciwas dearly in tears, tuming. "What a shameless man! You''re absolutely shameless!"N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. 1 took her hand, preparing to leave, but Elijah blocked our path, a rare look of hesitation on his face. His bone softened in a way I''d never heard before. "Ari, we can work something out." "Tjah, whe_why aren''t you done vet?" Jocelyn appeared in the doorway, one hand testing delicately on her belly, her faceced with anxious concern. Eliah''s attempt to say something more was abruptly interrupted. Jocelyn approached Ms. Trenton with a smile, trying to be ingratiating, "MET Trenton, Elijah and 1 are both big fans of your designs. Is there any chance we might work together?" Mc. Trenton''s gaze was e-cold. "Tim sorry, but ourpany does not coborate with people of questionable reputation." Jocelyn''s face stiffened, but she quickly covered it with a locoed uille. "Ms. Trenton, I''m a nist. I could wear your designs to my concerts. Mu. Trenton gave her a mocking smile. "Ch? That won''t be necessary. At Silverwood, we have no ns for a spokesperson." But even after two rejections, Jocelyn wasn''t deterred. Looking at me, she said to Ms. Trenton, "Elijah and I could repay Ms. York''s sponsorship money, Ms. Trenton. Then, maybe you could prve set a chance to coborate?¡ª Ms. Trenton hesitated. If I didn''t proceed with the investment, my initial six-million-dor sponsorship would essentially to waste. Repaying that amount could be tricky-it would feel like Ms. Trenton owed me a favor. But if Elijah were to repay me the money. I cut in immediately, "Ms. Trenton, there''s no need to repay the sponsorshit. I don''t want their money." Ms. Trenton was moved "But Ms. York, six mson isn''t a small amount" I shook my head. "I absorb that cost myself." Turning to Elijah, I said coldy, "Mr. Linden, if you consider this sponsorship marital property, then you can im half of it. I''ll pay you your share" Jocelyn was being thoroughly ignored, and she couldn''t hold back "Ms. York, don''t be so impulsive. This is a great opportunity. Why not coborate and let us all benefit?" Flooked her in the eye, speaking each word with precision. "No thank you. I want nothing to do with you or Elijah. I''d rather throw six million into the ocean than use it to partner with Sherwood through any association with you two." Ms. Tren suddenly pped her hand, a gleam of admiration in her eyes. "Well said The looked at me with newfound respect. "Ms. York, you are indeed unique. I took Ten''s hand, politely smiling at Ms. Trenton "Ms. Trenton, 1 apologize for taking up your time." Ms. Tiroton, looking regretful, handed me her business card. "Ms. York, I''d love to be friends even if we aren''t business partners. I believe we would get along very well." I epted the card, feeling rouched, and decided to lighten the mood. "So, does that mean I''ll get first dibs on your stunning designs in the future?" Ms. Tressam Laughed beartily "oh, you don''t even have to buy them-consider them gifts!" We bothughed, genuine and unrestrained. Meanwhile, Elijah and Jocelyn''s expression grew uglier by the second Jocelyn kept trying to interject, but Ms. Trenton didn''t spare her a single nce. Elijah''s usual charm and business acumen were useless here. M. Trenton''s indidierence made him invisible. Just then, a warm, gentle voice broke through the tension. "What''s so funny? Care to let me in on the joke?" I turned around sharply Chapter 214 When I saw that gentle, refined face-hurshore like a deity-the food of emotions I''d been holding back siddenly overwhelmedima, 1 threw myself into his arms without cuing about the people around us. "Logan!" Warmth enveloped me, the familiar scent of pine surrounding me, and I couldn''t help the tears that sprang to my aT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Logan looked down, chuckling softly. "What''s wrong? Your eyes are all red, like a little bunny." Embarrassed, I gave him a light tap and mattered, "Why are you here?" He studied my face seriously, his fingers grorly brushing my cheek. "I heard someone was trying to bully my silly girl, so I came as quickly as I could" Awave of warmth washed over me, and I felt dangerously close to tears. He leaned down, his vice soft in my ear. "Don''t cry, silly girl." After speaking, he looked up, his gaze sweeping the coom. His eyes passed over Ma Trenton and Teri beforending on Elijah. Elijah straightened, a tense look crossing his face. He stepped forward, his toneced with mockery. "Well, what brings Mr. Woodbere?" His sharp gaze flicked between Logan and me, lingering on Logan''s hand resting on my waist. I could feel Elgah''s ce, like dappers trying to pierce right through us. Logan remained calm, his expression unfazed. "Oh? I didn''t realize Mr. Linden was here. I thought only select business partners received Invitations, and Linden Group isn''t exactly on the guest list Elijah''s face turned a dark red instanton. He hadn''t forgotten that he could only attend the event by using my name. Logan then nodded slightly at Ms. Trenton. "Ms. Trenton, today''s brand showcase was a great sess." Ms. Trenton''s face up with a beaming smile. Thank you, Mr. Wood Our team will keep striving for excellence." Everyone in the room, except for Logan and Ms. Trenton, looked utterly shocked. Ms. Trenton then exined, "Oh, I forgot to mention. Mr. Wood''spany has been in a deep partnership with Silverwood for the past three years. In fact, he''s out main investor." Twas stunned. "What?" Logan''s smile remained gentle. "You tter me, M. Trenton. I''m sure today''s sess will attract even more well-suited investors to Silverwood." Then, he turned to Teri, "Ms. Stuart, I understand you have quite an eye for fashion design. Would you be interested in coborating with Silverwood?" Teri looked bewildered. "Ma?I.. what?" Logan smiled warmly and indulgently. "Since Ms. Stuart is a close friend of Art''s, I believe a coboration with Silverwood could fill in the gap left by Ari''s missed opportunity." Everyone around us seemed frozen in shock As I realized his intention, I felt a surge of joy. His idea was brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Logan''s¨¢dra was for Terito invest in Silverwood on my behalf. This way, we could scheipep the whole "marital properry" issue, allowing me to still benefit from Silverwood''s growth through Jell It was the perfect solution-1 could keep my involvement with Sherwood without losing this valuable opportunity because of Elijah. Teri still seemed to be processing the idea when Elijah''s voice cut through the air, sharp and using "Mr. Wood, what are you ying at?" I squeezed Logan''s hand, my heart pounding with nervousness. He gently patted my hand in silent reassurance. Terring to Elijah with a mocking smile, he replied, "I''m not sure what you mean, Mr. Linden. However, I do recall that when Ms. York sponsored Silverwood three years ago, part of the funding also came from Ms. Ste "In fact, if memory serves, three million of that six million sponsorship was Ms. Stuart''s contribution." Chapter 215 Elijah was momentarily speechless. "What? You gotta be kidding me!" Regaining hisposure, he exploded with rage. "Logan, what are you ying at?" Logan simply smiled, calm and unbothered. "This is nothing more than the truth" Elijah''s face contorted in anger. "Truth? This is clearly clearly yourtest scheme!" Logan raised an eyebrow, teigning confusion. "A scheme? 1 just thought of in moments ago-pretty fresh, wouldn''t you say?" Elijah''s face darkened further, his usualposate slipping Jocelyn, watching us with clenched fists, suddenly interjected, "But wasn''t the six million transferred directly from Ms. York to Silverwood''s ount?" Teri shot back."1 loaned that money to Ana. Do you have a problem with that?" This left Elijah and Jocelyn momentarily speechless I felt a surge of satisfaction, though I knew Elijah wouldn''t give up so easily. Sure enough, Elijah''s cold gazended on me "Fine, Ariana. Let''s take this to court and see if your line story holds up. Let''s see if the judge believes you." I returned his re. "Very well then I''ll see you in court. As for the money, Mr. Linden, you might want to focus on your own finances. If I''m not mistaken, Linden Group doesn''t have the liquidity for five billion dors right now. Elijah fell silent. He finally turned to Jocelyn and said, "Let''s go." With a cool tone, Logan said, "Just a word of advice, Mr Linden-a man who wrongs his wife won''t see fortunee his way." Elijah halted in his tracks as if something had struck a chord, and a flicker of guiltersser Tossed his eyes. A pang went through me, a half-forgotten echo of past hurts and regrets. But he left without another word, taking Jocelyn with him. Ms. Trenton looked at Logan and me with a smile. "You two make quite the couple." Embarrassed, I murmured, "Thank you, Ms Trenton, for standing up for us earlier She smiled warmly. "Please, just call me Crystal. And Mr. Wood is absolutely right-you need to ensure your assets aren''t at risk of division" She shook her head with a sigh. "I heard that Mr. Linden was some kind of business genius. Today, I see he''s not all that impressive." Logan turned to her and said, "Ms. Trenton, allocate my investment share to Ms. Stuart." Logan shook his head. "Silly girl prime investment opportunities like this don''t alwayse around I considered his words and nodded. "Alright. Trai and I will discuss it when we''re back."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. every d y day." piece of couture Sikrly to be worth a The rest of our conversation with Crystal was much more rxed. She even get exquisite, meticulously crafted, and designed dress-a future piece of fortune in the fashion world After saying goodbye to Crystal and Teri. Logan suggested taking me out for dinn Just as I was about to get in the car in the parking lot, I saw a car door open from a short distance away. Elijah stepped out and started walking toward me Instinctively, I pulled back, wanting to get in the car quiddy Elijah''s expression wasplicated as he called out, "Ari, can we talk?" I nced at Logan, and he stepped out of the car, moving to stand in front of Elijah with aposed expression. "Mr. Linden, talling after someone isn''t very gentlemanly. If you have something to discuss, take it up with herwyer." Elijah shot him a cold look "And trying to steal someone''s wife is hardly the act of a gentleman either." A vein in Elijah''s neck throbbed, his frustration turning into anger. "Logan, have ever wronged you? Why are you so intent on getting in my way?" Logan''s smile was faint, almost taunting. "Well, that was because you never appreciated her " Logan shook his head, histone dismissive. "You''ve done nothing to me. I just don''t like you, that''s all." Elijah was at a loss for words I was stunned after hearing their exchange. Afraid things might spiral out of control after Logan''s words for him, I quickly ushered Logan back into the car. If they kept talking, a fight would break out-and I had a feeling Elijah wouldn''t stand a chance against Logan I turned to Elijah. "What do you want to talk about?" Chapter 216 Elijah red at me darkly. "Ariana, didn''t you once say you loved me? But now, you''ve already moved on? Or was there something going on between you and Mr. Wood all along. Without thinking. I raised my hand to p him. He caught my wrist mid-alt, smicking "Did strike a nerve 1ughed herrerly should have let Logan handle this. If he were here, he''d be the one pping you! He let go of my hand, his face key. "Let''s skip the drama Arias, dragging this out in court is just a public spectacle. We were married for five years-I don''t want it to end in a circus." So, did this mean he wanted a settlement? allowed my anger and asked, "What''s your proposal?" Elijah hesitated, his gaze conflicted. "Til give back everything that''s yours. Just ghe mesos. I was taken aback Thadn''t expected Elijah, who was usually so unyielding, to offer a clean split.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. After a moment of silence, I replied, "Wight How much time do you need?" He tugged at his tie, visibly agitated. "I don''t know. I''ll need the ountants to figure it out... Ariana, I just wasn''t prepared." His final words were said with a surprising sense of resignation. A pang of something flickered in my heart. I looked at him closely. His eyes were bloodshot, and there were faint shadows under them. He didn''t look like he''d been doing well. The thought struck me, and surprisingly, I felt a winge of pity. Noticing my silence, he lowered his voice. "Ariana, I really wasn''t ready "What are you not ready for?" asked eyes reddened further, and he quickly looked down, hiding his expression. Tm just not ready to lose you," He turned away, pulling out a cigarette and tumbling with his lighter, but he couldn''t get it to light. After several failed attempts, he threw the cigarette to the ground and crushed it under Taking a deep breath, be looked straight at me. "Let''s settle this amicably. I''ll do my bear to return what''s yours.. jast spare me some time." For a moment, I didn''t know what to say. This was the first time since my memory loss that I''d seen Elijah lower his pride and ask me for time and space. We stood in silence, countless emotions running the ough my mind Finally, I nodded ''T''ll discuss it with Mr. Webb. He''ll be in touch," Elijah didn''t look relieved. If anything, he seemed more conflicted. He hesitated a Tasked, "Is there anything else? If not.. After a long pause, he asked quietly, "Does he... treat you well?" I baked, not sure I''d heard him right. "What did you say?" something more to say. His gaze shifted toward Logan''s cat in the distance, and he repeated, "Does he treat you will?" Slowly, I nodded. "Yeah. He treats me really well! A strange expression ticketed across Elijah''s face, something between a smile and a grimace. His eyes held an intensity that made my heartache unexpectedly. He whispered, "AL. I''m sorry about Jocelyn" I took a steadying breath "Elijah, don''t. Please, just stop bringing this up" However, he continued stubbornly, "I should have ended things with her from the start. It was my fault... I was too arrogant... I thought you''d never leave. I thought crossing that line didn''t My eyes filled with tears. I didn''t know why, but I suddenly felt the urge to cry. He went on, "I heard what Teri said today. I knew back then that you loved me deeply and did so much for me.. I raised my hand, stopping him. "Enough, Elijah. It doesn''t matter anymore. It''s all over now! I turned to leave, but he reached out as it to grame, then let his hand fall, defeated. "I dowli in''t matter. I just... I just wanted to say I''m sorry. I have to take responsibility for So that was it. Flet out a soft, bitterugh Chatter Chapter 217 Elijah looked at me, confusion in his eyes. I took a deep breath and said, "Elijah, stop. I know why you''re apologizing-you''re just trying to keep this sprint because of jocelyn''s child, right? 1 quickly added before he could reply. "Enough, Goodbye, Mr. Linden " Without another nce back, I turned and got into the ca Logan noticed w expressim and asked, "What did he say I tried to steady my emotions. He wants a settlement out of court." Legan looked at Elijah''s figure standing alone, his face tinged with sadness. Then, he turned back to me. "Are you okay?" I shook my head, feeling numb. Tem" Logan paused for a moment and handed me a tissue. "Just let it out if you''re upset I looked at him, my eyes dry. "I can''t cry, but why does it still hurt so much?" Logan''s gaze shitted slightly is it because Elijah chose to settle for the sake of jocelyn''s child?"Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. I let out a bitterugh. "I feel sad, but I''ve lost my memory, so it''s not because of him. I think it''s because I''ve realized I was always the one who tried "No matter what I did for him, no matter how much i prve up. I was always the one left behind." Logan''s eyes held a deep empathy, and then, in one smooth motion, he pulled me into his arms. The warmth of his embrace and his familiar scent soothed my ache, melting away lingering soczew, 1 heard his soft vore above me, "Silly girl This won''t happen again." I looked up at him, my voice still a bit thick, "Really?" "Yeah," he said with a gentle sm "How can you guarantee that?" I stubbornly pressed on He thought for a moment and suddenly lowered his head, capturing my lips in a deep lidss. "This is my guarantee," he murmured pulling me deeper into his warmth. "Is that promise enough?" and before 1 lew it, I waspletely lost in the overwhelming tenderness he wrapped me in Elijah walked back to his car slowly, his heart heavy as he opened the dot and sank into the driver''s sea "Elijah, what did Ms. York say? Jocelyn asked from the pallenger seat, her vos telki, "Ud agree?" Elijah rubbed his face, his tone t. "Yeah She did." Jocelyn let out a sigh of relied "That''s pood Taking this too wouldn''t be good for us, especially with thepany''s reputation on the line. "You have those uing bid to think about. If ourpetitors find out about any liqancial issues, we could lose everything -" She went on, rambling about the risks and consequences, but Elijah''s mind drifted, his gaze settling on a small chaim hanging from his rearview n Reaching up, be carefully took it down, his fingers running over the red string tied into a hoart-shaped knot i umall piece of yellow paper. Faded red markings were still visible on the paper, adding a touch of mystery to the design. yer of dust had gathered on it, a clear sign it had been there quite a while. His mind slipped into memories, each one sharper than thest, The chains was a tour of protection, something I had gone out of her way to get for him after the Einden Group''s financial crisis was solved. I had listened to someone''s advice and traveled to a secluded retreater in the middle of nowhere. I spent an rate month there, participating in mindfulness workshops and writing daily affirmations, just tolove a spiritual coach personally less the charm for his safety. He never would''ve inspeed that a woman so used to luxury could give it all up no phone, no TV-and spend a month thing on nothing but simple meals in the countryside. Thad meditated and sought puidance from every possible source, all for his well-being, and all Elijah did during that time was mock me for being superstitious,ughing at my efforts, and calling theplete waste of time. Chapter 218 Chapter 218 But what was it that I used to say? Elijah clenched the charm tightly, a ch of pain in his eyes. Elijah, can''t do much to help keep this charm, okay? They a the spiritual coach who blessed it is incredibly is. A charme this shouldn''t be thrown away. -""Eljah, I don''t wish tax you to be wealthy or powerful. All I want is for you testay safe, that''s all" He coold still picture me holding the charm, my smile so bright and innocent, as if the world were simple and pare. The charm dug into his palm, d he opened his hand only to close it again, denching the symbol of my unwavering devotion Jocelyn, who had been rambling on, finally noticed his silence. She nced at the charm in his hand and scotted. "What is that? It looks so tacky" She reached out, trying to take it, but Lijah slipped it into his suit pocket without a second thought Sensing his resistance, Jocelyn''s expression turned cold "Did she give that to you?Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Elijah started the car, his expression unchanging. "No. It''s a charm I got from a spiritual coach myself" - Satisfied, she rxed. "Oh Well, then you should keep it, I suppose. But it looks so dusty. Let me get you a new one for the car." Elijah shook his head. "It''s okay." ed her to extend the timeline as much as possible. Undeterred, she returned to her earlier topic "Anyway, Elijah, if she agrees to settle out of court, make sure to be pleasant. We need "And as for the so million dors, there''s no reason to give her the whole amount have the ountant fudge the numbers a bit." "Enough" Elijah''s voice thundered through the car as he mmed his foot on the gas Jocelyn flinched her age pale with sho "Elijah, what''s wrong with you the stammered, her voiceced with tears. "You scared... Ime... I''m carrying our child." Elijah''s eyes bored into her. To, if it weren''t for this child, do you think I would even consider divorcing Ari?": Stunned.] ocelyn''s face twisted with a "What? Are you saying you don''t even want to leave that birch ana? What could you possibly see in bech "She''s just a spoiled, willful woman, and you''re still thinking about her? Hur voice rose to a shrill pitch. "Elijah, are you blind? Don''t you see that Ariana has already moved on? She''s daring ed, no a thousand times wealthier than you. What makes you think you canpete with him?" Her shrill usations echoed through the car, her voice reaching a feverish pich." Chjah, Finally reaching his breaking point, pped her across the face Jocelyn sat there, stunned. "How dare you hit me?" Elijah let out a coldugh. "Deep the act. I told you a long t g time ago not to mess with and me, but you kept going after her over and over. Don''t think I''m clueless. If it weren''t to the child, I wouldn''t even be dealing with you." Jocelyn''s expression morphed into sun sinister as she let out a dark, twistedugh knew all along "But do you know why she''s leaving you now? It''s because, even knowing everything, you chose to stand by and do nothing You never truly stood up for her." Pointing a finger at him, sheughed in a way that sent chills down his spine. For the sake of the chap" She seed. "Ariana probably still doesn''t know that you''ve been secretly giving her birth control pills all this time. I doubt you ever intended to have a child with her, did you? "Oh, I sometimes wonder if you two even slept together." Herughter cur through him like a knife, driving home every ry bitter t With a deathly calm, he said, "If you don''t want to die, shut your mouth." uth. Although his face was like stone, tage simmering beneath the surface. Jocelyn recoiled from the look in his eyes, her strug expression reced by a flicker of fear. Elijah''s face was impassive as he gripped the steering wheel, pressing down on the elerator, the cat the cat teasing through the night. water wash away the tension in my muscles and the exhaustion on the day. Back at home, I submerged myself in the warmth of the bath, letting the hot water wash an Everything else the fashion show, Elijah, Jocelyn, the potential settlement-faded away. For now, I just wanted a musent ul prate. A moment to simply be alone. Chapter 219 The warmth of the water Bowed around me, a gentle full that pulled me toward sleep. "Ari, hurry up! I heard the popr guy is here locked up, and everything around me was blurry and surreal. Where wall? Ten''s face appeared before me, hit with excitement. "Come and We''ll miss him if we''rete! They''re short on helpers for the event, so he''s lending a hand Come on, everyone''s going to see him She reached out to pull me along "No I don''t want to go" Tergave me a puzzled look. "Why not? it''s Elijah! He''s the most popr guy on campus, and his family''s loaded." Something lodged in my throat, words refusing toe out ignoring my hesitation, she grabbed my hand and palled me forward, weaving through the crowd Finally, we reached the small theater where rehearsals were taking ce. I looked around in a daze, the sea of people unfamillur. Ten, let''s leave. I''m not interested to see him." I heard myself speak, my voice distant. But Teri didn''t seem to hear me. Her gaze swept the room until she gasped and pointed excitedly. "Look, there he is Elijah do on, Ari look" She gave me push, and stumbled, my gaze lining There by the ne, stood a young man dressed in white, bead bowed as he read from a script. The stage light cast a soft glow acrou his figure. My heart skipped a beat, then a wave of terror swept over me, sallocating me. Even from this distance, Elijah seamed to sense my gaze and looked up rose. The young Elijah-this one look at him something deep in my mind screamed, desperate to break free He began to walk timed me, each step slow and deliberate, his sharp gare framed by his straight, de-like brows Fea overlock me, and I backed away. "No. 1 don''t want to know you Elijah, ''on''t want to remember.. Stay away.." He stopped before me, his intense gaze bolding me in ce. Slowly, he extended his hand. "Ari_" "No!" I jolted awake, gasping, my body trembling Thank good was a dream just a dream. My breaths came in ragged pants as I tried to calm myself, still shaken. I only realized then that I was lying in bed, not in the bathrub How did I end up here! lost in the bathtub.." From the other room, I could bear Dora''s anxious voice. "It''s a good thing I forget my wallet and returned, or I would''ve never found Ms. York passed out in the ba Logan''s voice, calm and reassuring, replied, "Don''t worry, Loca Ariana will be Jiu. take said we caught it in time, and she''ll be alright." Loca''s voice quivered with guilt. "I wish I''de back sooner. Ms. York Is such a kind person I couldn''t wait it something happened to her." Logan murmured a few more soothing words. Ishifted slightly, wincing at the raw ache in my throat. Then, I started coughing, the sqund alerting Logan and Dr. Drake, who came in immediately. Upon seeing Logan, Istinctively reached out my hand. "Logan, what happened to me!N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. Logan immediately grabbed my hand. "You''re fine. Dr. Drake said you just passed out and swallowed some water." I turned to Dr. Drake. "Dr. Drake, I don''t even know why I suddenly fell asleep in the bathtub" Dr. Drake adjusted his sses, aplicated look crossing his face. "Mu York, did anything happen today that might have disturbed you?" I thought about it and shook my head. "No Moching Dr. Drake exchanged a nce with Logan, who just gave a slight shake of his head. Dr. Drake turned back to me, his voice reassuring "it''s possible that the hot water was simply to hot, causing increased blood Bow, which may have briefly deprived your brain of oxygen and led to faining" Chapter 220 cellet I let out a sigh of relief "Well, that''s a rebel 1 guess I''ll stay away from baths for a while. Who knew a rxing soak could almost be the end of me?" Tied to make light of it, but Logan and Dr. Drake remained serious. Forcing a smile, I added, "And please don''t tell Jonathan" Dr. Drake exchanged a look with Logan and said, "I''ve done a full check-up. Ms. York is fine, but be mindful not in catch a cold." Logan walked Dr. Drake to the door, and when be returned, he found me sitting up against the headboard, lost in thought.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. He sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress dipping slightly. "Ari, what''s wrong?" I looked down, my voice quiet. "Logan, I dreamed about Elijah." He let out a quiet breath, visibly relieved. "That''s perfectly normal. I thought.." 1 shook my head, a hint of fear creeping into my voice. "But I''ve never dreamed of him since my memory loss. And this time... Isar him as he was when we first me." I could feel the answery building up as 1 continued, "I shouldn''t remember him like that, not when I can''t remember anything else." Logan took my hand gently, his voice steady and calming. "Ari, memory shbacks happen, especially after a day like today" Unable to contain my emotions, I buried my face in his chest and began to cry. "I don''t want to remember the past. I don''t want any of it back. I''d rather just stay like this forever, not remembering anything" Logan held me close, letting me pour out my fears. Mfter a while, my tears finally subsided, and he took a tissue, tenderly wiping away the he remnants of my tears. His eyes softened with warmth and affection. "You silly girl, crying yourself dry and still sniffling like this." My voice was rough and tired as looked at him. "But I''m so scared.." He asked softly, "What are you afraid of? I hesitated, looking down. Logan seemed to understand. He left the room briefly, returning with a ss of warm water and a small te of Loca''s homemade pastries. "Here," he said, handing me the ss. "Drink some water, have a bite to eat, and get some rest. By tomorrow, none of this will feel as heavy! Itugged at his sleeve, my voice barely a whisper. "The doctors said my memory loss is only remporary Logan, what if one day I remember everything, and..."I trailed off, unable to finish. Logan''s gaze softened, a trace of sadness flickering behind his usual calm. "Ari," he murmured, "are you afraid you''ll remember how much you loved Elijah?" My heart clenched, and 1 nodded slightly. He sighed, his fingers brushing over my hand with gentle care. My voice trembled as I looked up at him. "I''m afraid. I''ll remember everything I felt for him and then... forget all the good you''ve done for me." He seemed caught off guard for a moment, his expression softening in a way I had sige before. With a gentle smile, he whispered, "You really are...." But before he could finish, I wrapped my arms around him, burying my Dre against his chest. "I don''t want to forget you." The room was so quiet that I could bear the steady beat of his heart, each thump a calming reassurance After a long silence, Logan gently eased me back, his smile gentle yet determined "You won''t forget me. After all, I''m quite unforgettable." He used me with a yful toor. "Now, have a bite, take your medicine, and get some sleep. How about that?" I nced at him, hopeful "Will you stay until fall asleep?" He chucked softly. "Do you want me 1 me to stay?" My cheeks Blushed as I mumbled, "Yes" Without a word. Logan stood and began unbuttoning his shirt, revealing a toned, well-defined physique that I couldn''t help but admire. Those damn sses, that damn shirt, and those damn muscles. How could they so effortlessly catch my attention? Logan walked into the closet after taking off his shirt, and before long, he came back out wearing a set of pajamas. Chapter 221 The torkest tha Kanket andre ungly "Bn I''m just heretofelp you sleepi My Logan''s eyes suddenly spried. "Air pischurring trouble falling asleep, ** I quickly pulled the nket up to my rh¨²s, feeding my banku fludi. "My, Fibed" 1. d. I muttejed, "Thurs With that, be closed his eyes, slipping into a deep sleep alone immediately. sleep was thest thing on my mind''s dating off him. looking at him. Its geurefilt "There really is something different about turn, "Inde. Alter a few moments, runosity or the beter of me, and gently using the solid mouarde beton Onur kuborent touch led to another, and soon I was reaching toward hisdest. Das, I ftove, statuering. "I-I was just curious (ddu''t mean to make you. I''mmery.- Before I could finish, kus arm wrapped around ane, pulling me firmly against "You''re heavy-let go of me was deep and rough, eyes burrowing Tut wouldn''t touch you, but if you keep wandering "I just might have to take a t¨¢te," he Hetedhough my marine body, "AM" I pasped astepted my hand and pressed ir apainor bis eturs, keeping in there,Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Logan released me slowly, sticking "Osor everything is settled, y fare was on fire. Sunsebow, even with my mestay hazy, Whut watruertly was I Inging for? Chapter 222 Was I really that desperate? I mentally scolded myself and shot Logan a sheepish grin. "Alright, Logam You should sleep. I promise I won''t bug you." He gave me a long, searching look before finally closing his eyes again and drilling off I tried to settle down, but my mind kept wandering Listening to his steady breathing and feeling the warmth of his body right beside me... was definitely testing my self-control in unexpected ways I drifted between feeling restless and trying not to think about it, and eventually, I dozed off without even realizing it. What I didn''t know was that after I''d fallen asleep, Logan opened his eyes, quietly wrapped his arms around me, and held me close until he drifted off as well. When I woke up, it was practically lunchtime. I got myself together, and as soon as I walked into the ditchen, Lora was there with a spread of food She rambled nervously, still shaken. "Ms. York, you really scared me. Please, don''t take baths anymore. Maybe you should stick to showers from now on. Long baths can be hard on your body. I nodded absently, munching on what was either breakfast or lunch-I wasn''t quite sure anymore. "By the way, where''s Mr. Wood?" Lora, who always coforced to him as "Mr. Wood," beamed. "Oh, he was up early, ane breakfast, and headed to work. He evenplimented my cooling!"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I coughed a bit, trying to sound casual. "Did he say anything else?" With a smile, Lora nodded "Mr. Logan said to make sure I had breakfast ready for him tomorrDW, TOO." My cherka flushed, and I ducked my head, focusing on my te. Lora, noticing my reaction, leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Sa... how you two... you know what I''m talking about?" she held up her fingers toimitate a kiss. Istammered, "No! We didn''t do anything like that. He was just worried about me being alone and stayed, in the quest i to keep mepanied." Lora chuckled, not buying it at all. "You can''t fool me! I saw himing out of your touch this morning. He even gave me a friendly nod." I wished I could disappeas into my bowl right then and there. With a gentle par on my shoulder, Lora reassured me. "Come on, Ms. York, it''s nothing to be embarrassed about. It''s the 21st century! You''re adults. Besides, it''s only a matter of time you two ove in together." I hesitated. "But I haven''t even finalized the divorce yet. Isn''t that kind of inappropriate?" Lora rolled her eyes. "Inappropriate? Ms. York, you''re already spending nights together - don''t qverthink I sighed, feeling awkward. "It''s just I don''t know how to exin it" Shedled some chicken soup into my bowl as she spoke, "Alright, don''t overthink things. Ms. York, you''re not exactly young anymore, and you''ve been through a lot. What happenedst night was so dangerous-if I had been five minutester, who knows what could''ve happened to you?" She patted her chest in relief and said, "Thank goodness. Surviving such a close call must mean better days are ahead Ms. York, you need to cherish the people around you. What others say is their business. You and Mr. Linden have no feelings for each other anymore. What''s left between you both is just a legal formality. Don''t let that piece of paper keep you from finding your own happiness." Het words left me speechless. Here was Loca, who hadn''t even finished high school, giving me some of the wisest advice I''d heard in ages. After I finished my meal, lost in thought, I made my way back to my room. Once I''d gathered myself a bit, I picked up the phone and called Mr. Webb He packed up almost immediately as if he''d been waiting for my call "Ariana, great timing," he said. "This morning, Mr. Linden''swyer reached out. They''re proposing a settlement," He summarized the details, and nodded along "Alright, send over the proposalso ran take a look. Oh, and could you also draft an investment agreement for Ms. Stuart and me? It''s for a partnership with silverwood. "Make sure it''s airtight so my assets stay separate." Thung up, feeling a newfound sense of rebel Chapter 223 ChapterN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. 223 Having a goodwyer really made things so much easier. Mr. Webb went over the settlement offer with me in detail. The deal was pretty straightforward. Elijah hadid out two options-a ten-year installment n, gradually paying me back my investment in Linden Group, plus dividends and interest The second option was to keep my investment in Linden Group but with a spot on the board, voting rights, and a portion of any future profits. "II Lindan Group has potential, the second option is feasible, Ms. York," Mr. Webb said. "But.. it sounds like Mr. Wood suggested a third option." Curious, I asked. "What''s he proposing?" "Mr. Wood''s advice was to have Elijah pay you a lump sum of 50 million dors over three years, with annual interest payouts, settling everything within five years." I was puzzled. "Why the rush Mr. Webb chuckled awkwardly. "Mr. Wood might not have much faith in Me. Linden''spany''s future." That made me pause. Elijah was capable-I knew that. But for Logan to suggest something so specific, he must have had real concerns. 1told Mr. Webb, "Alright. I sleep on for a couple of days" After I hung up, my phone buzzed again-it was Evan, calling from his new boarding school. Since it was mid-morning, ""Hey there!" I answered. "When are you picking me up, i?" he asked bluntly. Traised an eyebrow. "You''ve only been there a couple of days, and you''re already homesick?" He groaned, "I hate it here. It''s wind being in a dorm." was likely on a break. In learn some independence." I thought about Logan possibly staying over at my ce soon and gently nudged, "You''re old enough now, Evan. It''s good to But somehow, Evan had caught on "Come on! You just don''t want me around as the third wheel with that Logan guy, right?"" Busted. I cleared my throat, "Even if you came back, you''d stay at your own ce. You know that, right? He protested, "I''d rather stay at yours! If I go home, my Mom will kill me, adli Elijah will just lecture me. I''m not going back there." Upon hearing him grumble, Trould only promise to pick him up tonight and let him crash for the night, Satisfied, he chirped, "Thanks, Arif I''m packing my stuff right now." Before he hung up, I hesitated, "Hey, Evan.. about me and your brother." There was a pause on his end "Are you really going through with the divorce?" I took a deep breath. "Yes We''re working on a settlement. He''s aguired to pay me back He sighed. "I get it." A pang of regret hit me. He was still just a kid- this wasn''t his burden to bear. Trying to lighten the mood, I offered, "Hey, look on the bright side. Once it''s all settled, I''ll have money to take you out for some real feat. So, where do you want to eat tonight?" He mattered a suggestion half-heartedly before ending the I couldn''t help but smile ruefully. Some big sister I was, huh? And knowing Evan, he''d likely figure out Logan was staying over soon enough. Thraced myself for whatever reaction he''d have I picked up Evan, and just as expected, his spirits were pretty low, mping in his seat as we do. I tried cracking a few jokes, but he barely cracked a smile. With a sigh, I apologized. "Hey Evan, I''m sorry. I know all this with me and Elijah must be tough on you." Chapter 224 Evan pulled himself together and gave a little shing. "Look, my boothes messed up. That''s om him. Not your fault, Ari " Trying to keep it light, he added, "I still see you as a sister. He''s still my brother. Nothing really changes for me His words made me think of something. "Hey, you mentioned your great-grandpa?" Elijah scratched his head "Oh, right. He said he wanted to talk to you sometime. Should I give him your number! Sarprised, Lasked, "Wait You haven''t already?" With a righteous look, he shook his head. "Uh, no way! A girl''s number isn''t something you just hand out. Plus, I don''t know if he''s nning to actually help or if he''d just call to chew you out. "And what it he''s blutting about helping you get that money back?" bchuckled, amused by his loyalty. "You know, you''re kinda mng sense. How about we just call him together over dinner?" Evan nodded in agreement. So, I took him out for his favorite steak, and we called Jeremy. 1 listened as Evan spoke with him, giving a quick rundown "Yeah, Grandpa She''s cool to meet. And yeah, they''re gonna try to settle this without going to court. "I''m not too sure about that. You''ve gotta ask Ari that yourself." After a beat. Elijah handed me the phone. I took a steadying breath. "Hello, Mr. Linden Senior His voice was warm and a bit gravelly. "Ah, AL Good to finally talk with you." "Yes. Mr. Linden Senior Evan said you wanted to have a chat?" Mr. Linden Senior cleared his throat. "I heard you''re trying to reach a settlement with Elijah. What kind of deal is he offering?" Thesitated, unsure if I should share too many details. After all, this was still a confidential matter Sensing my hesitation, Mr. Linden Senior chuckled softly. "I''m just an old shareholder curious about the situation. Nothing for you to worry about." Still cautious, I let out a politeugh. "Evan mentioned you could help me get what''s mine. Was he serious about that?" Mr. Linden Senior chuckled again, this time with confidence. "He''s right. What you''re owed will find its way back to you. You can trust me on that'' Then, be gave me a meeting time and an address and ended the call Thung up, feeling a mix of curiosity and caurice. Dran looked at me, raising a brow. "Do you think my great-grandfather could help you get back what''s supposed to be yours?" I shrugged. "I guess we''ll see soon enough" He thought for a moment, then said, "I could ask my mom about it and see what she knows." I shook my head. "No. Don''t ask her. If she hears about any of this from you, she''ll lose it." With a sigh, he lowered his gaze "Alright. Maybe you''re right. Just drop me off at home the I frowned. "What''s with the sudden change?" He tried to avoid my gaze but eventually caved. "I want Jocelyn out, Ari She''s awful."Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. 1 looked him dead in the eye. "Listen, I don''t want you getting into trouble on my ount. You either keep up with your schoolwork, or we''re done talking about this, Do you understand?" Evan saw how serious was and reluctantly nodded. "Fine. I won''t mess with her." But life had a funny way of proving a point. As the old saying went, "Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. Well, it turned out to be one of those moments No sooner had we finished talking about the Lindens-bum-there they were Chapter 225 Just as we were about to slip out, Evan''s me, Mrs. Linden, strutted in through the main i She was all dolled up big, bouncy curls, pale foundation, and lipstick as tedas aller engine. She was walking arm-in-arm with two other women, chatting andughing loudly as they entered. Trought sight of her first and immediately grabbed Evan''s am 11''s time to go!" Lwhispered, pointing toward the back exit. - Evan nced over his shoulder, and his eyes went wide. He looked like he wanted to dive under the table, Before we could escape, though, Mrs. Linden spotted us, and her face went from surprise to fury in two seconds. "What are you doing here, Evan?" she snapped, practically stomping over to our table. "Are you skipping school again?" Evan stopped in his tracks, stepping in front of me protectively. "What are you doing here?" he asked defiantly, Mrs. Linden''s gazended on me, by and full of contempt. She scoffed. "Ch, so Ms. York thinks she can just steal one of my sons and now wants to run off with my other one too? What a piece of workProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. My jaw nightened. "Mrs. Linden, Evan is your son. Don''t you think insulting him because he''s with me is insulting yourself? She looked taken aback for a moment but shot me a withering ce before turning her actention to Evan "You little brak, dropping out of school behind my back! Have you lost your mind?. "I wouldn''t have even known if your brother hadn''t told me you were suspended. Theard you''re in a private boarding school now. You didn''t even discuss it with me beforehand! Do mean mathing to you?" Evan rolled his eyes, clearly fed up. "Oh, now you want to act like my mom? It''s been days since I left school, and you''re just finding out now? Go back to ying chess and leave alona." Max. Linden''s face flushed with anger at being called out in public "You''re such a problematic child, and now you''re hanging around this... this bitch who''s trying to squeeze us dry! Don''t tell me you''re spilling our family secrets to her!" Evan named red, anger shing in his eyes: "What could possibly say? You and the rest of the by talk bad about Art enough. And you''ve got some nerve! "You used to say she was nice to us when she gave us that 50 million dor loan! Now that she''s asking for it back, you can''t stop running your mouth about her." Mrs. Linden looked like she was about to explode, her hand flying to her chest. She stammered, unable to even form a coherent response. Watching this all unfold, I felt a biner, cold realization settle over me. Evan wasn''t even grown yet, but even he could see what my time with his family had really been like. Mrs. Linden, out of arguments, grabbed him by the arm. "You''reing with me! I won''t have you running around with this-this bitch." Evan yanked his arm away. "I''m not going anywhere. You don''t care about me. Why would I go back He looked at me, desperate, silently asking for help. na little more calmly?" I sighed, stepping between them and gently pulling them apart. "Mrs. Linden, he''s still a kid. Could you maybe try speaking to him a Mrs. Linden looked at me with a runting look. "Oh, and who are you to tell me bois totalk to my son?" Evan shot back, "Am I really your son"You barely even know me." Max Linden''s face contorted in anger. "I don''t need to know you to be your mother! Where would even want teim you? You''ll never be half the man your brother is Her words were sharp and brutal, and I saw Evan''s shoulders sag. The anger in his eyes gave way to a dull, hurt expression Chapter 226 Evan slumped behind me, his shoulders shrinking as it he was trying to disappeari "Mrs. Linden, he''s just a kid Could you ease up a little? Evan is a good boy" I shot Mrs. Linden a hand look, my hand finding Evan''s s and peassuringly seeing it seed, het eyes full of judgment. "Oh, you sure like a stick your nose in, don''t y "First, you were so desperate to marry my son, and now, you''re so eager for a divorce. I heard you''ve already found someone new. Well, that exins why you were so eager to divorce Elijah. Her two friends, who were dressed as primly as she was, shot me looks of disdain. They whispered to each other, eyes cutting like daggers, making the room feel suddenly stifling Evan looked ready to snap back at his mom, but I quicidy held him back. Trying to keep my cool, I said, "Mrs. Linden, we''re in a public ce, and making a scene here won''t look good for anyone" She scotted, almostughing "Oh, you want to talk about dignity? Did Jonathan think about dignity when he came storming into our business, demanding we pay up? Did he care about dignity" when he ran off with that money?" I suddenly understood the venom behind her words. When I was at my lowest, thinking my life was over, Jonathan must have confronted them, leaving them with asting grudge. That exined her hostility toward me. Not wanting to cause more of a scene, I motioned for the manager to guide us into a private room. Once inside, it was just r the three of us-Mrs Linden''s friends opted to stay outside their codler, probably eager to gossip. Mrs. Linden crossed her arms, looking down her nose at me. "Listen, Ariana, don''t push your luck. If you m make this divorce too messy, don''t me me if a few of your ''skeletons'' get ahed Her words were sharp, but I wasn''t about to back down. "Mrs. Linden, I''ve already been through the worst. I''m not afraid of your threats" She hesitated, knowing that whatever " she might try to weaponize wouldn''t bother me anymore-and Jonathan''s vengeful nature likely had her second-guessing too She gave a frustrated buff. "Fine. As long as you don''t go overboard, I''ll see that Elijah offers you a little more. But don''t expect any more than that." I forced a polite smile and nodded. "Fair enough, Mrs. Linden. I won''t go overboard. But I''d like to talk about Evan now." Her brows shot up suspiciously, her gaze darting between us. "You''re not taking my second son too, Ariana!" Evan was fed up and fired back, "Watch your mouth! Ariis like a sister to me!" Mrs. Linden just rolled her eyes, letting out a scott. I tried to exin that Evan simply y wanted to attend a private school, hoping for a chance at a decent education and a fresh start. didn''t seem remotely interested though. In the end, she threw up her hands. "If you''re so determined to stick your now where it doesn''t belong, then line. Go ahead and take him" you want. But if he gets into She cast a cold, dismissive look at Evan, then mustered under her breath, "You sure didn''t burn our like your brother. If it weren''t for well, whatever. Do what your trouble, I''ll make sure you''re the one answering to the police And with that, the tossed a final, mocking look my way, "Guess you just can''t stay With a smug grin, she strode out of the room den family, hub? Seems like you''re still clinging to us." Evan stood there, fists clenched, his eyes glistening with frustration. "Why didn''t you argue back, Ari? She was so mean I don''t even want to call her my mom anymore." His shoulders shock, a raw disappointment evident in his voice.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. My heart ached for him. No child should have to beg for a parent''s love and attention, but it was painfully clear he''d never known any from her. Chapter 227 Evan clenched his fists so rightly that they made a cracking sound. He looked at me with despair. "No, she won''t. Because Linden op will go to Elijah, and I don''t have any shares. To her, I''m just a burden." My heart ached, but I did my best to reassure him. After all, Evan warsilia kid, and belme king, he calmed down under roaring He said firmly, "Ari, I''ll go back to school and study hand. I''ll make sure everyone who looks down on me eats their words in the end." Inodded. "Good" Evan stared at me for a long time before lowering his head and choking back tears. "You''re my real sister. One day, Tilrepay you I wanted to give ham a reassuring smile, but for some trasoni, my nose tingled, and I felt a lump in my throat. The little boy who used to follow me around, calling me "ac", had finally grown up. He could now distinguish right from wrong and was starting to mature However, what I didn''t know was that, in another private room, Mrs. Linden had entered gracefully. Twowell-dresseddies exchanged a nce and smiled before speaking. "Mrs. Linden, we''ve noticed your daughter-inw is quite the force-sharp-tongued and clever." "Indeed, Mrs Linden. She seems like the type that''s hard to manage. You''ll have your hands tell when you get older. They pretended not to know about the drama in the Landen family, using their words to price at Max. Linden, Mrs. Linden sat down, letting out a coldugh. "That Ariana is truly two-faced You all know how she proveled to marry my son, don''t you? She even served me tea multiple times, acting The two women chuckled quietly. They''d heard plenty of stories about the infamous eldest daughter-inw of the Linden family. 1 had been aughingstock among the Halton old money for years, though I didn''t seem to realize i My entric behavior during my five yurs of marriage had be a regr topic of gossip among the idle richProperty of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Mas Linden kww they were there to enjoy the spectacle, but she didn''t mind. After all the subject of their ridicule was me, a foolish, love-obsessed woman she herself had no respect fo... With a smug short, Mrs. Linden said, "Now, she''s making a big fuss about divorcing my son as it she''s capable of anything. Give it some time, and shelle crawling back, begging for forgiveness. One of the women couldn''t resistmenting. "But isn''t this time different? Even the mistress has gone public online. Can your daughter-inw just let that slide?" other woman chimed in. "Exactly Mrs. Linden, I have to say, Elijah really is something, Handsome and capable-no wonder so many women are desperate to marry him." Mrs. Linden''s face lit up with pride. "Bijah is remarkable. Otherwise, why would that silly Ariana have broken ties with her family and throw money at us just to get married? She added in an exaggerated bue, "As for Jocelyn, I know her. She''s quite a well-known figure, don''t she? Men having mistresses is perfectly normal. If she''s carrying a baby boy, I might consider letting her in. If it''s a girl, well, she''ll be raised elsewhere "We''re not the kind of family that takes an just anyone " The two women exchanged a nce at Mrs. Linden''s outrageousments. Her arrogance was absolutely unrivaled They both agreed, fueling her pride even further. She was so absorbed in her gloating that she forgot about Evan''s earlier rebellion. Finally, Mrs. Linden dered, "Mark my words. Ariana is too foolish tost. Sooner orter, we''ll throw bec out not jost out, but with her reputation in shambles." Later that evening, Logan atved at my ce. When he Evan, he hesitated for a moment before recalling that he was the "s one" I''d taken in The two of them stood awkwardly in the living room, sizing each other up I broke the tension "Mr. Wood is staying here to look after me Evan shot me an annoyed look. "Al, at the age of 25 or 26, do you really need someone to look after you? Stop treating me like a kid. Are you two dating?" I grew more flustered. "Well L'' Disappointment and helplessness flickered in Evan''s eyes muttered, "I know my brother wronged you, but seeing you with another man still makes me uneasy." Logan casually removed his suit jacket, went to freshen up, and came back in casual loungewear. Evan pointed at him in disbelief. "Al, look at him! How can he wear something like that pre? Get him out of here!" Chapter 228 Logan sat at the dining table, watching Evan throw a Eit with an amused smick Trying to calm Evan down. I said. "Hey, you know this ce actually belongs to him" Evan frore, giving me a wide-eyed stace before storming off to the guest room I could hear him angrily tossing his things around in there. turned to Logan with a sheepish grin. "He''s just a kid, and he''s only staying here for tonight. Please don''t take it to heart." Logan chuckled, clearly entertained. "I didn''t expect anyone from Linden''s family to be this entertaining. He''s got some spirit-better than my own brother, that''s for sure." I let out an awkwardugh. "Wait. Did you just say your brother?" "Yeah," he said with a nod "Norman was much more rebellious than this one ever was even now. Mostly causing trouble everywhere." I couldn''t help but ask, "What kind of trouble?" "Problema with women." Logan let thatst word hang, and 1 figured he didn''t want to go into detail. Just then, Evan walked out with a scowl. "Ari, Dean''t figure out this problem." I nced at the page-lines upon lines of Bitonic text. My head immediately started spinning Awkwardly, I said, "I think I might''ve forgotten......." Evan stared at me in disbelief. "Ari, didn''t you graduate from Halton University?" Feeling cornered, I turned to Logan for help. My grades in college were pretty good, but it had been seven years since then. Now, just looking at a Britonic text gave me migraine. Login reached out. "Let me take a look." Evan scowled. "I don''t need your help," he muttered before nudging me again, "Come on, Ari. This is dar tomon." Logan simply said, "She forgot some of this over the years. But if you''re dead set on someone helping, you could try me Skeptical, Evan crossed his arms. "Are you sure you know all of this?" Logan pulled out his iPad and opened a report filled with pages of financial data-all in Brit Evan looked at it, stunned. "Looks like a foreignnguage to me. That''s crazy." Then, after a pause, he asked, "Alright, but what about math?" Logan scratched his chin. "It might be a bit out of my league." Evan smirked, triumphant. "I knew it. No way you remember school math. You''re too old for that." Logan shrugged, "Actually, it''s so basic that I can''t even remember Annoyed, Evan grabbed his math worksheets and dumped them in front of Logan Evan''ned red tried to keep his cool "Ahight. Fine, Can you actually teach me?" Logan rased a brow. "Prasonal tutoring doesn''te cheap, you know Andst I checked, you''re broke" Evan scowled yanking has papers back. "it''s fine. Damn capitalists calling me broke when you''re not even going to teach me. Unfazed, Logas made a quick call, then said, "Alright. I''ve lined up a tutor for you. They''ll be here in two minutes." Evan looked skeptical "Are you really this generous?" Logan''s smile was all politeness. "Not exactly. They''ll charge you 200 dors an hour though. Covers everything, Britonic, math, history, biology-whatever you need." "200 dors? Are you kidding?" Evan eximed, nearly jumping out of his sINE Logan adjusted his sses. "Didn''t you say you wanted to take your studies seriously? Nothing worthwhilees free. You''ll need to work for it." Evan fell quiet, his expression growing determined. "Tine: ring on the tutor. And as for the money. I''ll find a way to work and payi He threw a fierce book Logan''s way, "One day, I''ll be more outstanding than Elijah, and then I''ll make sure to protect Ari. If you mess with her, you''ll have to answer to me." Logan''s in widened. "Wow! You''re so ambitious. I''ll look forward to that."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 229 I asked, worried, "Why put so much pressure on him? He''s still young'' Logan nced down at his iPad casually, "Nah. He''s already a teenager. Besides, we can''t i 1 risk him turning out like another ungrateful member of the Linden family His words rattled me The arrangements for Evan were finalized. He would stay in the doses, but on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and weekends, he''d be at my ce for t On the surface, he and Logan kept their distance from each other, but I knew Logan didn''t really mind having this "plus one" around. He had Camden find a few top-notch tutors for Evan. Evan, for his part, dropped the rebellious athrude and buckled down to study. And as for me, I quietly waited for my first out-of-cout for tutoring settlement with Elijah The day for our settlement meeting came quickly. For some reason, I had tossed and tumed the entire night and showed up the next morning looking rough 1 gritted my teeth and forced meself awake with a strong cup of coffee Lerlooked at me with concern. "Ms. Yerk, you don''t look well. Maybe you should skip today?" I shook my head, "I just want this over and done with 17 be fine" After finishing my coffee, I felt a little more ascake. When it was about time, Carides to pick me up. He exined, "Mr. Wood said you just need to trust Mr. Webb. He won''t be attending the session with you." 1 nodded. Logan had to keep his distance. If he showed too much interest, it couldplicate things. Besides, Ponathan would be going with me. I wasn''t walking in defenseless the courthouse mediation room, I saw Elijah already there with hiswyer. He looked rough too-his eyes ringed with exhaustion and his unshaven jaw dack with stubble He looked up at me, his gaze conflicted. The mediation began with the mediator going over the process, and then eachwyer presented their client''s proposals. I''d already seen Elijah''s proposal. Nothing too surprising. But he had added stiption for me to publicly clear his name, stating that our split was mutual and that he hadn''t cheated. Iughed, "Mr. Linden, do you think there''s any point in clearing things up now? Elijah''s voice was raspy. "Whether it makes a difference or not, I just want this mess over with. So, I hope you''ll cooperate" I firmly shook my head, "I won''t agree." A vein bulged on his forehead. "Ariana, don''t push it." I shot back, "What do you mean by me pushing it? Why don''t you get Jocelyn to make a statement? Let her admit she was talking nonsense in the first ce." Elijah fell silent. After a long pause, he muttered, "Ja need to uphold her public reputa 1ughed bitterly. Right, I had no "reputation". Jocelyn could throw a fit and delete her posts like nothing ever happened. But somehow, I was the one expected to clean up the mess so they could move on to their perfect little future. How Elijah saw my resistance. Frustrated, he sighed. "Fine. We''ll leave that use up for negotiation." The meeting continued, with both sides shing over my third proposal. Eventually, Elijah himself hadto jump into the debate He demanded, "na, I''ve already agreed to pay you back. Why are you making this so hard?" Disappointment flickered in his eyes. "Are you trying to ruin me and Linden Group?" I stayed silent Mr. Webb spoke up politely, "Mr. Linden, please recognize a fact-five years ago, if it hadn''t been for Ms. York''s investment, Linden Group would''ve gone under," Elijah was stunned Looking at his familiar but now distant face, memories shed in my mind.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. "A Linden Group would''ve gone bankrupt if it weren''t for you. I''ll take goodcare of you, Ari. I know you really love me." Chapter 230 "Elijah, are you really serines?" "I''m serious "I swear, it lever let you down, I''II...." "What My voke was as steady asi e who betrays true love has to swallow a whole bottle of hot sauce. So, Elgah, don''t let me down... "Don''t let me down." Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my head, and I instinctively clutched my forehead HT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Seeing me like this, Elijah couldn''t help but sneer, "Ariana, cut the poor-me act. You know I don''t have that kind of money right now.." Fighting through the pain. I looked at him and spoke slowly, each word deliberate, Someone who betrays true love has to swallow a bottle of hot sauce" Elijah trees. "What?" Iughed humorlessly, "You swore-if you ever let me down, you''d swallow a bottle of hot sauce! He fell silent, unable to respond. I turned to Mr. Webb, ''I''m not feeling well. You can handle the rest." Without another word, I quickly walked out of the room, lenoring the startled look around me Everything felt blurred, my head spinning so badly that I could barely see the path in front of me, I wasn''t sure where I''d ended up-all 1 knew was that it was finally quier "Ms. York are you done with the meeting?". Through my fog vision, I saw Jocelyn approaching, bundled up with a mask covering everything but her eyes Looking around, I realized I was by the back exit of the courthouse. I wasn''t sure why she was there, but she seemed to be following w Took a deep breath. "Ms. Cornell, I have nothing to discuss with you." I moved to find a lounge area, but she stepped in front of me. "Ms. York, I really hope you''ll ept Elijah''s terms." Feeling worse by the second, I replied curtly, "Ms, Cornell, whether I ept or not is between Elijah and me. It''s got nothing to do with you." She raised her chin, almost triumphantly, and said, "But I''m carrying Elijah''s child. So, it has everything to do with me. I nced at her stomach, barely even showing, and felt my headache intensity. The difort was so overwhelming that just wanted to leave. I pushed her aside. "Please move, Ms. Cornell She stumbled back, watching my pale face with sathdaction. Then, she suddenlyughed "Ms. York, you still love Elijah, don''t you? That''s why this is so hard for you." Awave of iritation surged through me. My head throbbed with a pain that felt foreign as if something was wing to the surface of my mind. Asharp fear gripped me. I realized I was terrified-terrified that my memories woulde rushing back and change everything. No, I couldn''t remember, I didn''t want to return to being that Ariana-someone with no self-respecto dignity I pushed her again, this time, my voiceced with impatience. "Move! I''m not feeling well" Behind me, focelyn continued 1, Ms. York. You''re still hung up on Elijah, which is why you can''t handle this. But it''s toote to take it all back now taunting, her voice mocking. "Admit it, "Elijah isn''ting back. You know, there''s nothing like a child to sway a man''s heart." I printed my teeth, barely resizing the urge to shut her up right then and there. Seeing my silence, she went on, het toeced with contempt. "Ms. York, do you even know how this baby came to be?" 1 prowled, "I don''t want to know! Her eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Even with her face hidden behind the mask, her eyes betrayed the thrill of victory. She just couldn''t resist rubbing it in my face. Chapter 231 I stopped in my hacks, staring at her. Thable tecontain! thet excitement, Jocelyn naked. "I was aitificial insemination. Tagged Jocelyn recoiled, her face shifting from smug offended. "You Are you really that disgusted by me? Waves of nausea churned through me. and I fought back the wige to be sick again. "Yes, I''m disgusted by you and Elijah. Just hearing about your scheming makes me want to throw up And I did, unable to hold back, Jocelyn let out a shocked vell Attracted by themotion, Elijah came over, his face darkening as he took Jocelyn''s arm. He snapped, "Why are you here? She trigned a timid look" was worked about you. Elijah, didn''t they give you a hard time?" His annoyance softened slighth, her concern seeming to calms him. He nced at the mess on the floor, looking at me with a frown. "Ariana, what''s wrong with you?" I waved him off, unwilling to exin. "I''m heading home." Elijah''s frown deepened. "Ariana, stop trying to use these stunts to buy time. If you''re set on the divorce, then and it already. I''ve had enough?" he shouted. I looked up at him, struggling to keep my gaze steady. Through the haze, I saw the young man he once was, full of youthful intensity, looking up at me. That sudden thrill, as if it had happened just yesterday, felt close enough to touch, But now, the man standing in front of me was saying he''d had enough. Enough of what? Enough of my persistence, or enough of this seven-year face? Reality and memory blur together, and let out a faintugh "Elijah, I''ve had enough too." My voice was quiet but firm Elijah stared at me, thrown off by my response. He forced down his anger. "Ariana, just agree to the first proposal, okay? Let''s part on good terms." "Part on good terms?" Trepeated. My vision was so blurred that I could barely make out thewyers and the mediator nearby. I gave a bitter smile. "How can we possibly "part on good terms'' at this point?" I looked Elijah squarely in the eyes, his face frozen in shock. "Elijah, if I could go back, I''d just wish to never have met you." And with that, I walked slowly out of the courthouse. Webb made to follow me, but the mediator held him back The sunlight outside was harsh, and the gusts of autumn wird made me shiver, bringing some rity to my foggy mindN?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. "Ms. York, was today your mediation heating for the divorce with Mr. Linden? A person crowded up to me, nearly bumping me off bnce. I said nothing I just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. I reached into my bag, trying to find my phone. "Ms. York, we saw Mr. Linden heading in with hiswyer. Can you tell us how much he''s offering in the settlement?" "Ms. York, is it true you invested in Linden Group? Is that part of the marital assets?" "Ms. York, do you have anyment on Ms. Cornell?" "Ms. York, is it true you and M. Linden have had a falling out?" The crowd thickened, and each question was sharper than thest. I had no idea where they''d alle from or why they were suddenly here. Finally, my hand closed around my phone, and I tried to call my brother. Where was he? He''d promised to help me today. Why hadn''t he arrived! "Move!" A dark figure shoved through the crowd roughly, grabbing me and pulling me out. "Get in!" the man ordered, pushing me into a cat. Chapter 232 Chapter 232 I was shoved into the passenger seat to forcefully that I pay smacked my head against the windshield. The man was tall, with long arms and legs, etterlessly pushing through the crowd before jumping into the driver''s seat, The next moment, the engine roared to life, sounding like a beast ready to ponce, scattering the people armind us as the car sarged forward. Before ¦£¦© process what was happening, we were teasing through the cromd and spreding off. The car weaved through traffic, veering left and right with reckless abandon. Tharely managed to click my seatbelt into ce before ncing over at the driver. He was wearing a ck baseball cap pulled low, with a geol gray scarf wrapped tightly around his face, concealing most of his features Oddly, he wore a short-sleeved T-shirt with jeans. This outfit looked like a fashion disaster. Once I steadied myself, I managed a wrak "Thank you... He kept one hand on the wheel and tossed a stack of tissues in my direction with the other. "Clean yourself up. And don''t throw up in my car-It''s be and new I was about to tell him I''d be fine, but he suddenly swerved sharply and floored the gas pedal, sending another wave of dizziness crashing over me. I groaned, clutching my head as nausea twhelmedew. Tue you kidding me he muttered, clearly annoyed "What a hassle!" Ignoring my misery, he sped down the road, darting in and out ofnes. After a moment, I managed to pasp, "Could you slow down..ugh."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. He shot back, "Is it the car, or are you just a mess? What happened to you, anyway? I just went to check out the scene and saw you looking as p as a ghost." He hadn''t even finished his sentence when he yelled out, "Come on! Stop puking already! Do you need a doctor or something?" I waved him off weakly, said no, and continued throwing up. Frustrated, he pulled out an old jacket from the back seat and shoved it into myp as we waited at a red light. "Il you''re gonna be sick, this! If you mess up my car, I swear Half an hourter, the car screeched to a stop. As soon as the door opened, I stumbled out, dropping to my knees on the grass to retch some more By then, I had nothing left in my stomach, just the awful bitterness of bile The man stomped over, tossing the soiled jacket aside. With an exasperated sigh, he unwrapped his scarf and threw it over my head, covering my face. Through the folds, I caught a glimpse of his face and managed a tiredugh, followed by a groan "Norman Norman, who was usually shing a charming smile, looked like thunder now, his epifsion as dark as coal. He hoisted me over his shoulder with a loud curse. "If you throw up on me, I swear I''ll kill you!" with that, he strode toward the vi, carrying me in long, furious strides. Half an hourter, I was sprawled our on a plush couch, weak as a rag doll A rough-knit throw was draped over me, and I stated nkly at a few familiar paintings on the gallery wall. My head was still swimming, making me feel as if I were on a boat in the middle Norman walked over again, holding his phone. "Dr. Drake is on his way What''s going on with you? I shook my head teebly, but the motion only worsened the dizzines Seeing me slump like a lifeless fish, Norman sighed and held out a ss of warm water. "Sit up and drink something" Treached out for the cup, but my arm fell limp before Trould hold on He early spilled the water, cursing under his breath. Then, he propped me up against his chest. He held the cup to my lips, but I turned my head away. Norman raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smirkerossing his face. "What? Do you want me to give in to you mouth-to-mouth?" I mustered enough energy to multes, "Go away." Ha chackled, "Is this how you treat the guy who just saved you?" With a smirk, he took a sip of the warm water himself, then leaned closer as if to press his lips to mine, ready to "share" Chapter 233 My eyes widened as I mustered all my strength to push him away He paused just an inch from my face, smicked, and swallowed the water. "Did you really think I''d feed you mouth-in-mouth? Dream on." Isprechless Noticing my weakened state, Norman finally held the cup to my lips and helped me drink a few sips. The warm water settled into my empty stomach, bringing a small bit of relief. I leaned back against his chest, exhausted, and mumbled, "Where''s Jonathan?" He raised an eyebrow, "Why don''t you ask where my brother is? Isn''t he supposed to be the one by your side?** Frolled my eyes at him. "He had something else to attend to. He couldn''t make it with mo today," Norman let out a sarcastic grin, "Well, don''t worry, I called them both." Panic surged through me. "Why would you call Logan?" Norman shrugged, "You''re a mess. I thought someone ought to know. I wanted to insist I was fine, but the diness was still overwhelming All I could do was continue leaning on him for support. The vi was quiet, with a faint scent of fresh paint in the air, I closed my eyes, sinking into the silence as Norman quietly acted as my human cushion, After a moment, he asked, "What did you even see in BaliTM Too drained to argue, I murmured. "I don''t know." He snorted, "You probably fell for his looks. Elijah is all show, no substance. Only a tool would fall for his act. 50 lion dors? You went big " 1 silently endured his sarcasm. Then, he leaned closer, "So, how far along are you and my brother?" 1 shot him a re, "Can you shut up? You''re annoying" He chuckled, his chest vibrating against me. My cheeks flushed, and I tried to move away from the solid wall of his chest, but I didn''t have the strength to. Noticing my action, he smirked, catching the blush on my ears. He leaned in close, his breath warm on my skin. "If you and my brother haven''t reached the stage, you could try me. I''m not exactlycking, you know..." I red at him with all the strength i had left. Any gratitude I''d felt toward him for rescuing vanished, reced by an urge to smack himThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Norman, clearly amused, lifted my chin with a long finger, his face just inches from mine, his gaze wicked. "What do you say? Are you keen to give it a shot? I gritted my teeth, stumbling over my words, "Mr. Norman, stop acting crazy." I tried to p him, but he caught my hand and pinned me against the sofa. My breath caught in my throat, all my nned retoets slipping away. For a moment, we just stared at each other-my flushed face reflected in his gaze, his bold, mischievous expression mirrored in mine. The air seemed to hang still for a second or two. Then, I realized how close we were way too close. 1 bit my lip in ambermen Norman''s expression shifted. He gently red my chin with a fingertip. "Don''t bite..." My panic surged, and I bit down on his finger instead. I bit as hard as I could, or at least, I thought I did ut edging by his expression, it felt more like a kitten''s nibble to him. His eyes darkened, a strange, dangerous glint appearing I quickly released him, stammering, "Let.. let go of me... His voice dropped, raspy and cough, "What if I don''t?" I tensed, "You''re seriously nuts. Norman suddenlyughed, his gaze dilting to my now red and slightly swollen lips. His voice was a low murmur. "Yeah Maybe I am a little crazy. And not just a little. He leaned down, his nose brushing against my neck as he inhaled softly. "You smell good..." Desperate, I steeled myself and ammed my head into his nose. He pulled back, holding his nose in shock, staring at me with wide eyes. I red back at him, countless insults on the tip of my tongue. just then, a car screeched to a halt outside. Neman snapped out of it, ncing toward the sound. "Looks like they''re here." He reached down, pinching my cheekhard before letting go. "I guess I''ll let you off for now." Chapter 234 Norman headed out to greet them, and I finally let out a long sigh of relief, copsing back onto the couch. The first to arrive was Dr. Drake. He immediately pulled out his medical kit and began examining me. He looked serious. "Have you bean feeling dizzytely?" I nodded. "Yeah. It started suddenly a few days ago." Dr. Drake continued, "Are you starting to remember some things?" I hesitated blefly before nodding "A little." He warned me, "Don''t move around too much. There''s likely a blood clot that hasn''t been fully cleared." I gave a weary sle The next person to active was Jonathan. He took one look at me, lying these like a limp fish on the couch, and his expression darkened "What happened? Did that jerk Elijah push you around? I shook my head wealdy. Dr. Drake pulled him aside, and I caught snippets of their conversation. blood clot. needs to stay in the hospital for observation...T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. MRI could beplicated..." I stated up at the ceiling Norman''s yful smirk faded as he sat down beside me. He suddenly asked, "Are you scared?" I looked at him, confused "Scared of what?" Elijah shrugged, "Scared of dying, of course. Think about it if you the now, you''re still legally married to Elijah. You''d be his ghost wife for eternity..." was silent for a moment before muttering. "Norman, if you can''t say anything helpful, could you just keep quiet?" He smirked, his rone using, "You must be fine if you still have the energy to snap at me. I closed my eyes, exasperated "You''re such a jerk, Normun He leaned in close, whispering, "I can be even worse, you know... like a pasky little dog 1b my tongue to stop responding An hourter, I was settled in a hospital bed. The dizziness subsided significantly after some medication, and Logan showed up. He frowned, looking at me as Iy there, an TV drip in my arm. I managed a weak smile Norman, hovering nearby, chimed in, "Hey, you should thank me, Logan I''m the one who rescued your girl" He shot me a cheeky grin Tenoring him, I turned my gaze to Logan, giving him my best helpless expression Logan had already been briated on everything on the way over. He took my hart, his voice gentle. "Are you feeling a bit better? I nodded, looking at him with a bit of guil Norman leaned in. "Hey, Logan She''s fine. Dr. Drake said her scan showed no sign of active bleeding" It was so noisy, I shot Norman a ze. I thought, "Did this big overgrown guy not realize how much he was cluttering up the room?" Logan finally gave him an exasperated look "I got it. You can leave now. There''s nothing more for you to do here." Norman smirked, "I''m just looking out for her. Someone''s gotta keep an eye on her, right?" Logan raised an eyebrow, "Don''t you have anything else to do?" Norman shrugged, "Not really. I just got back to Halion City" Logan''s tone was dry, "You''ve been hack for a year now? Norman chuckled, "oh, got You''re trying to kick me out Logan stayed silent, but his expression made his feelings perfectly clear. Suddenly, Norman spake up. "Little did you know, Logan. It was chaos back there. Reporters were practically showing her around, hounding her with questions." Logan''s face darkened. "Did you catch which mediapanies they were with?" Notman replied. "I could look into in " Logan waved him off. "You go check them out." Norman gave him a sly gain "Logan Logan finally snapped, "If you keep calling me "Logan'' over and over, I''ll rip our your torique " Norman Laughed, pping him on the shoulder, "Alright I''m leaving" "Good riddance" Logan looked leritated. Norman made his exit, but not before casting a lingering look my way. I pretended not to notice. Chapter 235 11 As the ward door closed, my eyes welled up. "Logan... I think I''m starting to remember things," Logan saw the fear I couldn''t hide in my eyes. He wrapped his arms around me, gentlyforting me, "it''s okay You''re safe. Don''t worry." But I couldn''t shake the worry consuming me. How could it be okay? I had once imagined what it would be like to regain my memory, but I never thought I''d feel so terrified by the idea. The dizziness came with a pain that twisted through me and a suffocating sensation that felt like it would pull me under I was scared I had never felt such a strong need to finalize my divorce from Elijah, no matter the cost. If the divorce was settled, maybe the past would stay there, and I wouldn''t be pulled back into the samo cycle. The following day, I underwent a fall examination. This time, they brought in Dr. Robbins, a renowned neurologist.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. After a thorough diagnosis, Dr. Robbins sighed, shaking his head. There''s definitely a tiny bleed in Ms. York''s brain, very close to the memory center. His expression turned grave. If the bleeding increases, you risk vision loss, or worse, a blood clot. It could even affect the brainstem in severe cases, leading to serious consequences." My face turned pale. "Dr. Robbins am I going to, die?'' Jonathan stammered, his voice shaking, "Dr. Robbins, i-isn''t there a way to stop the bleeding?" Dr. Robbins shook his head. "The only option would be open-brain surgery, but.. that''s highly risky, I wouldn''t rmend it at this stage." I bowed my head, silent. Dr. Robbins''s expression wasplex. "You won''t die, but the prognosis isn''t ideal. We''ll need to keep a close watch " After he left, Jonathan and I shared a quiet, somber look I forced a smile. T''ll be fine. But please, don''t tell Mom and Dad" Jonathan quickly looked away, his tace tense. "No. I need to tell them" I shook my head, "No. They''d be devastated. I don''t even know what to think right now. I just need a little rest. Please, Jonathan, can you give me some space?" Jonathan understood the turmoil I was feeling. He held my cold hand. "Ari, don''t worry. You''re going to be okay." I managed a smile that felt more like a grimace. "I know." Jonathan''s lipswitched into a fragile smile "Mom and Dad will want to see you." Then, he caught himself. "No. You''ll go see them once you''re better. No getting out of it. They''re still in Switzia for treatment, so they can''te, but you''ll have to go see them." I could see the worry he was trying to hide in his eyes. Suddenly, I asked, "Jonathan, is there something you''re not telling me His face froze. My smile shattered, and my voice shook "Jonathan did something happen to Mom and Dad? Are you keeping something from me?" He shook his head, "No, I''m not hiding anything. They''re tine" How could I believe him? I gripped his hand tightly, refusing to let go. "I don''t believe you. Give me their number. I''ll call and ask them myself." He tried to pull his hand away, but I held on firmly. Finally, he snapped," said there''s nothing wrong. They... they just don''t want to see you right now!" 1 froze. Seizing the opportunity, he pulled his hand free, looking guilty, eutired, "Just focus on recovering. I talk to them. He left the room quickly, practically fleeing, leaving me alone. I sat back onto the bed, feeling utterly defeated just then, my phone rang. I''t want to answer, but it kept ringing insistently. With a sigh, 1 picked it up. "Hello, who''s this?" A familiar, elderly vuice replied, "Ai? to that you? My mind was foggy, and it took me a moment to recognize him. It was Mr. Linden Senior Wearily, I asked, "Mr. Linden Senior, what can I do for you?" Chapter 236 Mr. Linden Senior asked, "How did the mediation go the other day?" 1 didn''t have the energy to rehash everything After a long pause, Treplied, "Mr. Linden, could you just tell me what it is you want? "I really don''t have the patience to keep sparring with Elijah, I just want this dioure finalized." He was silent for a moment before sighing ", you''ve done so much on the Linden family, and yet you''ve suffered so much in return. Don''t worry. We''ll make things right." Then, he hung up. I was left staring nkly at the phone. Who did he mean by "wr My head was swimming with confusion. Exhaunted, 1 ditted into sleep 1/1 When I woke up. I saw the faint outline of someone by my bedside. I reachedeut. "Lugan=" The figure turned around-it was Norman I instantly snapped out of my grogginess, pulling my hand back. "Why are you here?" I looked him over, suspicious of his outfit. He was wearing a crisp white shirt and suit pants, and his halt was styled meticulously Normally, Norman and Logan shared some simrities in their looks and build, but now, dressed up like this, he almost looked like a mirror image of Logan. Norman smiled, but there was something: in it. "So, what do you think? ''s hard to tell Norman pulled up a chair and sat beside my bed. "He had to fly to Riverdale to meet someone." 1 pouted.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Norman asked, "Do you miss him" I didn''t answer. He nced down at his polished look, then, with a generous air, said, "I don''t mind if you pretend I''m han for a bit." I scoffed, "You''re speaking as if you couldpare to him." He chuckled "Oh? Really? You think I''m not good enough?" I noticed a hint of something wounded in his eyes, but ''couldn''t resist being blunt. "Logan is dignified poised, and untouched by anything sordid. You, on the other hand. You''re wild and reckless. You two are worlds apart" When I finished, I realized he had fallen silent I looked over and saw him lost in thought, a rare moment of stillness on his usually phyful face. I paused, feeling a pang of guilt. No matter how unruly he could be, Norman had been the one who pushed through the crowd to help me when I needed it. I shouldn''t have been so harsh. I softened my tone. "I''m sorry." He snapped out of it, letting out a smallugh. "What are you apologizing for? You''re right. Logan is everything you said he is. And the world." He showered as if it didn''t bother him. I''m not him, and I never will be, I''ve known that for a long time. He stretched out with azy yawn, settlingfortably in his chair like his usual self, and my sense of guilt eased Thesitated, then asked, "Is your brother really that busy? Who did he have to meet?" Well, I''m just a wolf wandering the dusty paths of Norman smirked. "Logan''s my dad''s sessor. Whoever he''s meeting must be some big deal. But don''t ask me who he''s meeting. I don''t know myself." caught a glint of loneliness in his eyes and suddenly understood his situation in the Wood Eamily. With such an outstanding elder brother, Logan received all the family''s resources and focus. The others barely even received the crumbs Teeling sympathy, I matured, "You know you''re pretty remarkable too." Norman shot me a sidelong look, his eyes marrowing with amusement. He leaned in close, his breath warm against my ear, and whispered, "You know, you''s the first woman who''s ever sympathized with me." Chapter 237 The warm beach against my ear sent a shiver down my spine, and goosebumps prickled my skin. I quickly moved to push him away, but Norman was already leaning back with a song prin, letting my hand swipe through empty air. Annoyed, I scolded. "Could you stop teasing me, Mr. Wood? He looked at me with a bright, mischievous glint in his eyes. "But what if I enjoy le?" Kerman wandered around the hospital room, ncing at everything with an als of boredom. I checked the IV drip, and it was finished Anurse came in to remove the needle, and Norma imediately struck up a conversation with her. Somehow, with just a few words, he had her blushing, her cheeks cory as the lingreed in the room longer than necessary, clearly hoping to chat with him a bit more. Once she finally lett. Norman plopped himself down beside my bed, stretching out his long legs effortlessly. His tall, rxed posture was... distracting. But I wasn''t fazed, Logan had long legs too 1 red at him. "If you''re busy, you should go. I''d rather be alone." Norman just smiled. "Are you not bored? Let''s go out for a bit." I looked at him, surprised Im supposed to stay in the hospital" He raised an eyebrow. "Why? You''re done with the EV. Are you nning to lie around here like a sloth?" I frowned. "Bot my head. Heughed. "Don''t worry. If you get dizzy, I''ll carry you back." With a carefree attitude, he started persuading me to sneak out with him. I couldn''t quite Egure out why he was so insistent as if he didn''t take any of this seriously. Finally, he won me over with one line. "Come on. Life''s too short. If you stay here long enough, you''ll feel half-dead even if nothing''s wrong. Why not get out and experience a bit of life while you can I asked. "And what''s the beauty of life''?" He gave me a mysterious wink "Come with me and find out." I hesitated but finally gave in. I changed into something casual and followed Norman out of the hospital.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. We had a minor hup at the nurses'' station-Norman nearly got us caught because he was too busy flirting with the nurse on duty. one second I whispered, "Can you stop flirting for our He led me to his car, chucking as he replied, "Is it my fault? They''re the ones smitten, wanting a little more time with me." Trolled my eyes at him. "So, where are we going?" I asked. revved up the engine and shed me a devilish pain. "Paradise on earth." Tinstantly regretted my decision to let him take me out of the hospital. Half an hourter, I found myself seated in a private VIP room in the most luxurious nightclub in town, staring at two rows of gorgeous men and women. I waspletely overwhelmed Regres hit me hard. I should''ve known better than to trust this rich yboy''s idea of "the beauty of life". My face twitched. "Is this what you call the beauty of life''? Is this the so-called ''paradise on earth"?" Norman, looking like he was in his alement, loosened his cor and took a sip of his drink. He raised an eyebrow at me, "Yeah? How would it not be?" I was speechless. I thought he''d take me for a rxing det dog at a cory food truck. With a single nce from Norman, stunning women nked me on either side, gently pulling me back down. Chapter 238 Don''t go, gil The fun hasn''t even started yet. The best part is still toe," one of the pretty girls salil Noticing my difort, Norman smirked yfully. I had no choice but to sit back down, slowly sipping my drink to hide my embarrassment. After a while, Norman''s rowdy friends showed up. They were all young, well-off, and pampered. They wore trendy clothes an Malles Upon seeing Norman, they greeted him respectfully "Hi, M. Wood." Then, their eyes tell on me. Looking surprised, they asked, "Mr. Wood, this beautifuldy? and shy watches-either diamond-studded Rolexes or Richa Norman reached out to put his arm around me, I dodged just in time, and he failed to hold me. Heughed and retracted his arm. "She''s Logan''s Briend" he replied casuall Everyone gasped and fell silent, as quiet as mice. Only Norman would be bold enough to bring Logan''s girlfriend to a bar I could see the question in their eyes-"How much longer can Norman survive? The atmosphere felt a bit awkward, but after a moment, everyone started having fun. As more people arrived, the room quickly filled up. Bortle after bottle of expensive wine was opened and tters of fruit and marks were serveilT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Suddenly, my eyes caught sight of a familiar figure. I frowned. It was Porter Pord, someone who had crossed me before. I shot him a cold book Porter was probably the least important person in the room. He was overly polite to everyone, especially Norman. He buttered them up with fake smiles. When it was his turn to raise a toast, he raised his ss with enthusiasm, eager to please. Toverheard Porter trying to tter Norman. "Mr. Wood, we haven''t seen you in a while. What big project have you been working ontely?" he asked. Norman didn''t even bother to respond Forter didn''t seem to mind being ignored and kept chatting with the people around him Suddenly, Porter nced over at me and froze. I quickly turned away, trying to hide behind my drink. But it was toote-Porter had already recognized me. He immediately walked up to me, looking down at me. "Well, well Look who it is. Ms. York, what a surprise," he said, steering. His expression was full of resentment, clearly still holding a grudge from thest time I''d put him in his ce. I smirked "What''s it to you? This ce isn''t owned by Poster, is it? Just because you''re here doesn''t mean I can''t be Porter sneered, "Oh, Ms. York, aren''t you going through a divorce with Elijah? How much did he pay to get rid of you?" I rolled my eyes. "Drop in just go away." Seving my irritation, Porter raised his voice. "Go away? This ce isn''t for people like you. You''re not good enough for Elijah. He''ll dump you sooner orter." I was immune to personal attacks like these by now. I just shrugged "Tni not an item. If you think Elijah''s: Someone who''s a perfect match." Porter seemed taken aback by my sarcasm. He stared at me in suspi why don''t you tell him to find someone who''s trulypatible? Ourst fight was sparked by an insult to my family that left me furious. But this time, I think my sharp tongue really surprised Porter as if he was seeing me in a new light. His eyes darted around before he leaned in closer. "Ms. York, I know you''re just putting up a front," he said He paused while watching my reaction. "Why don''t you reconsider the divorce! If you''re willing to give me something in return, I put in a good word for you with Elijah. How does that Istered. "No need. I''m not a fool" Porter burst outughing when he heard that He pointed at me and said to the people around us, "She said she''s no fool. Ha ha ha.. In our circle, who doesn''t know that Ariana Yock is a sucker and Elijah''spdog Tskisk_" Porterughed for a while but then he noticed that no one else wasughing with him. Something was off Before he could finishughing, I picked up my drink and walled over to him, a cold smile on my face. "Care to repeat that?" I asked Chapter 239 Despite sensing something was amiss, Postre is hab cance prevented him from hacking dawn. He smirked "Ms. Yock, why the soun face? Did I say something wrong?" As he spoke, he reached out to me with his wandering hands. However, without warning, I sshed my drink all over Porter He shrieked, soaked in wane. "I just bought their clothes today! They coa thonukbh He red at me, fuming "na York, don''t you die zei escly!" Before he could finish, a long leg swing out, knocking him to the lost. Porter bonded in pain as the food pressed down on his bark Furryone in the room instinctively stagger In the dim light, I saw Norman casually sitting on the ss table, one foot in Porter''s back, pulling on a cigarette. The dim light illuminated his sharp features, ghing is an almoet otherworldly look Norman shot a look down at Poster, exhaled a cloud of smoke, and chuckled "Well, this is interesting Never thought someone would be so bold in my ns Porter finally tralized his mistake. He had borgotten who I was and what had brought me here today - my connection to the Wood family. His mind was still studeos i sycophant trying toimpress Elijah. "Sorry, Mr. Wood I was wrong I''m sorry, I just wanted to taur Ms. York, tast her. Parter shouted. Norman raised an eyebrow. "Hm? A toast?" He pressed down harder on Porter''s back, and Porter cried out in pain. Then, he grabbed a bottle of wine, uncorked it, and poured it over Porter''s face, ngh Mr. Wood, I was wrong-please" Porter was drenched in wine. "Ah. I''m sorry. Mr. Wood, please space me..." he pleaded.. Norman grinned, and his handsomece gave off a devilish vibe. "How much did you say your clothes cost?" he asked casually Forter looked flustered and replied, "A few thousand." Norman chudded. "A few thousand" I thought it was worth tens of thousandy. They''re just rags then " He smirked, then added, "Bring me some red wine. A momentter, an uncorked bottle of red wine was brought over Norman waved the bottlevad red wine in his hand "A 1982 Lafitte Estate. Probably worth a few thousand Just right for pouring on rags like that." With that, he poured the entire bottle over Porter Drenched and humiliated, Portery on the floor, too stunned to cry out or beg for mercy. After pouring the red wine, Norman grabbed a towel from the table and elegantly wiped his hands. He coldy rossed the towel costo Porter''s face. "Get lost!" he said, standing up, his expression icy Portes ran off in disgrace, leaving spilled wine and chaos behind. The people around us seemed unlized, continuing to tter Norman. However, I felt overwhelmed by the noise and stood up to leave. Norman''s gaze darkened, and he followed me I stepped out of the private room and made my way to the bar area. It was much quieter here I tumed to Norman and jutowed my eyeblool. Why are you following me?" Tasked kon''t want to stay?" hThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Vorman booked casual and nonchnt. "You don''t want to Trodded. "Yeah, it''s boring A lot of people here know me. I can''t handle any more embarrassment." sught for a moruent. "Alright. It''s pretty bacing here. Let''s posemureliene else" Taken aback. "But you''ve been drinking I can get back to the hospital on my own." signored me and pulled me toward the door. "Come on. I''m taking you somewhere to eat." I stumbled as he pulled me along, but a grin spread across my face. I loved eating out, especially since thadi''t been able to go out much after the ident. Norman walked a few steps ahead, then stopped abruptly and turned. "This way," he said, tugging on my arm. I almost lost my bnce from the sudden pull Chapter 240 Suddenly, someone shouted from the front, "Make way. Mr. Linden is here!" Mr. Linden? Elijah? I couldn''t believe I was running into him in a ce like this. Wait, hold on. Why would Elijah be out drinking at a time like this? I nced over and saw Elijah, his face grims, surrounded by a crowd of people as he headed toward the VIP room on the second floor. He seemed to be in a bad mood, ignoring around him. Norman noticed my gaze, and his expression turned key. "Can''t tear your eyes away from Elijah? Let''s go," he said, pulling me along. I stumbled a few steps. For some reason, I suddenly didn''t want to leave, Norman''s face darkened. "You." Betere he could finish, I felt an inexplicable urge to follow Elijah upstairs. Norman called out to me, but I didn''t stop. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to follow. 1 trailed Elijah all the way to a private room. The door was slightly ajan. I saw him sitting alone in the corner. He was lost in thought as he smoked. He lowered his head, and his hair fell messily over his forehead He barely responded to anyone, only impatiently urging the server to pour more wine Then, Norman came over, and 1 pulled him away. Unable to contain his frustration, Norman snapped, "What''s wrong with you?" "Is this the ce where you rich kids always hang out?" I asked Norman snorted and grumbled, "Yeah. So what? What''s your problem? Can we just go eat or something? I hesitated. "I, I just want to see what he''s doing" Norman muttered in annoyance and began to walk away. I quickly chased after him and grabbed his arm. "Please. Can we just tale a quick look?"-1 pleaded.. Norman suddenly pushed me against the wall, lowering his voice. "What are you looking at? Can you see this handsome gay right in front of you?" The strong scent of his cologne almost made me dizzy. I quickly pushed him away. "I thought he might be with another woman." I exined Norman looked at me, his expression was filled with suspicion. "You think he''s cheating?" My mind was a bit scattered, and I wasn''t sure what 1 was thinking. I simply came up with an excuse. "I just think it''s strange for him to be at a bar right now Shouldn''t he be with Jocelyn?" Norman frowned. "What''s so strange about that? Aren''t we here too?" I shook my head. "It''s different." Norman''s gaze was intense as he leaned in, a thoughtful look on his face. "Did something juste to your mind?" was startled, feeling as if he could see right through me. Norman seemed to understand everything. Suddenly, he grabbed me and moved me aside, gently pressing me against the wall to shield me. I saw someone walking toward us, muttering curses under his breath. It was Porter. He had a simple bandage wrapped around his head, looking disheveled After Porter and his group passed by, Norman finally let go of me. He led me into a stat room and tossed in a uniform I was taken aback. "How did you know about this ce?" I asked. Norman winked at me. "That''s a secret." I nced at the revealing uniform and hesitated.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. "Put it on. Or do you want me to help?" he urged. This whole situation was bing bizarre, something I never could have imagined. Norman snatched the uniform from my hands. "Forget it. Let''s go." I quickly grabbed it back. "Fine. I''ll wear it. But will wearing this actually let me sneak in and listen?" Norman rolled his eyes. "I know the bar manager, Lean get you in." As he spoke, he handed me a ck mask. "Pat this on. All the servers wear one. He won''t recognize you." H As soon as I saw the mask, my doubts disappeared. I told Norman to wait outside while I quickly changed. When I walked out, Norman gave me a firtatious look and whistled "Not bad this uniform looks good on you," he teased. Chapter 241 Tgbred at Norman, but be just grinne fully pulled me along Five minutester, I walked into Elijah''s private room with the wine. He was sarting in the corner, his gaze cold and fixed on the dance floor downstairs The shing lights reflected off his face, casting vibrant colors that gave him a strange, captivating charm 1/1 I looked away and lowered my head, setting up the drinks on the table. The room was quieter than Texpected. Besides Elijah, there were only two other men. They seemed used to Elijah''s cold demeanor and were drinking on their own Around half an hourter, the door opened. A burly, tattooed man walked in with two assistants behind him. Elijah nced up at chem wants to have a word with you." The tattooed man hada menacing expression, but he spoke respectfully. "Mr. Linden, you''ve arrived Sir Hall wan Elijah sipped his wine and took a long dragon his cigarette. "I be there in a minute," he replied. The tattooed man seemed surprised that Elijah was stalling "Linden, Sir Hall doesn''t like being kept wailing," he said, frowning Elijah ignored him, finishing his wine. I watched nervously as Elijah downed one drink after another. Soon, a flush spread across his face. He remained silent, looking weighed down by his troubles. The tattooed man stepped forward, trying to persuade him. "Mr. Linden, Sa Hall knows you''ve been busytely. He specifically invited you over for a drink to rx." Elijah grunted and tossed back a few more sses of wine The tattooed man was getting impatient. "Mr. Linden, I''ve delivered the message. It''s up to you whether you go or not "When did Mr. Hall get here?" Elijah suddenly asked The tattooed man frowned. "I don''t know." Elijah stared at him coldly. "You don''t know Seems like you''re not much of a person in front of Mr. Hall after all. The thick sarcasm made the tattooed man''s eyes BALTON, Just as he was about to lose his temper, Eljali tossed his cigarette, downed another ss of wine, and stood up unsteadily "Get it. I know where it is. I''ll be there," he muttered, heading toward the door, Seeing that Elijah was finally leaving, the tattooed man''s expression softened. "Mr. Linden, take your time." Liljah walked ahead without a word Sering that he was about to leave, I puckly set down the wine and followed him quietly. This time, I didn''t dare to follow too closely Sy Hall?sta. Hall? I tried hard to search my memory, but it was all in va couldn''t walk away now. A voice in my head kept urging "Follow him! Follow him I couldn''t help bui trad behind him. mess, and I couldn''t recall anyone with thest name Hall. But something inside me told mel I saw Elijah follow the tattooed man down the hallway stil they reached a door. They opened it and went inside, I hesitated, unsure if I should follow Who was Elijah meeting? The way they referred to him an "Sir Hall" or "Mr. Hall" made it sound like he was someone important. Who was this mysterious prison? As stood there, unsure what to do, a supervisor walked by and showed a tray of wine into my hands "Take this upstairs. What are you standing around for he snapped, hurrying off before I could respond My eyes lit up. and 1 carefully carried the way upstairs. When I reached the top, I realized it was a hidden door Beyond it was a nation staircase, just side enough for one person at a time. The stairs were steep, and it took me a while to reach the topo A man in a ck suit stood there, wailing He nced at me and odded, signaling for me to go in. Then, another door opened, and I stepped insideThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Unlike the ss on the first floor and the extravagance on the second flour, the third floor was seene. It felt like a different world The room was dim, and could barely see a few people sitting around a table ying cardi Elijah sat on a coach, drinking ss after ss. I stood by the door, unsure of where to put the wine. Elijah looked up and browned. "Bring it over here! Why are you just standing there? Then, he paused, his gaze fiard on me Chapter 242 I quickly adjusted my ck mask, lowmeday best had been drinking a lot and reeked of alo medly brought the Lay over. kep my distance as I started clearing the table, but I was so nervous that the more I cleaned, the worse everything seemed to Elijah stated at me like he was possessed flustered, I stood up quickly, ready to leave. "Wait!" Elijah suddenly called out to me. I from my heart pounding "Pous me we wine," he said midy. I turned around slowly, meeting his sharp gare. He seemed to recognize me. I nervously smoothed down my short skirt, feeling out of ce Suddenly, someone at the poker table darted a nce in my direction, and t heard a low voice mutter, "Oh, they sent in a newbie.""" As soon as he said it, another figure at the poker table fixed a cold, piercing gaze on me. I couldn''t see his face clearly, but he looked thin, with medium-length hair hanging over most of his He stayed hidden in the darkest corner of the rout the light illuminating only the center of the pole table. The man nced at me for a moment and coldly lowered his eyes. "Elijah, don''t drink too much. We''ve got business to discuter" He spoke casually as he yed cards His voice was youthful and pleasant. Elijah''s eyes flickered as he said, "Pour me some wine'' Nervously, I walked over to the bottle and tried to twist off the cock. I tried to pull it off rice, but it didn''te off, and Elijah''s gaze grew.colder. I lowered my head, segueming my decation as I struggled with the co Suddenly, a handiwashed out, took the bottle from me, and twisted the cork off with a fri I shuddered and nced at Elijah. His eyes were cold as he silently mouthed my My mind went nk as I wondered how he could possibly recognize After pouring Just then, there was a loud cheer from the poker table, followed by augh. "Another v Immediately, someone praised. "Wow, Mr. Hall'' You''re unstoppable, winning every hand! We might as well quit while we''re ahead." jah gestured for to leave a fine today, Mr. Hall. We''re just here to make up the numbers." ? here to "donate" our money to you, as usual " ralways withing, it''s an honor to y with you, even if we''re just here to watch you win bed as the other three yers pulled out stack of cash and ced them on the table. man standing behind the one they called Mr. Hall quietly took out a ck bag and started collecting the money. Amid all thepliments, the man stood up m taking a break. You all keep ying."he said. Then, he walked toward 11gah. Thjah stood up, and seemingly on purpose, positioned himself in front of me 1 quickly ducked my head and slipped into the corner, 1 beard Elijah say, "Mi Hall, why didn''t you let me know you wereing?" corner, taking the opportunity to hide. Mr. Hall patted his shoulder and smiled. "Aren''t you busy with your docetely? I didn''t want to give you the wrong impression that I''m just here for the show." Curious, Ilhed my head. When I saw Mr. Hall''s Face, it felt like an explosion went off in my mind A dull pain churned deep in my brain as it something long forgotten was trying to resurface. I felt the voices around meading in and out at they wereing from far away and then close The pT¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. people around me were ry one moment and clear the next 1 bit down on my lip-1 had to stay awake. I was so close to remembering who this pr just needed a increment, needed to for Mi Hallongedy in the center of the coach. He was tall, with long arm and leg streching out, becasually used his legs, exuding a kind of delicate gar I fuudly pre a clear look at the man they called "Sir Hall" or "Mr. Hull." Chapter 243 Mr. Hall had one of the most striking faces I''d ever seen. His long hair fell casually over his shoulder, and his pale skin termed almost ethereal under the dim lights He had sharp, defined eyebrows that enhanced his intense gaze, and his eyes were capthating with their unique and mysterious shape. His nose was sharp and prominent, while his lips were soft, creating an intriguing contrast to his cold, intense features Dessed entirely in ck, the fabric of his clothes shimmered like silk. 16e looked like a dark angel walking the earth, with a striking and mesmerizing allure that was unforgettable at a single nce Yes, untergettable Then, Fragments of memories began to sh through my mind. "Elijah, who was that man? Why were you keeping things from me?" ""Enough Ari! Ga home. Not "Elijah, what did you hade from me? What was his name?" "Get out! deal with youter, Ari. Just go home. Now!! "Was he involed with my family? Elijah, telli My mind was buzzing, countless arguments echoing in my head. I remembered now-I finally recalled it. Mr. Hall Hall.. Jeremiah Hall! 1 looked up, cold sweat soaking through my shirt. The Halls of Falcondidge had been the Dworn enemies of the York family for generations. Jeremiah Hall was the one who conspired with Elijah to sabotage York Group''s IPO in 2018. They deliberately drove down its stock price, making thepany''s value drop by half. And that Jeremiah Hall was him He was known as the most prominent young master in Falconridge, so everyone referred to him as Mr. Hall". The tattooed man, his right-hand man, always addressed him as "Sir Hall" out of respect. The Hall family was a powerful dynasty from Falconridge. They started out as dock workers a century ago but quickly rose to wealth by seizing the right opportunities Over the past hundreds of years, they built both wealth and influence. The family''s talented descendants made their mark, forming strong connections in both politics/ Today, the Halls were a deeply entrenched elite in the city, with their influence reaching every corner.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I didn''t know much about the Hall family, only that my grandfather''s generation had some business dealings with them. Then, something went wrong along the way, and a bitter feud had begun My family once used their connections to suppress the Halls, but the Halls eventually got their revenge on my father''s generation. I had overheard Dad and Jonathan calling about the old feud with the Halls, but they always seemed wary whenever the topic came up. Jonathan exined to me that the lead between the York and Hall families wasn''t as intense as it once had been, However, the Halls still saw is an rpah. They believed that the York family member was a target they needed to take down to prove their own superiority. In other words, due to an old grudge, the Halls used us as a measure of their own sess and viewed us at their arch-nemesis. That was why they were constantly trying to undermine my The 2018 IPO sabotage was a key event that led to our significant loss. This devastating blow forced my family to fall from its position as the wealthiest family in the Sierra State. Men flooded my mind, each one jolting my nerves. I could barely stand, swaying unsteadily, and had to dean against the wall to keep myself from falling. Jeremiah and Elijali were cutting over drinks, not even ncing in my direction. They seemed sofortable with each other, talking about casual topics. This sc¨¨ne felt so familiar. I was certain I had seen it before, An unexined fear and uncertainty made me tremble uncontrobly. In the dim light, I could only see Jeremiah''s eyes, narrowed with a dangerous, seductive glint. He had a dangerous aura-charming but deadly. While I was lost in thought, the manager knocked and walked in. After greeting the two then, the get turned to me and snapped, "What are you standing around for? Get back to She bowed slightly to Jeremiah, apologizing, "I''m so sorry, Mr. Hall She''s new and hasn''t yet learned all the rules. I apologize for interrupting your conversation. * Jeremiah finally nced up at me. The moment ou eyes met, I shuddered, a wave of berin washing over me. I couldn''t stop myself from trembling Chapter 244 Jeremiah namesed his eyes, a cold glint flickering within them Heicked. "Well, well. A newbie, huh? Never seen you before. Come over here and let me take a look."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I froze, my body trembling violently The manager quickly stepped in front of me, bowing slightly. "Mr. Hall, she''s new and don''t know the cafes. I apologize if she''s offended you in any way. Jeremiah didn''t even bother to look up at first. A smitk yed on his lips as his gaze eventually fixed on me. "How could she offend me when nothing has happened yet? Come here." His tone was casual, but an underlying threat sent chills down my spise, Elijah nced at me, his eyes filled with worry, making the danger feel even more real. 1 hesitated before slowly wallding over. Jeremiah nced me up and down, looking disinterested. "What''s your name?" he asked. Panicked, my eyes dated around "1. I''m Apple," Istammeted. My gazended on the sliced apples on the fruit te... Jeremiah''s gaze followed mine to the ss table. My mind spon in a panic. He was too smart, almost unnaturally perceptive. How could be possibly know what I was t was thinking? He raised an eyebrow. "What a great name. Why not call yourself Orange? Then, we''d have a full fruit tter," he said with a smick. I was dumbfounded, my mind nk Elijah spoke up. "Mr. Hall, let her go We still have more important things to discuss Jeremiah didn''t respond, but the expression on his face was enough to terrily me Elijah then stood up and yelled at me, "Why are you just standing there? Get out of here!! Ifled in a panic "Walt," Jeremiah''s voice waszy. "Come have a drink with meter." I turned around stiffly and met his eyes his gaze almost demonic A shiver ran down my spine. His state was terrifying Elijah shoved me roughly. "What are you waiting for? Get lost, you idiot!" he snapped. I quickly scrambled out of the room in a panic. Behind me, I heard Jeremiah''s displeased voice. "Elijah, how could you treat a youngdy like that?" Elijah shrugged it off. "How many decent women are there in this ce? If you be that kind of girl, I can arrange it for you" Jeremiah seemed to chuckle, clearly amused. I stumbled out of the room and made my way to the restroom on the second floor. I was finally able to catch my breath. My hands were shaking as I searched for my phone, only to realize it wasn''t on me. I quickly gathered my thoughts. I must have left it in the staff room when I changed earlier. I sshed some water on my face and hurried out to look for it. As I turned the corner, I collided with someone rushing toward me. I tried to move out of the way, but it was toote. I couldn''t avoid it and crashed into the person''s chest. "Ariana! It really is you!" Elijah''s face twisted in anger as he grabbed my wrist. "What are you doing here?" He squeezed my wrist so hard it felt like he was trying to crush it "Let go of me cried out loud Elijah''s expression was cold and menacing as he dragged me away. I struggled against him, desperate to bind my phone. Then, he scoped me up in his arms and carried me away. Twanted to scream, but he grabbed a piece of fabric and covered my head. And that was how i was forcibly carried out of the bar. As soon as we were outside, I ripped the fabric off my head and jumped down from Elijah''s arms. Fuming, I snapped, "Elijah, what the hell is going on?" Elijah''s face was filled with anger as he pushed me up against the wall. "I want some answers. What are you doing here? And what''s with that outfit?" Chapter 245 Elijah angrily yanked at my crop top and miniskirt. I was mortified and furious. The flimsy clothes were barely holding on, and they almost slipped off with that tug I scrambled to keep myself covered. "Elijah, are youetary?" I shouted. My shout caught the attention of a few tough-looking guys at the entrance of the alley. They whistled andughed, cleaily enjoying the scene. It seemed like they didn''t take this situation After all, this was a bas, and it wasmon for drunk men and women to get toscuttles. I quickly shut up and shoved Elijah hand. "Let good me. I have lends here, I stammered. Klijah''s anger bolled over, and he was about to explode. He mmed me against the wall, trapping my hands and legs. Astert spread across his face as he said, "Friends? Which talend bought you to a ce like this, Ariana? I thought you''d learned your lesson by now, but you''re still the same as before." He leaned in. "You love stalking me and trying to control me," he said, his tone sharp. "Enough, Ariana. You''re not a kid anymore. Arre''t you tired of this game? 1 struggled to breathe beneath his wright. His body was pressed against nime, and the strong smell of alcohol filled my nose, 1 gasped for it, my face flushed. I wanted to struggle, but the rough wall behind me caused a sharp pain in my waists and legs. I stared at the furious man before me, his eyes zing anger. I managed to stammes, "I wasn''t following you... I...I was... Ejah''s gaze grew dazed. My words caught in my throat as I noticed the changes in him. Heat suddenly spread through me, my whole body burning, as if it were about to catch fire. Elijah stated at me intensely and leaned in toward my lips. In a panic, 1 coke free from his grip and pped him hard across the face. His face pisted from the p, and he looked stunned, unable to beve what had just happened. "You pped me?" he asked, incredulously. I was furious and humiliated, tears spilling from my eyes. "You bastard! I wasn''t following you. I saw everything! I saw you and Jane.." jah covered my mouth before I could say more. His face turned ashen. "Do you want to die? Shut up!! I bit down on his hand as hard as I could. Elijah winced in pain and let go of me "I saw everything!" I shouted, anger surging through me. "When did you and Jeremiah start this? Enjah, I remember now, you''ve known him for years. How could you do this to my family?" Elijah tried to cover my mouth, but it was toote "Tell me, did you two n this back in 2018?" I yelled Lijah''s face turned pale. He clutched the wound on his hand, murmuring My head throbbed with pain. The old memories were like torture to me. Every time I tried to recall something, it felt like I was going to copse. But Imembered now. It won the year Elijah and I had just gotten married. He sold on Linden Group was in trouble. The investors were polling out all their money. "Art, I remember your grandparents left you 50 million dors. Can you lend it to me for an emergency?" he pleaded Inaively thought it was just a short-term loan. He even convinced me to keep it from my parents, so secretly transferred the money through awyer. But the truth was, that money wasn''t entirely mine. It actually belonged to the York Group. After I transferred the 50 million, the Hall familyunched a market attack on York Group, causing the Tock family''s reputation and wealth to plummet. When my parents nned to use the 50 million dors to save York Group, they found out I had already transferred the money. The York family suffered massive losses and never fully recovered At that time, my father cut ties with me. I went from being a pampered daughter to an outcast. My stupid actions made in theughingstock of Halton City, and I remained so to this day. To make matters worse, my father suffered a heart attack, and my mother''s health deteriorated rapidly. It hurt! My head was pounding, but the pain in my heart was even worse. I didn''t know what I looked like now. All I knew was that I was about to lose my mind.N?velDrama.Org: owner of this content. over again. I couldn''t stand those memories anymore. The more I remembered, the more it felt like each thought was a krille, stabbing my heart over and over Chapter 246 "Ari, stop. Please, stop talking, "Elijah pleaded, his hand gently restraining me. "Look at you. You''re bleeding" I couldn''t contain myself. "Did you do this with Jeremiah? Did you scam my immey? Linden Group didn''t fail to had management. It was because the Hall family controlled it, wasn''t it?" I snapped Ehjah''s eyes filled me with despair. They told me everything-my suspicions were right. I knew it was true. My memory hadn''t bed to me. I had seen him secretly meet with Jeremiah in a bar three years ago I cried out in pain, falling to my knees on the dirty floor, Elijah rushed over, frantically wiping, my face. "Ari, you''re Weeding. How did you get hurt?A, please don''t cry, take you to the doctor." I saw blood on his hands. Wheir had the bloode from? I wiped my nose nkly, feeling warm blood on my bands. I stared at Elijah, his eyes filled with panic. He grabbed my arm and pulled me up, his voice trembling, "Ari, I''m taking you to the doctor. You''re leading" Suddenly, a crude voice sang out "Hey, that girl has a nice body!" someone yelled, whistling as they advanced. Through my blurry tears, I saw the tough-looking guys who had been catcalling me at the entrance of the alley earlier, now drawing close with grins on their faces. Elijah panicked. He scooped me up and started walling away. "Don''t leave! Come on. Let''s all have some fun. Hey, don''t keep her all to yourself, dude!" one of them shouted. "Get lou!" Elijah yelled angrily, spitting our curses. These tough looking guys, who were already a bit drunk, immediately surrounded us after Elijah''s outburst Elijah and I were trapped I in the center of a growing circle. In the dim light, their faces looked greasy and menacing "Man, check out that body," one of them sneered. "She''s probably a bar girl, tight?" another chimed in. "Those legs though.. Damn!" "Can you imagine those legs wrapped around you? Suddenly, a hand reached out and touched my leg, screamed. I heard Elijah shout angrily, "Get lost! Do you have any idea who you''re dealing with?" He locked one of the guys hard, sending him flying backward. The others hesitated for a moment, but then one of them yelled, "Get him!" Then, someone lunged at us, and I saw a sh of metal heading straight for Elijah: It was a knife. They had switchdes.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Elijah dodged quickly, but the guy with the knite grinned, waving it round "Leave the girl here, and we''ll let you go.. for today." Then, he lunged again. This time aiming for Elijah''s hand on met. The sharp de was pressed directly against my abdomen, and a cold chill ran through me as instinctively shut my eyes. But instead of the pain I expected, I heard Elijah grunt. He''d taken the strike for me. I stared in shock as he gripped the sharp switchde. Blood slowly seeping through his fingers. Those tough-looking guys were stunned. Then the drunk one yelled for them to drop the knife and turned to run. Within seconds, they were all gone Elijah slowly sank to his knees. It took me a moment to react. After a moment, I screamed, "Elijah!" I ran to him. Elijah''s face was twisted in pain. He showed me and said, "Don''t worry about me, go back." My mind went nk as I fell to the ground. Seeing someone approaching, Elijah yelled, "Do! Now!" In my panic, I saw the tattooed man approaching, looking confused. He quickened his pace and shouted, "Help! Mr. Linden is injured!" Elijah screamed in pain, "Go! Don''t let anyone see you It was then that I finally understood Iscrambled to my feet and can toward the side of the road. Chapter 247 Tearsed down my cheeks as I walked My shors had fallen off, and the abrasions on the soles of my feet made them all bloody Parsby who saw the blood all over my face and body had questions for me, but they shunned me out of fear. I did not know where to go or who to look for. More than that, I didn''t know who could pasto Elijah was in trouble. Despite losing a lot of blood, he asked me to leave. He made me leave so that those people did not see me. I was finally exhausted from walking. I plopped my butt down on the ground and started bawling. After crying my eyes mat for some time, I puked. I theow up everything could Same people walked by me. I heard them cluck their tongues and say, "Here''s andher one who had too much to drink after falling out of lows. Why are these young people behaving so badly "Quick! Walk away. This woman is terrifying She looks insane! Just when I thought that I would just be left crying my eyes out on this dar street, Norman found me. He stammed on the brakes of his sports car. He started running toward me before his car even came to aplete stop "Ariana! Ariana!" He picked me up from the ground. He noticed the blood covering my face and body. This was my first time sering that look of panicon his face. His voice cracked. "An, you''re alright. You''re alright, I''ve found you!" Toried, "Elijah.. Elijah.." Norman got the impression that it was Elijah who bust me. He gave himself a hand p, then carried me into the cat without saying anything else. "Ari, you''ll be okay. I''ve got your back. I''ll watch out for you. I take you to the hospital, and then I''ll fucking kill that jerk, Elijah!"" He didn''t give me a chance to speak and simply put the pedal to the metal Has car roared as heaped toward the hospital. An hourter, Iy in a clean hospital ward Norman smoked constantly outside. It was only when the nurses went out of the wand that I was able to see the gloominess on his face. The look on his face was as grim as the night sky. When he spotted me, he averted his gaze immediately. After the doctor attended to my nosebleed and abrasions, Logan arrivel Theard Norman calling out to him outside, "Logan!" Subsequently, I heard a loud smack. Right after that, Theard thumping sounds of pues being swing and subdued groansing from Norman. The sounds outside were too scary, sul forced myself to get down from the bedContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. After opening the door, I was absolutely frightened. In the corridor, Logan, wearing a suit and a pair of gold- ed sses, sent a flying lock straight at Norman''s stomach. With that roundhouse kick, Norman was sent flying Hey on the floor in pain, so much so that his face had turnedpletely d Without saying a word, Logan strode over and grabbed him by his hair. In the next moment, hended his fist on Norman''s charming face. In an instant, Norman''s face was bruised. Logan did not seem to feel bad for him in any way, nor did he seem like he felt any pain in the hand that he used to swing penches with After that punch, he grabbed onto Norman as he was slumping down. Then, he swing another punch on his face. Norman spat out blood. It was only at this moment that I found my voice. "S-Stop fighting Logan didn''t seem to have heard me. He lifted his leg once again. This time, he aimed his knee at Norman''s abdomen and lowed him. Norman slumped to the floor. Terrified, I stared at Norman, who had blood all over him. Then, I dected my gaze at Logan. He looked calm, but he was actually already dien to madness Since the moment he showed up, he had not uttered a single syble. Yet, he had beaten Norman half to death. "Stop lighting- Pulling my IV along with me, I wanted to stop them. Logan, however, did not seem to realize that I was there. fie pulled his necktie all, then wound it around his wrists twice. Then, he reached out and wrapped the remaining the around Norman''s neck. Then, with absolutely no expression on hisce, he pulled backward. Norman, who was all rady a weakened mess on the foot, suddenly stiffened up. His eyes bulged. I was frightened to tears. "Stop. Stop it is there a nurse anywhere? Help!" Chapter 248 13 It wasn''t that there were no medical staff outside the hospital wards. It was just that they were in the same situation as me stupefied by Logan''s violent mode toward his own brother, Norman Finally, someone messed up the courage to pull them apart. The calmness on Logan''s face was terrifying. The person who went to pull him away from Not mancoildn''t make him budge at all. He could only plead with Login to get him to let Norman I noticed Logan ghing the the around Norman''s neck a tig Then, he released a little when Norman was on the brink of having his breath taken away Just when I thought that he was about to let go of Norman, he tightened the pull around Norman''s neck once again while having an undisturbed look on his face. Just like that. Logan tightened the pull around Norman''s neck and released it repeatedly. He pulled, then released, then polled again. In the end, Norman passed out. I was only at this moment that Logan this p The doctors and mores dashed over to perform fastaid on Norman, who curent status was unkning Logan pulled his necktie away and then walked calmly before me. He put his necktie back around his neck and tied it, acting as if nothing had happened At the same time, he asked me, "Ari, are you okay?"" I opened my mouth to speak but could not find the words to say Iy back down on the hospital bed once again. 1 behaved myself this time. I kept all my tears and everything I wanted to say tommelf. Logan peeled an apple while he listened to the doctor''s update about my health condition "Mr. Wood, Ma York''s external injuries aren''t serious. They''re all abrasions. The important thing is that she had bleeding from her nasal cavity. we''ve performed a CT scan scan is scheduled for tomorrow. It might be a nosebleed that was caused by phired rapries Logan pushed his sses up slightly. He asked, "Why did you head out all of a sudden? In an instant, the atmosphere in the hospital ward froze over. and her MAI 1 was inclined to cry, but I could only hold myself back when I noticed the expressions on the doctor''s and his team members'' faces. 1 stuttered, "Um I-I wanted to go out for supper.." Logan looked at me with a still gare. "You could''ve looked for a nurse if you wanted to have supper. why did you go to Norman ?" I didn''t know how to answer that. Fearfully, the doctor said, "Mr. Wood, I''m sorry that we were negligent toward our patient Lopan nodded. "Yeah. You''re right" The doctor felt awkward Logan pushed his sses slightly and managed the area between his brows. "It''s gettingte today. Let''s continue this conversation tomorrow. Arrange a bed for me here." The doctor and nurses hurried off. I watched Logan as he cut an apple with a small knife. Crunching sounds resounded in the ward as he did so I was at a loss for words. The silence in the hospital ward was deafening. With a silver fork, Logan took a piece of apple and fed it to me. He urged, "Have some." I wanted to cry, but I simply pouted and did not dare to allow the bears to fall from my eyes, I did not know how Elijah was doing, nor did know if Norman was still alive. To hell with it, muly. Cautiously, Luttered, "Lo-" A cold gleam shed across Logan''s ttes. Late thai dan pi¨¨ce of apple obediently. Loganted me pieces of apples in a serious manner. One piece, 1 He then asked, "Wut else would you like to eat?"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. I didn''t know how to answer him. two pieces, three pieces. I no longer wanted to eat them. Lopen sighed. "Don''t be afraid. It''s not like I''m going to eat you up." I opened my mouth to speak, but Camden knocked on the door just then. Logan Lat me and said, "I''ll go out to see what''s up," Theard Camden speaking in a soft voice from outside.". His ribs are broken and he has a slight concussion... He''s tine otherwise. His throat? His throat is line," I also lead Logan inquiling, "is his leg broken?" Camden paused for a couple of seconds. "No. Calmly, Logan acknowledged, "Okay." Camden couldn''t hold himself back from urging. "Mr. Wood, don''t beat him up anymore." Logan and, "What is it to you?" Camden mumbled, "It''s just that the corporation is still quite in need of manpower." In a cid tone, Logan said, "What the corporation needs are talents, not trash." Chapter 249 Camden was speechless, and Logan gestured to him to leave. "You may leave In a weak voice, buttered, "Logan. Legan turned back right away and shot me a smile. "Don''t worry. I''ll be back with you after I speak with him." As he said that, he closed the door I felt really down as I couldn''t hear what they were saying Feeling extremely drained, 1 dozed off. I didn''t even notice when Logan came back into the ward All I knew was that while I was in a daze, someone backed me in. Then, I felt a penile peck on my forehead. After a good night''s sleep, - >, all the fear and misery in my heart vanished when I woke ke up I stared nkly at the ceiling above me. Everything that happenedst night telt like a dream. Camden came over with Loca, who brought nutritious chicken noodle soup over for me. I inquired with Camden, "How is Mr. Norman doing?" With an uneasy expression on his face, Camden answered, "About that. It''s probably best if you don''t ask, Ms. York." Reminded of the way Logam bear Norman up violentlyst night, I shuddered. "Just tell me! Camden smiledwryly. "He''s still unconscious" I sat up immediately. "How is he doing? How are his injuries?" 13 Camden was reluctant to share. "Ms. York, please don''t ask me just know that Mr. Norman is fine. He probably just needs to remain in bed for about had a month. I was speechless. "How are his physical injuries? Where is his ward? I want to visit him." As I said that, I struggled to get myself out of bed. Camden held me back immediately. "You shouldn''t visit him. If you were to visit Mr. Norman, Mr. Logan would probably get even more pissed off. Mr. Norman will end up in an even worse situation then." I thought of what Logan had looked like when he wanted to strangle Nouman to death, I couldn''t help but ihale sharply.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. "H-How could he beat someone up like that?" Camden seemed to already be ustomed to it. He shrugged and said, "Truth be told.. Mr. Logan has already restrained himself quite a bit... "He restrained himself?" My face went p. "He almost beat Mr. Norman to death." Camden remained silent for a while. In a low voce, he replied, "But he didn''t he tofdeath, did he?" After being worried about Norman, I thought of Elijah, who was stabbed. "This world was truly getting messed up Tears walled up in my eyes again Noticing that I was on the brink of tears, Camden assumed that I was feeling and because of Norman. In order to cole me, he blurted, "Ms. York, if you''re truly worried about Mr. Norman, I can try to inquire on your behalf. Just don''t visit him no matter what Mr. Logan is still fuming, so you really shouldn''t add fuel to the tire." I nodded. "I won''t. But please help me with looking into a particr person_" Camden breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s easy. Anything is fine as long as it doesn''t piss Mr. Logan off." I said, "Elijah Linden." Camden was at a loss for words I got to the door of the hospital ward but hesitated over whether I should enter the ward. "Ari! What brings you here?" Evan walked over with a shocked expression on his face. He had a box of takeout in his hands. I quickly got a hold of him and asked, "How''s your brother doing?" Evan was perplexed. "Ari, how do youtow that Eli''s hurt?" I got anxious "Tell me quickly. How is he doing?" Evan came to a realization. "Ari, you and Eli were togetherst night.." I put my hands over his mouth immediately. "Quit bbering How is your brother? You''re making me really andous" I pushed him away to enter the hospital ward fan pulled me back immediately. "Don''t go. Don''t go in there. He has visito-" I opened the door to the hospital ward and was taken aback. Mrs. Linden and Jocelyn were there. They stared at me as if they had seen a ghost. I came back to my senses and asked, "How is Mr. Linden doing Mrs. Linden''s face fell. "Ariana, you bitch. What the hell are you doing here?" Chapter 250 Jocely straightened her back, t was obvious that she was jealous. "Ms. York. Elijah doesn''t wish to see you. Please leave." Through the gap between Jocelyn and Mrs. Linden, I managed to spot Elijah''s pale-looking face. He was anderp. Tilst making sure that he''s fine." Upon wrying that, I turned around to leave "Hold on!" Mrs. Linden called out to me. She walked before me, then studied me. "Why are you also at the hospitali Avoiding her gaze, I answered, "I''m feeling unwell * Mr. Linden harrumphed coldly, "You''re a jinx. Ms. York, since you''re divorcing my son, don''te over and pretend to care. Otherwise, people might think that you still have feelings for lover to us. "Mom, Ms. York lives Elijah very much mal het te and visit him. It''s just that this isn''t the right timing to do Jocelyn walked over to us Mrs. Linden shot Jocelyn a look of displeasure. "Don''t call me ''Mom'' all the time. You haven''t even married into our family Having been rebuked, Jocelyn shut up instantly. She zed at me with a resentful look in her eyes. I was greatly relieved to see that Elijah was in, wanted to leave. However, Mrs. Linden refused in let me go. She stood in my way and questioned, "Ariana, tell are you trying to do? Hrowned. "I''m not trying to do anything. I - From the corners of my eyes, I noticed Lijah''s side profile. He looked as white as a short. I stopped myself frompleting my sentence. Based on my reaction, Mrs Linden concluded that I still had feelings for Ejah. In a condescending voice, she said, "Ariana, you''ve bicted quite a fair bit from the Linden family. I''d suggest you mase up and know where to draw the line." I kept quiet Sering that 1 was being hounded by Mrs. Linden, Evan came up to us. "Mom, how could you say that? Ari - Mrs. Linden gave him a tight-sounding stap. In an instant, a p mark appeared on Evan''s face, He red at Mrs. Linden "Mom, what is wrong with you? Why did you hit me?" what in the world Mrs. Linden flew into a rage and started hitting Evan. "I''m hitting you for being a bastard who sides with outsiders! You''re just a useless and ungrateful batard... Why are you interrupting a conversacion between adults? Go to hell. I''ll bear you to death!! Evan did not dare to strike back the entire time. All he could do was to block her I stood in front of Evan to shield him from Mrs. Linden. As a result, she scratched me a few times purpose, lyelled out, "That''s enough! What do you want?" It was only at this point that Mrs. Linden became satisfied and stoppedshing our She scoffed "Ariana, I''ll give you a hundred million dors on the condition that you leave the Linden family I shook my head. "No way - Before I could finish my sentence, shended a loud p on my face Th¨¢i p made me see stars. L''even caught a whith of something bloody in my nasal cavity 1 pressed my hand on my cheek and red angrily at Mrs. Linden. She withdrew her hand and untered in a smag voice, "Are you refusing? If you refuse, I''ll beat this bastard to death. Weren''t you feeling bad for him? I shall beat him to death, then?" Feeling disputed. I said. "Mrs. Linden, don''t threaten me with Evan. It''s a crime to beat someone to death." Mrs Linden harrumphed. "Well, as I said, I''m giving you a hundred million dors to make yourself disappear." Deep down, I was furious. That being said, I knew that it was useless to negotiate with the unreasonable Mrs. Linden at this moment 1 helped Evan up and urged, "Let''s go. Leave her alone." Suddenly, Evan stopped in his tracks. He said to Mrs Linden, "Don''t use me to threaten Ari. My great-grandfather won''t go easy on you!" Mrs Linden chuckled "Your great-grandfather? Which great-grandfather?" She paused before continuing. "Wall, what? You bastard rify yourse! Which great-grandfather were you referring to? Evan pulled me by the hand and ca behind us, Mas. Linden screamed, "na, you bitch! I know that you just want to take that money and take the ce of Elijah''s wide. Go ahead, kick up a tu! The more of a fuss you make, the less likely I am to give you what you want! "Once Elijah wakes up, I''ll make him divorce you immediately. We don''t want to have a bitch like you in our family? I heard Jocelyn speaking too. She said, "Mr. Linden, truth be told, Elijah doesn''t love her at all. Ms. Tork is the one who assumes that he does. Elijah has been terribly tormented by her all these years. Last night, Elijah got stabbed after getting drunk because she insisted on divorcing him." Hand-in-hand, Evan and I walked in silence for a really long time. Both of us finally got tired of walking, I realized that after all that, we were still in the hospital I let go of Evan''s hand in a dejected voice, I urged, "You should just go back to school. There''s no use in you staying here. You''ll also end up prizing beaten by your mom."Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Tcovered my face. "I''m such a useless person. I wasn''t able to protem you, and I even implicated your older brother." Chapter 251 All drained from Jocelyn''s face fell down and hit my belly'' 1 quickly Instructed Exan, "De get a doctor. Hurry! Go to the ER and get a doction, quickly!" Cean was Munned for a moment Right after that, he darted off to get help As held onto Jocelyn to support her, she let out a shriek. I looked over and nocked a lled blood flowing down from between her Shestared at me Hankly, and stared back at her in the same way She became agitated and kept trying all she could to get there. I was scared shitless, but i knew that the wa''t supposed to exert herself at a time like this held her down forcefully. "Stay here. The doctor will be here soon. Stop moving about. Who know you might actually be ne? Don''t move. Don''t move, Jocelyn walled, "I scant my baby. I want my baby. Ariana, you bitch! This is all because of you. It''s because of you Looking at the frenziedexpression on her face, I could only clench my teeth and hold het down so that she did not move changed from yelling at me to pleading with me to keep her safe. Lan she wished Within five short minutes, her attitude had Dinally, the medical stati va They picked Jocelyn up and lett I sat down on the floor, feeling deted Evan went and came back with a worried look on his far, he looked at me. "Ari, what are we to do now? I''m sure that she''ll insist that you were the one who hurt her." 1 ed my hand helplessly. "Forget it. It''s not my first time getting used of something I didn''t do anyway After saying that, I got to my feet and walked toward my ward 1y in the massive machine, allowing the radiant lights to get a clear scan of myself. De Burent anied my brain scan with a serious look on his face. After examining it for a long while, he shook his head. "I''m still unable to identify where the issue. It''s highly probable that it''s this acen Hedorwaddle at a particr spot fore-handedly.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. 1kg h, but it was as good as not looking Logan was to me. With a a serious expression on his face, he asked. "Dr. But you truly unable to tell?" Dr. Balbett rook a quick nce at me. He asked, "Ms. York, have you recalled anything? 1 hesitated for moment, then shook my head I noticed Logan turning his head toward me. So, I lowered my head diffidently Agleam shed oss his eyes. He said to me in a gentle voice, "Go and get some rest. Dr. But and I will have a shout discussion." grabbed his hand. "Logan, I do not want to undergo surgery." He smiled "Be good Go back to your ward and get some test." Intered out of the doctor office. Beard Dr. But saying "The scan of Ms. York''s brain activity is really strange Logically speaking there should be nothing wrong with her. "I''m not sure why there seems to be some changes with this area that''s in control of memory and sognition I''m not sure if this dark spot here is a blood clot, or it it''s nerve inactivity due *But, will she need to under open-brain surgery? "Open-train surgeries are dry, so don''t rmend it. But it the continues to bleed, it might be that there''s a small tumor lurking in het brain that''s causing her capiries to supture. Denali tumors are difficult to detect. Even we do find it, it''ll be really challenging to perform surgery on it. We don''t yet have the technology for this "There''s nothing better we can do other than to continue serving her. Do try your best to avoid stimting her brain. Tumors might be benign malignant. We''re unable to guarantee anything" leavesdopped silently for a while. Then, I trudged my way back to my hospital ward If I had a tumor in my brain. I massaged ing temples and smiled bitterly. Fould now confirm that I was a good-for-nothing In the first half of the 25 years of my life, Lenjoyed life like back on the night track, it seemed like one longer had the chance to in was a party. In the subsequent seven years, I was unterly humiliated and ridiculed by people. Now that I finally wanted to get 11 1 rosid go bark in time and live my life again. No, that was impossible. Teeling dejected, I scanned the empty ward. Then, I changed out of my hospital gown and left this ce with determination 1 might die. But at the very least, Doo longer wanted to waste any of my ting. Chapter 252 All cloid ained from John''s Lace. "I fell down and hit my be I quickly instructed Evan, "Get a doctor. Hurry! Go to the ER and get a doctor, quickly! Evan was stunned for a moment. Right after that, be dated off to get help As I held onto Jocelyn to support her, she let out a shiek locked oven and noticed a trail of blood flowing down from between her legs. She stared at me nkly, and stared back at her in the same way. She became agitated and kept trying all she could to get to her fo I was scared shitless, but I knew that she wasn''t supposed to exert herself at a time like this held her down forcefully. "Stay here. The doctor will be her soon. Stop moving about Who knows if you mught actually be fine? Don''t move. Don''t move.." Jocelyn wailed. "I want my baby. I want my baby... na, you bitch! This is all because of you. It''s because of you!" Looking at the frenzied expression on her face, could only clench my teeth and hold her down so that she did not move around as she wished. Within five short minutes, her attitude had changed from yelling at me to pleading with me to keep her safe. Finally, the medical stall came The picked ocelyn up and le I sat down on the floor, feeling deted. vent and came back. With a world look on his face, he looked at me."Ari, what are we to do now? I''m sure that she''ll insist that I waved my hand helplessly. "Forget it. It''s not my first time getting used of something I didn''t do anyway." st that you were the one who hurt her." Alber saying that, I got to my feet and wad (toward my ward 1y in the massive machine, allowing the radiant lights to get a clear scan of myself. Dr. Huttet studied my bean scan with a serious look on his face, hes examining it for ang while, he shook his head. "I''m still unable to identity where the it''s highly probable that it''s this area. Heiwa circle at a particr spot free-handedly 1 took a nce at it, but it was as good as not looking. Login was first to me. With a serious expression on his face, he asked, "th. Buruest, age you truly unable to tell?" Dr. But took a quick nce at me. He asked, "Ms. Tork, have you recalled anything 1 hesitated for a moment, then shook my head I noticed Logan turning his head toward me. So, lowered my head diffidently A gleam shed across his eyes. He said to me in a gentle voice, "Go and get some rest. Dr. But and I will have a short discussion I grabbed onto his fund "Logan, I do not want to undergo surgery." "The good. Go back to your ward and get some rest." cuntered out of the doctor''s office. heard Dn. But saying "The scan of Mr. Yorld''s brain activity is really strange Logically speaking, there should be nothing wrong with her. "I''m not sure why there seems to be some changes with that area that''s in control of memory and recognition. I''m not sure if this dark spot here is a blood clot, or if it''s nerve inactivity due "De But, will the need to underage open-le in surgery? Opes-hram surgeries are ridy, so I don''t rmend it. But if she continued, it might be that there''s a small lurking in het brain that''s causing her capiries to rupture, There''s nothing leder we can do other than to continue observing her. Dory your best to awuld stimting her brain. Tumors might be benign or malignant. We''re i The really challenging to pritom gay on it. We don''t you have the technology for this. navradiopped silently has a while. Then, Huded my way back to my hospital ward. El Dhad a tumor in myin. I massaged my temples and led linely "re unable to guarantee -25 peats of y life, i enjoyed life like it was a party. In the subsequent - k. It seemed like kobeger badile dance to seven years, I was utterly miliated and ridiculed by people. Now that I finally wanted to getContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. If I could pry bark in tane and live my life again - No, that was impossible. Teeling dejected, I arated the empty ward Then, changed out of my hospital gown and left this ce with determination. I might die but at ile very least, lun komper wanted to waste any of my time. Chapter 253 What I was that the und light above the operating ree in the ER was still on even after left the hospital. Looking pale, Elijah was pushed hurriedly in the outside of the operating from Seeing that he hade over, 1. an. Linden rushed over tohlen in anguish. "Ei, oh, EIL. The baby is panel tits pose Thijak paled even further. He wanted in get up from his wheelchair, but the intense pain in his abdomen made cold sweat trickle down his foreheadright away. He put his hand met his abdomen in pain. Strenuously, he asked, "What in the world happened?" Mas Linden grabbednota Evan, who was in a co in the routier. She screamed. "This bastand should exin ig! In the world happened?" whole Evan strapped in free hisselt, he said, "She was the one who fell down all on her own! Ari and I were about to leave when the chased after us. Then, she fell down..." Adambellook came across Elijah''s face Txangued in aboud vore, Tli, ir realy wasn''t Ari Joehn was the one who fell down on her dan Tefore be emuld finish speaking. Mr Linden served him a tight day Evan sed at Max. Lindin angry. She becated. "Who else could it have been if it wasn''t he? How could je have fallen down on purpose? The baby she''s carrying is a descendant of the Linden family, and she''s been so DO MUTTA KROON tamil by having this baby of hers. It must have been Ama, that block! She hates on the core "Oh, po to My eldest grandchild! Mas Linden wailed. At this moment, the light above the operating room switched out. After a short moment, Jocelyn was wheeled out She wanicious. The moment she spotted Elijah, she cased out, "Elijah, Elijah. Our baby is gone. It''s gone... In a grim view, Cljah asked, "What in the world happened?" kenh, bwrlm noticed Ms Linden giving her a look.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. She coveond bei eyes and choked. "I was too careless. Ms. York came to see you in the afternoon. Then, I thought of seeing her so that I could plead with her to spare Linden Group. In the end, the chewed me out. Even Heind "You''re runy mouth again! au i didn''t argue with you Weakh, Joochm coed. "Ilijah, you have to believe me. Why would we our child up use Ariana untaidly?" Evan menjed his teetin anger. "Eli, who do you trust? M¨¹rs. Linden stucked him on the back of his head. "You''re just a child. Why are you butting in? This is a matter between adults. It''s not your ce to interrupt." Evan became enraged after being hit. He feed himself from Mas. Linden''s grasp "Whatever I don''t care anymore. I''m going to see Aril the nurse unged, "Hurry up and move the patient to the hospital ward, It''s chilly here. We can''t have the patient catch a cold after her miscatge." Jocelyn was pushed away while Klijah sat in his wheelchair with a gloomy expression on his fare Lindrs wanted us go after Jocelyn but turned back to take a nce at Elijah. lje walked hastily toward him. "Eli, how do you n to deal with Asana? We can''t just gloss over this incident. I lost my first grandchild!" book on his face, Elijah temained allent. May Linden continued facing and the feeling that na shouldn''t be your wife long ago. By the look of it now, she truly is the root of all problems. Don''t give her that ?Kljati linally spoke up coldy. "Don''t tick your base into my business." qarationed, "Why can''t I stick men your business? I''m your mother! You''d better up and talk to yourwyer about swing suing her for ult Make dei pay a bato raadiodiee, "Please wheel me back to my wad. Thank you aber phone out and dialed a tender "Hello, in this M. Hepatrick? There''s something I''d like to consult you on dry, let''s meetmu dhe komevedri nta and muddedilerell. The tainless tich would have the pets not topensi y in Tej''a decently matted, ying deadl ne, Teniriided, "Mi York, what air you trying to do now? Why aren''t you going home?" condemn he until she no long has a ce in this for you to live dan apaiment of 000 square feet? totle inspital filmiw I''ll be deal Mi Wolfin it that you ran away." Chapter 254 I looked at Tel with a perpleted look in my eyes. She shoddered Ashe avoided my gaze, she said, "Don''t look at me. When you broke your legafter jumping into the sea the previous time, Mr. Wood almost made me walk the nk" I was stunned. "What did he de to you? Tel looked like the way about to cry. "He made me go to the engineering department to work in customer support for a month I was pressured by the suppliers for payment every day, so much so that it was di brings memad. I was only transferred back to the administrative department after you recovered" Treplied, "He doesn''t seem like that kind of a person... It also wasn''t your faul." The more I spoke, the more diffident I felt. The arrogant Norman was still lying in the hospital Dace thought of the condition Norman ended up in, I could no longer remain lying down. I sat up speechlessly and stared into space. Teriencouraged me from beside, "Ari, if there''s anything that you''re unhappy about, tell me about it. Let me analyze it for you. Please don''t i I took a nce at her. Feeling moody, I said, "I''m such a useless person. I''m a burden to everyone." At that moment, my phone tang, 1 took a look at the caller ID and jumped so hard that I flung my phone away. Teri reacted quickly and caught my phone. When she saw who the caller was, she answered the call immediately. She made her voice sound verydylike, and she enunciated her words properly, "Hello, Mr. Wood?" run away. Mr. Wood will really kill me." She paused. "Yes, Ari eating with me. She. She went to the washroom. I get her to call you back shortly. Okay... Oh, no, no. No worries about that. I''ll send her back to the hospital personallyter. Yeah, you don''t have to get your driver to pick us up "y Goodbye, Mr. Wood Teri put my cell phone down. She had a terrified look on his face. Before I could even say anything, the pounced on me and put her hands around my neck. With a fierce look on her face, she warned, "Ariana, I''m warning you, get back to the hospital immediately! If you dare to run away, filbreak your legs." How horrifying I was almost strangled to death Feeling puzzled, I asked, "What did Logan do to all of you? Why are all of you to terrified of him?" Teli tave me a pesentre Book Feeling dejected, 1 said, "I don''t want to go back" Teri was about to pounce on me to strangle again when I quickly corrected melt and said, "I''ll return to the hospital shortly." Only then did Teri space me. Deep dom, I teltaven more troubled. It hadn''t even been four hours since I got the idea of sunning away, and I was now focold togive upon that. Ar this moment, my phone rang once again. I took a quick look at the caller ID and answered it right away It was Evan. He said, ", watch out Jocelyn used you and put all the me on you. I''m not sure if trusts you or her." Lasked, "How is focelyn doing?" In a gloomy voice, Ivan said, "She lost the baby." Even though I had predicted this oue, it still took me by surprise.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Evan said to me over the phone. "I''ve gone back to school. If you wish to exin yourself to Ell, I can do so on your behalf." I ducked bonerly "I wire to seek him out right now, he''d only feel that I''m doing so out of guilt" At the end of the day, Evan was still young Aftering up with a few ideas, he couldn''t think of anything else.. Dencouraged him to focus on his studies at school before hanging up. Teri seemed to have heard something. So, she quickly probed for more from me I ended sorosfully and answered, "Torely on her baby" was, "Well, you reap what you sow." Tall was shocked beyond words. All she could say alter a Then, I said, "Right now, Jocelyn is using me of causing her miscantage Elijah might trust her words." Teri was not bothered by that at all. "It''s not his first day being blivious. Do you still care about what he thinks? Star was right, Was I still bored by what Elijah thought of me? I was a selfish piece of trash who attempted to take my own life twice. Why would I still care about whether he would get the wrong idea about me? I-chuckled bitterly and said, "I''ll setunto the hospital Chapter 255 It was 10:00 pm by the time I got back to the hospital. I certainly had not expected to see Elijah waiting for me at the door to my hospital ward. He was sitting in his wheelchair, looking crestfallen I noticed the hospital gown he was wearing, as well as the bandages that were wrapped around his abdomen in an obvious manner. Leda smile and asked, "H-How are you doing? He kept quiet for a long time. Then, he said, "Jo lost her baby Tpsed "I know... Evan told me." Ejah asked, "I know that you didn''t do such a thing, but I still wanted to ask you about in personally. 1 let out an awkward chuckle. "It really wasn''t me. She came to me, asking me to ept the offer of a hundred million dors, which I didn''t agree to After that, she chased after me and tell." Elijah did not say a word for quite a while. Both of us simply stood in the corridor in silence. There was a gentle drift in the nighttime. The look on Elijah''s face was grim. There was a certain gloominess about the look on his face, as it a storm was about to happen. Telt alle chilly, so retreated slightly. I was about to voice out to defend myself when lijah suddenly lifted his head. He stared at me with a cold gaze. "Ariana, must we get divorced?" 1 did not a weed, but my stance was devious In an unsteady voice, Elijah said, "I know that there''s no point in me asking, but I''m still not willing to give up. Now that Jo''s baby is gone I interjected, "I really didn''t push hire." With a calm expression on his face, Elijah said, "I know that you didn''t. Even though you can get impatient and don''t think things through at times, you''ve never actually harmed fa." Jo_He was still addressing her with such affection, I lowered my head so that he could not see the envy in my eyes. It wasn''t that I still loved him. Rather, it was a feeling of displeasure for not realizing it sooner. Elijah looked at me with a serious look on his face. "Ariana, is Logan then you love right Before Bould say anything. Logan''s extremely frigid voice sounded from behind me. "Mr. Linden, of course, Ari loves me. Why would she love a man who keeps hurting her instead?" Logan probably was just done with work. He hadn''t even changed out of his suit He strode over and took me by the hand. He frowned and asked, "Why does your hand feel scold?- He looked over and pushed his sses up slightly Looking really displeased, he said, "Mr. Linden, please contact my assistant and make an appointment if you''d like to visit Act. It''s really Late. She''s not in the best of health, so she shouldn''t be charting with you here." Elijah''s face fell when he saw Logan Mr. Wood, can still my wife for now? A cynical look shed arous Logan''sce. In a surprised tone, he asked, "Isn''t your wife Ms. Cornell, the woman who''s lying in the hospital ward after having a miscarriage a moment ago?- That hit the nail on the head.. Elijah''s face turned livid. If he wasn''t seated in his wheelchair, he probably would have got to his feet to beat Logan up I came back to my senses and said to Flijah, "Mr. Linden, please leave" Lijah looked into my eyes and said, "Ariana, alter tonight, we''ll have no choice but to see each other in court 1 nodded and said, "Alright" He studied the look on my face closely. He spoke up, "Alina, you¡ª" Before he could finish his sentence, Logan held onto my wrist and pulled me into the hospital ward. He then closed the door mercilessly. I could hear the sound of Elijah maneuvering his wheelchair. However, before could even sigh, Logan restrained me and started issing me I was foured to hold my breath. I couldn''t breathe. was too domineering and to violent couldn''t free myself no matter how I struggled, so all I could do was react passively. Finally, Logan let me go - I wiped my lips, wanting tosh out at him. "Why, you."T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. Logan pusled his sses up lightly while staring at me emotionlessly. 1 I shrunk back instinthely Idun about and wished Look, I''m back now, aren''t!?" The book an Logan''s face eased up a g to conceal something, I was certain that Logan knew everything Chapter 256 Logan massaged the area between his eyebrows. "Ari, don''t let anything else happen to you. I''d be word" Looking at how he was trying to hold himself back, I couldn''t help but feel remorse I wanted to exin myself but chose to remain silent in the end Being defensive was a sign of wanting I walked and tugged at his sleeve. "I won''t run away again." Heized deeply into my eyes revenue?" It was only at this moment that a smile came across his tensed-up face. "That''s good to know, then." Seeing that he was in a better mood, Lasked, "How''s Nouman?" Logan looked expressionless when I sought up Norman''s name, "He''s fine. He''s gone back home to recuperate." Iwatakatuck "Why isn''t he recuperating in the hospital?" II Lapin answered. "He doesn''t deserve no Ah. So, he was still mad Astrong sense of guilt pose within me. Quietly, I said, "Truth be told, it''s not Mr. Norman''s fault. I was the one who wanted to go out" Logan''s eyes darted at me, and I shut mysel up. I couldn''t believe that the gentlemanly Logan could be so terrifying, it made me wonder if my impression of him from when I was young was Perhaps Logan wanted to put me at peace, so he said, "Norman is a strong and tough man. Heb line in a couple of days. You don''t have to worry about him." Irecalled the way Logan heat Norman upst night, and I shuddered Logan furrowed his brows. "Ari, are you feeling cold? is she''ll I shook my head urgently. "No, I''m not. I''m not cold. I was just thinking about how Jocelyn will surely put the me on me now that she has lost her baby. I wonder what wicked idease up with " Logan pushed his sses up and uttered nonchntly. "Don''t mind her. Just test well he seemed to have remembered something. He said to me, "My mom will be back the day after tomorr He was asking me to meet his mother? tomorrow. Come with me to meet her and have a meal together with her." Istared at him in thack 1 stuttered, "1-whoami. This wouldn''t be right. N-No, I can''t." Login questioned me calmly. "hy wouldn''t it be right?" Istammered, "I haven''t finalized my divorce. Even if I have, I wouldn''t dare to meet your family''numbers either. 1.1 Logmiled and red my head gently. "silly girl, you''ll have to meet your future-inws eventually Plus, it''s not like you''re unpresentable." My thoughts raced War'' this too soon? Why was this happening so soon! Doubtfully, looked at him. "Have your family members been pressuring you to get married, considering your current age?" Logan unbuttoned fun sleeve buttons Casually, he answered, "They have, but i said that I wouldn''t get married as I haven''t met the right person for in Then, I probed, "Isn''t there anyone from the same social ss who could have a marriage alliance with your family?" Logan looked at me with a stiff smile on his face. "Have you been reading too many bizarre novels? The Wood family has never had any marriage alliances for the sake of our family business. it a corporation is only able to grow through having marriage alliances, that corporation would fall as a business." To my surprise, his argument actually made ee ¨ª hesitated. "But I''m a diced woman. It''s not like I''ve never married" I stopped speaking when Logan shot me a look. Suddenly, he pearled out and at me down on hisp. This level of clones caught me by surprise and put and put me at a loss. I didn''t know where to ce my hands. Even though Lowried my head, he tied my chinup. "Azi, in this you feeling inferio?" Twin in a day. "Uhould be condident in myselThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Bried being deerted haven''t prepared self mentally to meet your 1 Upon hearing that, lepas bekline ins armi quletly for a vede, Imaght that family members. M-My mind is everywhere right now." ood what I said in the end, he said in a sult volor, "li''s my fault." He looked to my witness. "T''s in fault for not handling these dams issues on your betul. Don''t worry, Al. We''re just going fi for a meal. We aren''t going to talk about getting 1 shook my mad. "Thunde Suddenly, Logan stared at math skeptical or "yone say something about that?" Framkally, Idenied, "No, no, I didn''t Chapter 257 A Logan stored at me, I lowered my head defidently He sighed softly gil, it''s not an serious as you might think," Tew that I couldn''t hide it from him. In a soft voler, I said, "II I''m not doing well, don''t hide the truth from me." Logan reached out and tilted my chin upward. He looked closely at me and reassured, "You''ll be fine." He still did not let go. In a serious manner, he said, "I make sure that you''re fine. Do you understand me?" Twa tuched by the ramment look in his eyes. After a while, I nodded. Logan bathed a sigh of relet. "Alright, time to get some quality rest. If you''re lucky, you''ll be able to get discharged the day after tomorrow" I was slightly surprised. That was really quick I studied Logan''s elegant side profile. All of a sudden, I had a feeling that he was gently trying to get something done. timised that strange thought right after that. Hold he be in a rush. He was a noble man with a high status. Everything was in his hands. When I woke up the next day, the bed next to mine was already empty. As he was still feeling worriedst night, Logan got the hospital to set up an extra bed next to mine A musse came to perform her routine check on me. She smiled and said, "Ms. York, your blood pressure and blood count are normal." Feeling loved, I took this opportunity to probe. "Oh, right. Has Ma-Norman really been discharged?" - thought about, in for a schille, them let out a sigh. "He has, but he''s supposed toe back for a check-up the next day." My eyes lit up. "When i he due for that check-up?" The nurse give it some thought before answering, should be today. But I''m not sure when exactly. dzili terling a little secrated, the remarked. "Um... Mr. Logan beat him up really mercilessly." tudded reportedir. left, I gave Notmam a call took him quite a while to answer the phone. In a weak voice, he asked, "What''s up!" ked, "How are you, Mr. Norman? bipasan answered. "I haven''t died I''m still alive." Feeling bad, I asked, "Where are you? can pay you a short visit! Norman redused immediately. "No, please don''t. Logan will beat me to death if youe But I was still tomoned Mr Norman, I''m sorry I didn''t know that Logan could get so vicious."Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Norman let out a better chuck over the phone. "It''s alright. It''s fine as long as he''s saliated after beating me up. I don''t care about this worthless life of mine." 1 still had mos e questions to ask, but Norman suddenly proted, "I haven''t asked about what happened to you that night" 1 frated for a moment, then told us about my meeting with Elijah. But all said was that I had a fight with Elijah after recalling a few things. Then, Elijah got stabbed by some street punk. Upon hearing that, Normanmented in a grim voice. "That ce does need to be fixed" remark, le suddenly said, "Now that everyone is injured, don''t cause any trouble for now." 1 asked, "Ma Norman, are you asking me not to meet with Elijah?" Aptatedly, Roman awered. "Exactly! Don''t see him for now If you see him again, I''ll him beine Logan even do anything. Tented something ama and asked, "Mi foeman, did you learn something n''N? turn the phiste, hostman started to evade my question. "What''s there for me to learn? Anyway, nothing good wille out of you meeting with Elijah. Also, don''t think that Logan don''t tais alked anything just because he looks like he''s a gentleman. He might already have pullen tothe bottom of what happened that sigl?" man mandded. "Trah, Logan is mess with his and has lots of phase. I''ll suvely find out a Har ikkegan had probably foundout about the fart that that with Elijah. Just l''ere he knew about the lip between Elijah and M. Hall on the look of it. I tereni dedagen tiedotedon me somark that had lost my objectivity. Chapter 258 Norman simply hummed nonchntly at my conclusionContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. In the end, be said. "Logan doesn''t like to be betrayed or lied to. He hates it. He beat me up so badly because I lied to him. Ariana, you''re fortunate that Logan fell in love with you at first sight. That said, ''lo unlucky for you to have met him." Miter making och a crypticment, Norman hung up. I spaced out for a while this moment, Teri harped into the ward. "Wei, take a look at the news today." Etapped into the news article and took a bit look in an instant, was already burning with Lage "Ex-wife of Linden Coup''s heir bears up Ms Cornell, canting thetter''s miscarriag." dow that were a few photographs of freely lying feebly in bed while wearing an oxygen mask. There was also a photo of her pregnancy report. Iscrolled through the news and found more details that followed. Someone took a video of Jocelyn locking weak after surgery. While she was still in a state of mizziness, she mumbled, "The baby. Baby... My baby..." Icloud the webpage, looking quite upset. I knew that Jocelyn would surely cause a hoge rocks out of this incident. However, I did not think that it would happen so quickly. Morrer, by the looks of it, I was sure that she had hired people to pose asmenters. Thoutmenters with strange IDs below w the pr post were directing all sorts of personal attacks at Teri blurted out of anger. "Why da'' that witch just fall to her death? If she''s always causing all this trouble, karma will bite her in the ass one day! She only lost her child because she has donak (no mune wildesh on the rep mute, urged Teri to stop talking Just leave her to over this incident. I''ll just publish a statement le rity things when the timees." Feeling enraged. Teri said, "What use is there in publishing a statement? People nowadays only have pity for the weaker party. In the beginning, Jocelyn already got quite a number of people to side with her because she put up the persons of an innocent woman who''s in love "Aher getting pregnant, some people called her for wanting to make use of her child to social clip Now that she''s lost her baby, she''s putting on a pititul act once more. I''m sure those'' sants'' celine will side withher'' was not in a mood to discuss th Right at this moment, hopever,motion started outside my hospital ward going to listen." I could hear a nurse obstructing some people''s paths by saying, "one of you are allowed to enter. The patient needs to rest! We''ll have to call security it you people aren''t go Tezi took a perk out the window, and the look on her face changed instantly "porters are here! Oh my and how did they find out that you''re in this hospital ward?" beard a millor yelling from outside the door, "Ariana, you evil woman! In order to gain more money from your divorce, you actually went to harm Jocelyn? My first grandchild died because of you I have you pay with your life!" Mrs. Linden was here?. Teri and I shot a look at one another. We could bots see the ardousness in each other''s eyes. Mis. Linden was causing amotion. The racket outside got louder and louder while the insults she led got lusher and harsher. i me on this. This woman set her heart on murrying into the Linden family. Now that she''s done with making use of my son for grandchild. She''s a jind I can''t believe that she''s from the York family Everything she has done throughout these years isn''t what I expect from otheone from her family. I''d be too embarrassed to even talk abou she abandoned him and made me lose my Ariana, there''s no point in you hiding in there! I''ve hired awyer to sue you for assault. Your time wille for you to go to prison. Just you wait. It''s such a dagrace that your parents had Tould bear to listen to her anymore opened the door and marched out. "Mrs Linden, utter another word of nder and I''ll take you to count for defamation!" Man the reporter und ranged from my ward, they charged toward ine. "Ma York, trap we know if you hart M. Connell out of jealony?" Ma York, you''ve been going up against Ms. Cornell all these years. Is it because she threatened your marriage with Mr. Lindon?" "Ma York, did you shove Ma. Connell intentionally so that she would miscarry?" I was speechless. I was surrounded by the reporters 116 prosent me "hazzoll, all of you! Don''t listen to that old woman''s rambles. Do you even have proof that Add caused intentional harm?" At this motteld, parody protested piled out to pull the reporters away in the same una, a few police offices in parted the crowd. They said to me, "Are you Ms. Ariana Yok? We have received a report of youmitting assault. Pleasee with us to I looked at that stamped in the hau, and I was I was ovee with panic. in their bearing the news. Ils walked though the crowd. Following behind him were M. Wehband a few otherwyers, who all had stein expressions an Mr. Webb stepped forward "four dini will cooperate with your investigation, these repoterat to publish anybe statements about my client before the information is verified Chapter 259 Immediately after Mr. Webb spoke up, the reporters becare dispirited. They could get sued for making false ims. If Wood Group''s legal team set their eyes on their news reports, they would not be able to get away with past a public apology M.Webbsidom, "Ms. Tok, don''t worry. It''s just part of the formalities. Please go ahead with cooperating and giving your statement. I nodded, just an 1 was about to go with the police officers to the station to give my statement, Jocelyn actually came by in her wheelchair. she had a scarf wrapped around her head, covering all of her except for her paled face. She pointed at me and shouted, "You! To were the one who killed my baby. You''re a murderer!" ven though everyone had just calmed down, they were stirred up once again. Since the reporters were not able to interview me as they wished, they rushed toward Jocelyn. After the let out a few tiles, she got out of her wheelchair unexpectedly. Then, she fell to her knees and started begging me. While she begged, she pleaded, "Ms. York, please spare me. I beg you. Please spare me 1 know that you despise me for taking Elijah away from you. But we''ve been in love for over ten years. We really can''t do anything aboutit "I''m alright with in if you hate me, hit me, yell at me. But why did you have to be my child? My baby was innocent!" Tears streamed down her face. She looked utterly miserable These fact-distorting words moved those with kind hearts to tears. I wasn''t surprised to see a number of people ring at me with hateful looks in their eyes. Teri started trembling in anger. "Do all of you hear the rubbish she''s spewing? How is it wasonable for her to step in between someone else''s marriage?" Someone voked out coldh. "Whatever it is, the child was innocent. It''s not justifiable to hurt a child." "That''s right. What do grudges between adults have to do with a baby? How could she let her anger out on an unborn child?" "One should just let go the no longer love their partner. It''s horrifying to just hold on and be using dirty tactics like those." Than you guya know? This is how this woman always kicks up a fuss. She can''t even bear to part with the title of ''Mrs. Linden. She ims that she wants to get a divorce, but what she actually wants to do is to separate the couple who has been in love for over a decade. Why isn''t she getting on with the divorce even after such amotion?** "If you''re that great, just leave your manage with nothing. Why must you cling to a jerk and not let go? I was speechless. Atened to the people''s remarks, I noticed that they were beginning to side with Jocelyn 1 became infuriated. Ter could not handle the icons from all the people on her own. I pulled Teri aside, then walked up to Jocelyn and served her two tight ps Jocelyn was supertled as she knell on the ground were the others aroundus. Mrs. Linden snapped back to her senses and screamed, "She hit her! She hither! You all jaw it with your own eyes. This woman hit her!" Tipated Mrs Linden. Instead, I mared coldly at Jocelyn, who was stunned beyond words.T¨ºxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org. "Jocelyn, you know very well how you lost your baby. I won''t sit back and take these false usations that you''re throwing at mel Mrs. Linden chided, "Woman, not only did you hurt my grandchild, but you even assaulted her! Why, you I''d to see how you exin yourself to Elijah." Thamrimphedicily. "I''m about to get a divorce from him. Why would I une to exin myself to him? , you people im that lurd Joelyn''s baby. Do you have any proof of that? show me the evidence and I''ll confess!" Mrs Linden hadn''t expected me to stand my ground even after she mentioned Elijah. in the past, as long as the threatened with Elijah or reprimanded me in front of a group of other people, I would be as quiet as a mouse and allow her to trample all over me. Yet right now. Mr. Linden was staggered to see that I was acting like a different person. Sering that I was being unyielding. Jocelyn could only whimper diffidently. She no longer dured to yell out allegations that I was the one who made her lose her baby. At this moivent, Jonathan arrived Andously, made sure that I was not hurt. "Ai, are you alright? Did they hart you? I shook my head. After seeing that I was no injured, he assumed that I was going to give in like i used in the past. Chapter 260 hapter 260 Jonathan knitted his brown ingether and said, "Ari, let''s not lower ourselves to their level. I''ll take you to the station to get things rified. You don''t have to bother about embarrassing LindensContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. - I shock my yhead" ime. I wasn''t the one who caused Jocelyn''s miscarriage. She was the one who lost her footing. Also, I won''t leave the marriage empty-handed." Myst statement was directed at those who tried to fan the mes. I scoffed. "Ask yourselves. You people have sisters too. If your sister met a jerk who cheated on them, would you tell her to just forget it and advise her to leave the marriage with nothing Insedmice. "I didn''t do anything wrong, Why should have to leave the marriage with nothing?" Jonathan was d and relieved to see me aging confidently. He looked at the repreters who were here for the hustle and bustle. He roared, "Listen carefully, all of you. Our family isn''t taking advantage of the Linden family nor will we take shantage of Have my sister leave the marriage with nothing? That''s impossible! allow them to "Also, if you people have any sense, just look into how Linden Group took our family''s money. If any of you dare to write false reports or create rumors about my sister, our family won''t As he uid that, he looked at everyone with a threatening gaze. The reporters quickly lowered their heads. The reporters were smart people too. They had always known about Jonathan''s revengeful character: I they were to publish any reports mindlessly, they would end up in even more trouble than if they had provoked the Wood family. Recognizing that she wasn''t able to benefit from this situation, Mrs. Linden harped on the usation that that Jocelyn on purpose. "officers, the harmed my grandchild and hit Jocelyn. You have to arrest her!" The officers said to her politely, "Mrs. Linden, we''ll attend to this ordingly." Then, they said to me. "Mr. York, pleasee with us to give your statement at the station. I nodded Jonathan and Mr. Webb came with me to the station. Two hourster, I was done with giving my statement. So, Jonathan and I left the station. He furrowed his brows. "Ari, don''t about as you wish moving forward Jocelyn has got her eyes on you, You''d better stay away from her before your divorce. Otherwise, who knows what Then, he continued, "Oh, right. Why are you still living at that prick''s ce? Mme out. I''ll get a ce for you." Twas at a loss for words. jonation became displeased. "The reporters have now been alerted. They deal deep for information on you. If they find out that you''re living at that prick''s ce, we don''t know what kind of stories they''lle up with " "shut up. Job. It''s just an apartment, Where to be fearful of? At most, I''ll just give the apartment to "Logan walked toward us unhappily after he got out of the car. He frowned slightly as he walked in our direction frostily Jonathan grunted. "Whocam about a stupid apartment of yours? Us Yorks have apartments to Logan first stroked my fuir gently Then, he inquired, "You didn''t get hurt today, did you?" I shook my head Jonathan ded at him. "Why did you get here sote? Ar almost got pushed around" Logan gave him a cold nee "Wright I''ll keep Ari with me 24/7 moving forward." Jonathan let out a inolt Both of them were childhood feuds, soit was normal for them to bicker with one another, Logan said to Canden, "Translership of that apartment to Ari. Also, do the same for the ownership of two cars." In shock, I metused, "hes, I don''t want this Jonathan Karrumpled "Why not? This prick is try rich. It''s nothing for Logan gave him another rigdook "That''s right. All needs is my love. She doesn''t potamian was rendered speechless by his words He pointed at Logan in frustration. "Why, you. What are you talking about? Why wouldn''t 1 to give you an an apartment" such a stingy boother." 1 love my own skatei ?" Lopes forced a smile. "Well, I just don''t see you caring for her " Both these adult man were startingtsbirker again. Chapter 261 Jonathan and Legan continued squabbling all the way home. Once Jonathan va provoked by Logan, he said that he would transfer ownership of his newly bought sports car to me. Ldnot want that Logan pressed my hand down and grieved. "Why not? Your brother is filly rich. You''d be silly not to ept it Jonathan warned. "There are only tens units of that sports car in the entire world. Don''t allow any random person, especially this prick, to drive it." They were giving me a headache coldly, Logan dded, "Who cares? I''ve driven a useless car like that ten years ago Jonathan stifled augh in anges. "It cost seven million dors I pre-booked it two years ago!" Logan responded, "Oh, I see " Jonathan became frustrated. "What did you mean by that? Say something!" Logan remained seated rsedly and nced at himzily. "What I meant was that I see that this car is the only thing that you can put forward" Jonathan lost it upon hearing that. "What do you mean that this car is the only thing that I can put forward? 1, too, have things that are better than this car. Logan took his phone out. He casually tapped on a page, then handed his phone to him Jonathan took a brief nce at it and frowned. "What is this. Sunneby''s auction website. This reddace._" Tcouldn''t help but staka peek from the corner of my eye. An emerald ne was disyed on that page. Written beneath it was its appraised value. There were so many zeros that it made my jaw drop. Tonathan understood what was happening right away. Ho flung Logan''s phone back to him "Sude, continue putting on an act! Are you saying that you want to purchase this for An?" Logan tapped his well-defined fingers on the screen of his phone, "Yeah. What''s the mater? Do you think that I won''t be able to afford it? Jonathan choked and kept quiet after that. Indeed, Logan could afford it. As for himself. It was true that he wouldn''t be able to afford it. Sering as both of them hade to a pause in their arguments, 1 quickly chimed in, ''Jon, don''t be mal I''m really happy that you''re giving me the car. But I can''t drive Jonathan was taken aback "Didn''t you already get your ense?" Before be continued, he suddenly recalled that had lost my memories and paused As expand, Logan gw him the side-eyeContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Jonathan''s anger was igruted once again, thank to Logan''s gaze. He tilted his chin upward and asked, "What are you looking at? I''m pampering my sister by giving her a luxury car Can''t she just look at it if the''s unable to dine in Jonathan got rely annoyed "h? What''s that "ch'' fo Konchntly, Logan replied, "What I''m trying to say is that you''re not getting it right when ites to pampering your sister. I, on the other hand, have also prepared a driver for her. The pin on Jonathan''s face darkened I was truly afraid that they would end up lighting in the cat. 1 interjected immediately, "Stop arguing I''m getting a headliche." Jonathan became anxious "You''re having a headache? Where does it hurt?" Logan put his arms around me. "We''ll be home soon. I get Dr. Bu to check you if it hurts," a weak voine, I rited, "I didn''t mean in literally Mataphorically, I''m getting a headache from both of you squabbling away" They were trally making so much noise was sitting next to them. They were both finisuals in the business world couldn''t believe how childish they wo were. Weinally aried home after that jemarian had been beroe He made a fuss on purpose as he took a look around the ce. He said to me," doesn''t seem like a bad ce, I''m reluctant, but you can ept this property from him Stupgedat potathes nebeardy "Jou, I don''t want his proprsty." Jonathan nodded. "Well, it''s true that we shouldn''t ept so we didn''t work for it to this prick marries you, let''s not cover his possessions. Let''s frustrace has to death! With a palmi fondo van h?stare, Logan asked, Tan, what happened to a patienship?" Jonathan finally unspped poking around. He said to Logan, "Alright, all jokes aside, lot''s go in and have a discussion." He added, "There''s no way that Hijab will give up that sum of money so easily. We need to think of something I really want to divorce that jerk as soon as possible. Chapter 262 Immediately, Lagret "Tuathy Treath want to get this divorce settled as soon as possible." candhanathas entered the study together even though they were just having a spat earlier. ther out a sigh of vellet, then went back to my room. Iy on the bed and spaced out Although I was found ine back here, I considered myself focate to be able to leave the hospital. That was such a suffocating ce. the way until 1,00 am before I was forced to get out of bed because of how thirsty I felt I went to thetches to look to something to drink all of a sudden, I noticed that the lights in the study were still on I tiptoed over these ta haver a book. Logan was staring at hisptop, looking really focused. The light from theptop screen flickered from time to time, illuminating that chiseled face of his. He looked extremely alluringContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I shuttled Logan beard some noce, and he looked up from hisptop and in my direction at first, his gate was sharp and frigid. The moment he saw that it was me, that iciness of his melted into a wam tenderness. hed the hem of my pajamas between my fingers. After a moment of hestation, 1 walked toward him obediently. He extended bus anns and pulled me anns an embrace. would no longer beel the chill in the air. Instead, I muggledfortably in his arms. Our et culty. I asked, "Logan, are you still working?" Yeah," be atreved. He found afortable position by testing his chin on the top of my head. Then, he continued working on his Laptop orked on hisptop with speed. He browsed through the pages one by one. Even when be typed, he was able to type out a number of lines just by running his fingers across the keyboard ched his Engein dale on the keyboard as he ryped it was engaging Soceanaugh, good-looking men were pleasing to look at More than that, they were downright attractive wi when they worked. bis atits silently an I watched him work finally sent out hisst email and pitched hisptop off. The removed his sses, then narrowed his eyes at I might be in a bit of trouble, I was just thinking about what to say when he asked, "What do you think of this outlin?- out and tapped on a photo the were mulling over something. Crystal had ove started anepting haute c courue orders from the public. Even though pan was one of he ther major investors, it would certainly be very costly to have Crystal design outfit I took a nce at it and realized that it was an old-fashioned dress designed in Crystal Trenton''s style. It gave off a feeling of emberance Logan nodded. "Tim taking you to meet my mom the day after tomorrow. I need to choose an outfit for you." Jerking of servonnis rose within me instantly. "Or... shall I just meet her another time? Lige train paar dinised insurditally 1 rkly corrected oryell "Thaven''t prepared myself mentally." fr sig and puttede in gently. "There''s nothing for you to prepare. This meeting has been long overdur. I don''t wish to wait any longer. ven nt t he meant it sounded the he had been waiting for me for a really long time. sedly take a riste kok at the dies. Suddenly, I had a realization. "About that ne. Was that also prepared for when I meet your family? molt de fautely rand to have matching jewelry, it was just that these things that Logan prepared for me were too much of an exaggeration, ras 1 kas sute you wouldn''t have time to prepare when you were in the hospital As someone qualified to be you boyfriend, the 1 falt ponand. "Turku ke tuld, pardon''t have to do these things. You te already good enough to me, Logan* Its implet With a leader gear, be said, "Your brother is right. As, you deserve all the love in the world" lined couldn''t help but toetse Trankly speaking, a 25 year-old probably wouldn''t react in this way. Nevertheless, Thad only regained my memories partially? Under the dim lighting in the study, Logan and did as we enjoyed this tranquil night that was race toe by. Lagan ran his fingers through my hair repeatedly to smoothen my hair out. I felt like I could drown in the gaze in his eyes, i was just that I couldn''t figure out what was running through his My heart started racing uncontrobly We were the only ones in the room It would be really easy for usto end up gong all the way, I was still in thin pajamos. While he wasn''t paying attention, I took the opportunity to grab arge shawl from the couch next to me. I then ced the shand over myself. He asked. "Feeling I I modded awkwardly and stuttered, "Y-Yeah" with aplex pare, Logan studied my fished face from beside Sudlenly, he asked, "Ari, do you have any recollection about a Mr. Hall- The redress in my che vanished immediately I turned as white as a sheet. I didn''t dare to look into his eyes 1-I''m not sure," Lanswered. Buddenly, I was reminded of Norman''s warning. "He''s able to find out about whatever he wants to look into." I wasn''t aware of what Logan had learned about that might. But my instincts told me not to let him know that 1embered the dealings between Elijah and Mr. Hall. As for why that was... I cached my forehead, "Whos Mr. Hati? I don''t who he is Dingan''s hands fraps. After a long while, be humaneda response coldly. He no longer wild anything else after that. I was really tempted to question ham loudly, just like jonathan did to ask him what that response meant. However, it seemed like the atmosphere around us hade to a standstill Finally, Logan divered the topic "Let''s go to Silverwood''s studio tomorrow to try out the out. Then, you can match it with that ne." Tejmed in shock. "You''ve actually bought it?" With a slight smile on his face, Logan nodded. Chapter 263 I was even more fubtergasted "Weren''t you just showing off to Jon earlier today? How did you purchase it so quickly? did he ahead tap to purchase it when he was showing off to Jonathan in the car? That wain''t right Even if he had auctioned Sunneby''s hem right off their website, there was no way that he could get his hands on it so soon. I was an af Logan saw through my questions. He tapped his fingers lightly "silly gel of course, I had Canden purchase it two weeks ago. I happened to receive it today." o far said that, he pressed his finger on the fingerprint lock at his desk A drawer slid open automatically, revealing a ck exquisite-looking box wathin I was perplexed What was the porasion? 1. up. He can opened it with a Karat Logan packed the ck velet The moment he opened the info of held my breath. Lying in it was a glistening ne. It was absolutely gorgeous! I didn''t know how to appreciate emeralds in the past. I nyi Jein that they were mand for the elderly to admire and y with That brang said, this mated woke bright green. As light reflected off of it, it gave off a subtle gleam. It was explicably beautiful was afraid that I would disturb the serenity of this piece of jewelry befo Logan leated in "Do you like it? ided early. "I do I love My impression of emeralds was that they were of a really dull green. I didn''t expect to see such a fine ce of emerald jewelry." Logan sight, "h¨¤ in up and try in un Despite being ward to sering jewelry from a poin sa young age, I actually did not quite know what to doContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I hesitated. "That night for lea poodides I need to a pair of gloves for this. Otherwise, what will Ingen Langledligin Leartedly 500, silny goglio you. It''s yours. You can touch li all you want Medad tan rautbonly. Topan, myyou get bakavaliable item for maki Thated me print gets ren Suby''s website. Its price was right digits. ill duy it?" Not only that, tur right-dip was put an app value for the auction In reality, hadde how much Logan apa The only thing I nooddiarum rabout was that he would have spent husa e than that rxed expression in his face, Logan lockedly he asked, "Why can''t I by things my glidend?" 4 in order to purchase this piece of jewelry Chapter 264 This ne cost more than the total amount had in all of my bank ounts. Its existence was terrifyingN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. Noticing how timid I was, Legan took the ne out of the bose with his slender fingers. He looked at me and said. "This ne is expensive, so you have to keep it well." Judiche kume what to say could feel as key semuation as the ne sat sounding nech. I was wearing the ne while in my pajamas, which thud, bought from Amazon for best ihan ten dors. Palking it in this way made it feel kas a hundred fold Texamined med over and over in the microe After I was done admiring the ne, I walked before Logan and asked, "Are you really giving it too? Logihimiled. "We would be lying about that?" ti still fel surreal to me. I thought about it, then replied, "What would you like as a gift? I''ll get you something" the value of my pajamas had gone up at Despite making that hold offer, I was distressed on the inside Going all out this time probably meant that I would need to give him something worth at least a few million dors in order to repay his gesture. Di was obvious that Logan was trying to hold him back fromughing "Do you really want to get a present to marter the price?" Techoed fun word. "Why would be about that?" He smiled. I stared at his erillee an idiot. Le ¨¤ loser, i drooled. How could then man be to handsome? I couldn''t believe that I actually had that silly gain on my face film a perv. Yikes, it seemed like the Hopeless romantic in me was returning, Sewing as I was staring handy at him. Logan curled the corners of his lips upward "Come here" I wanted to control ovell, but it seemed like my legs had a mind of their own. I walked to him oberently Be adjusted my ne for me, then chudded only "I''m sure that this neddare will be a great match for that dress." I came back to my senses, and the excitement within me died down a little. I asked, "dy pet such an expensive ne for me so that I wouldn''t be an embarrassment?" Logan still had that same mile on his face. "No, it''s because my mom loves moralds. I just want both of you to have something to talk about Logan beld me by the hand. With a tranquil look on his face, he exined, "I don''t need you to please my mom. She [vou te bat important to me when it''s your first meeting a''t be opposed to us either. I just don''t want to give her the impression Legretful. Hould I have been so means to suspect Logan! he wasn''t worried about me being an embarrassment. Rather, he wanted his mother to show important I was to him. ided peterly. In an earner voice, I said, "Thank you." He smiled and said, "No need to thanks Anyway, were you serious about giving me at in ratarm?? ¨ª feina twatch in themoth "What would you like to have as a Logan tilted his head and pondered a moment. He answered, "In that case, I''d like to have Mr. Patton''stest mechanical watch My leair Hamedin arter the moment I heaidthar 1forced myself to smile "Okay H How much is 117 With a slighur undle on his face, Logan replied. "At least ten million dors." gricante aus Logan''s face when he saw my reaction added. "But it''s really fun to buy mal watches made by Mr. Patton himself. iowab this? iter on gives you h Budrive it for a couple of days. T''El make a few rounds around his workce." I Leided Tul Frould alreally bague Jonathan''s face when a p that end hot under the calls were childish, indeed! top this neat day, even themerpol my lips felt so What choice did have ended up suiting in my dreams after receiving such a valuable gifs. ha After I get out of led, Lova booked in the door andendried Soiling sweetly, she prompted, "Ms. York,e have a look. Mr. Wood sent someone to deliver clothes, shoes, and a bunch of I was tunned. "Why did le send pl¨©ts again?" Lora sighed "1 that know. The p?e of item outside is all weapped up nicely. Hurry up and take a bad Chapter 265 I dished out of my room. As Loma described, there was a pile of gift boxes from various brands in the living room. The gift bow taking up almost all of the space on the table and the couch. If it wasn''t because the livingm was sparious, this ce would have be really cramped up. I was almounded by all these gifts. I walked around all the gift boxes, feeling uncertain of where to begin With a smile on her face, Lora encouraged from beside, "Hurry up and egen them. I''m sure that Mr. Wood has given you lots of nice things toe from, Ms. York." Epicked up a blue-colored box. I wengined the logo printed on it. In was from a luxury brand. Topened the box and saw a watch that was adorned with diamonds all over. I let out a gasp Wasn''t this the diamond watch from the "Starry Night" series that this band released?Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. All of a sadden, I lost the age to the other gifts. All of those boss looked to be really expensive. Could we still refund them if I didn''t snbox them? La cucked hongue from beide. Sheplimented, "That looks stunning Ms. York, hurry up and try it on. H par the watch on carefully. Sure enough, the brighness of the diamond watchplemented the fairness of my skin very well Loca examined in for a while. We, Ms. York, you''ve got really fair skin. This watch looks really good on you." After a brief search, I actually couldn''t find its price tag, in a soft voice, I said, "Lora, this watch is really expensive." Shedded. "How is this expensive to Mr. Wood? more unrestrained with her words than I wal I was shocked. The modest Lota was mo Loca looked at me as if I were an inexperienced person freaking out over a small matter. So, she opened quite a few gut hours for me. There were more than ten brooches, three diamond The more I looked at them, the deeper my time. The was muling ow this, my phone rang These did not look like gifts that Logan chose. For some reason, fer that these showy items were chosen by a particr someone. While 1 Tanswered the call "Mr. Norman, were you the one who sent these things over? Normanughed over the phone. "Yes. You be truly a smart one, Arlona. Yorfigured it out so quickly Feeling annoyed, I replied. "You''ve got too much money, haven''t you? Why did you give all these things to me?". Normunchuckled nonchntly. "Don''t you women like these things?" My eement from earlier vanished. I mapped. Take them back I don''t want any of them!" This was such a party pooper 1 actually got excitedover pits that were not from Logan Nocmun seemed to have been startled by me turning him dam. "Why don''t you want them? They''re all really expensive," I nerosted. "I was just wondering who sent these to me. Logan would never give mi legifts like these." "Laina?" Norman got so red up that he became tongue-tied. "How dare you say that the gifts I gave to you areme? Have you even unboxed them? They''re all luxurious items from contest trend! Do you know how much I had to spend and how much energy had to put in in order to put all those together? Woman, dan ''t be ungrateful!" What is man, I coed my eyes and aid, "M, Norman, it''s not Chistmas or New Year''s Why did you Norman kept quiet. I pissed," it because Logan made you apologize to me? Norman harrumpled. "Nope. He can''t make me do anything it was me. I wanted to give you gifts as a gesture of apology, okay?" Chapter 266 It was a miracle to be able to make the unaby Neeman purchase a bunch of things to offer an apology. Desid. "That incident won''t you fanh. You don''t have to apologize in me." ''Phet, no woman has ever returned gifes that I''ve given to them. Don''t you be In an impatient voice, Nouman said over the phone, "Twghes them in you. Would it kill you jo ept them? P Why aren''t you willing to take the thalings lurk when I want to give them back to you? Theft at a loss for what to do. "What? aur you mad! You''re the one who spent in much money. Why aren Neman insisted. "You have to ept them no matter what. This is not reputable." eally wanted to scoram "I can''t ept them! II Lagan finds not, he''ll be sport." To my surprise, Neeman tepidimediately. "He won''), Lei me tell you what bodo. You don''t have to tell him. All you need to do is toin in his face about the things that I gave to you, He''ll be pleased" What? My sharp enn told me (sonnhing was amiss. Tasked. "M. Norman, are you trying to get Logan''s forgiveness by giving me gish These were two rounds of silence on the other endet the call. Though gutted teeth, Narusaid, "Ariana, Thate that you''ve be brighter at a time Dirighed. "Just be straightaward about it, then! Why did you have to beat about the bush like that?''ll help you out if you want to get Logan''s forgiveness Del Near Nease don''t put in a good wood with Logan dos mor." Norman''s voice sounded a little panicked. Haleve me or not, if you were to say something nice about me today, he''ll break my legs, I''m sure you''ve witnessed how he beat me up. He really wanted to beat me to death.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Tendid almost imagine the lookon Norman''s Lace from the way he said that. I was sure that his face was shed red and his expression was one of pure terror. Estarediopaty hin I asked, "What in the world do you want, then!" Over the te, Norman instrumed me on what to do That like eater, continueining about my gifts. The best is if you can continue grumbling in his presence about howme my gifts are, thenpliment him for having a caste that''s dederpratedly. "Okay. I S¨¹ll teeding worned, be surested, "Or you can also post on instagram, saying that someone sent sent you a bunch ofme gifts." I really couldn''t take it anymore. "Mr. Norman, don''t overdo it don''t post on Instagranc Nortant eximed in surprise "Say what? You''re a woman, but you don''t post on instagram? speechless. "To in strange for me not to?" Led right away, "It''s no wonder I haven''t been able in find you on Instagram. I even thought that you had blocked me, Norman quickly said, "Too You be to put on an act just like how told you to Please, Arians. Your Highness!= Iquered. "Why are you so afrid of Logant man''s die "Mtbed ising back so if Logan still don''t, I''m dead meat in front of fater. Then, there''s also my aunt. She''s even moetertliying. You don''t idani. "Ave all of your family members weird?- bu un ben but a cand diurde. "They je nu weud They''re beat Freling to bed, I asked, "What should do, then Logan ing me to have bunch with your mom model really you Rotman penjad tule taken aback a couple of second 1 tlenugiat that the cell phone, called out to stock if he could hear me. seman replied, "Ali, nig mant the don''t my bookopiral mother Just by looking That caiga pan oft guit you''d be able to tell that I''m a mixed-race child. My mother... She went missing after giving it to me. for matinde k?y continued, "Jopery, whatever it is, Logan will that you dosa''t go through any elevatices H calling him again Chapter 267 Jerzumi. Ismissly couldn''tmunicate with Norman. As 1 cart a nce art (pile of gifts, I started feeling iritated \II Cor should never ept rewards in i they were too reliv ne hadn''t done anything to deserve them. I was aware that these gilts wear Norman''s way of apologizing to me, but there were too many of them, a and I ordered Loca to move the gift boses to a more conspicuous counes of the living room. Then, I picked a diamond watch, which was plinting, and put it on. I had basically thrown caution to the handrail it would tree Logan Ho, Neman said something about social media tforms. I was old-fashioned and had fallen behind on these trends, but I quickly checked it out. I didn''t have many friends on the social media tform. True enough, it was all posts from Teri about delicio food I pulled up WhatsApp on my screen and told her what happened today. Tertwas jealous of me. "De van want all the full M. Norman gave von? I cane ever with a sack to take all nithem" Tidwelly. "Thave in return them to him" Teri didn''t think much of a "Why should you? He''s a wealthy man Giving is toties he''s trying to wool ismonce for him. Countlessdies had their love squandered by him Toute apting the pins for them" I was speechless. Tecknuddenly asked. "Amway, have you checked-out focelyn''a ount?" (was stunned. "What did she sat TE Tereponded disdainfully. "What do you think a boasting about the fact that Elijah was looking after her today." Afterward, Tent took a screenstion of pocelyn''s post and sent it to me. The photo was taken at a nice angle, and there was a bowl of oatmeal. Elijah was just a blurred figure The figure had his hand extember, and edit to be Elijah''s arm. with such sentimentality that I couldn''t beat to keep reading it after the first nce. It was typical of Jocelyn. She was still trying to make it look like she and Elijah grumbled on the offer end of the phone, "You didn''t let me post the scheenshot I took of Jocelyn''s posts previously. You''re killing me, Ari. You have no idea that Jocelyn has been acting I the clock. No poe in the Whitstop group cut even talks anymore. They''re all keeping quiet, waiting for the drama to unfold." [ btedly recalled that Teri joined the group chat using an alternate ount. I remembered she said that ocelyn''s former ssmates wi with hen after what had luppened in her. the group, and all of them were sympathizing igroup dat saying anything?"This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Trachudded. "What would they say Arcely exposed herself for willingly bing a homewrecker, she even vindicated herself by saying that it was true love between her and Elijah. would have the guts to say anything Only a few of her de hard tans spoke up for her. The others remained quiet and said nothing. At this point, who would believe that she''s villed it over and asked, "What about after she exposed herself for getting pregnant with Elijah''s baby!" dise wanted tough again. Now, that''s a funny one. Initially, one of Jocelyn''s male ssmates was trying to make up an excuse for her by saying that she was devolved by a scumbag Heen condurrad her. "That he didn''t thank Jocelyn would prove him wrong and humiliate him this fast she had jest posted about having reconciled with Elijah, and the male ssmate imately left the group cut that natning * I didn''t cape if I shouldugh about it old believe this actually happened. Was Jocelyn trying to undermine herself! Traiconnued enthusiastically, "house has found out about my alternate ount, Art. Do you want me to invite you to the group chat?''t just so happens that the group administrators are bum. None of them are going to checked you''re legit" Meli spiechlow. "Telly Wils work?= Ten responded, "Why won''t it work that Joel''s teacher has taken on a meally and pretty college student as his student. That youngdy privately chatted with me twice, and t vite you to the pup that using her name." raud. "You''re warning your talents by not bing a yut les paid. "I''m doing it for you. You hair to ser detective, Tril e di ama with your own eyes to experience the fun and thrill Otherwise, it''ll sound stale and boring if I pass the message greed to it, and the inely invited me to the upchat Alts a while, the group administrator asked to my actual name, as expected, Chapter 268 Chapter 268 the passende Trajshowed me. The group admisionarul approved my imideation in a short while. Mier Testrandthe group chat, t realized there were more than 100 people inside Tejisaidiame, "fat keep yan healdean once anche in the group chat. erln would start arting up again after a couple of days. She''s too busy ndering your name Twitten aroom. As expected. I saw that lovelyn had posted tre tweets in thest ten days. There was adeument, st, which was was a police report Then, I checked im Twitter, pevnost. As expected, a lot ofizens were berating me. Some of them were so much of a saint that they used me of purring an innocent life at risk. sad theirments, soch turned of the function, I didn''t quite get why jocelyn wanted to blow things out of proportion on the inte. Maybe she thought she (had four server penjaga at mortem. So, it won poble that I really coddy''t keep up with the times Jocelyn''s behavior was beyond my understanding Even if I might understand it. pocelyn, and Elijah truly kondeach midin, then why would she feel the need to boast about it several times a day? - might''ve been able to set me off before I lost my memories. However, my mind was clear Naturally, her actions didn''t faze me at all. des sent over a ten, asking me to go downstairs. Tasked, "What is i wants in personally take you to try out the clothes and shoes, Ms. York, minded that Logan did say something like that. I hurriedly grabbed some food before straightening my clothes and going downstairs to wait for Camden Chourter, Camden drove me to Crystal''s studio she had a good impression of me, and she enthusiastically weed me inside finally saw the refined and delicate diess. With the help of the sales assistant, I put it on and wore the emerald ne. jeyes sparkled. "Ger. 1 merely mentioned it in passing, but Ma. Wood actually bought it in looks perfect on you." sas weten i understood that Crystal was the one who suggested the ne to Logan guessed that made sense. He was extremely busy every day. There was no way he had the time to put up for auction. te and diess. Then, the brushed my hair thoughtfully and toed it with a wooden hairpin. Crystal postured dur Ka to Walk me to the mo nce was nieogh to make me tenible all over An extremely delicate and gracefuldy wearing a beautiful dress appeared in the mirror. There was a hint of worry in her eyes. Her vid ute had a tluck head of looked like some superstar out of a modeContent ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. ideas highlighted the woman''s slightly skinny figure, but also added a sense of fragility to her. A ssh of emerald green could be sewn on her slender neck too outertul, aind the emerald nedidace looked excellen Both of these brought out the exte beauty of e wooden hairpun an bedt was the fishing touch. The delicate ornament dangling on it aided a sense of inexplicable soles to the trove hairstyle the woman sported work Trail your eyes. This is the led result of my I picked my chers in daleliet prar and Bound rupul saring into Logan''s eyes, which could warm even the oldest part of my heart. Chapter 269 Chapers 269 medme from head to tre, and these was a imping in his eyes. Thatnever seen sedlemandantusit in an apprenting tone, "7 dihat expect the emerald nec suggested would match this dress sowell, Mr. Wood. Moreover, Ms. York has this elegance that isroer in this area, Mbu. Tirnton, 1 mejely took you suggestiim emeanor, Ms. Work. Hem about you be a model for Silverd Enterprises? anwhat I Then, Logan added politely. "I me what I said, but I do appreciate your kind words, MA- Trenton, saw something but Crystal had already spoken in a repetal tone," goes missed out on her, then. To be honest, it''s difficult to find a model who possesses both elegance and de out there, but t they have a sense of restlessness about them." Logan i lim twitched in respon sally possess an elegance that matches mypany''s clothes too. We have men''s clothes. How about we give it a whirl? demegn. She could spin any topic to her clothes with absolutely anyone, fec dimini in a pre way whim someone uttered from behind, "Huh? What a wonderful dress. Why ady dressed invish clothes and essories shook off the assistant of the studio and darted at me. She scanned my dress from head to toe and suddenly mai duplessed "I''m just looking"Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. eus protesting. "You can look, but you shouldn''t touch me like that diggered ter because she ced at me and salt, I''m going to look at the dress, I''m going to have to feel is fabric. I''m sure this dress doesn''t belong to you. di essing Crystal when she said thest part of her sentence slightly "The dimus is hers, Mas, Cardenas." Mis Cardenas" eyws. Luried in displeasure. That''s unfair, Ms. Trento intended to invest several million dors in your studio, and all tasked in return was for you to design a For que Flowever, you weren''t willing to do in "Havest I glem you tendresses to choose from, Mrs. Cardenas? I asked my assistant about it, and he said that you don''t like them. ed dually. "Tried them, but they just don''t look good. The dress on thisdy looks very preity, though" She paced around the and praised me non-stop. Gy porti semundet ten. "Have you considered the possibility that the dresses didn''t look nice in your eyes because the problem lies with your tige? denas. the bakedike she was neating 200 popods Naturally, nothing she wore would make her look nice sat very confident in hemel That''s wheir poule wong, M. Trenton My ligue is the best and attracts the bestck in the world. If something go goes wrong, it''s the La detanstand fathasan despues rould do anything about people like her Capital Ergen''snd and med to leave dle pulled outy te and What do you mean aliwady giving us looks, ilgnaling to me and Logan to leave quickly. bur Mis Cardenas hastily said, "Hey, don''t leave. Let me take a photo of the dress." cly took photo of ine the diess. My expression und bitte at once. Logan''s expression turned cold as well. He quietly stood in she saw Lopart fate. Then, a le appeared on her chubby checks "Gee, what a lockani y you are, young man. 1 He formed slightly andinimekatch pestined A the next moment, two of his assistants, who were standing outside earlier, komediately entered and blocked Mrs. Cardenas Tapan (preve? boj proteins and said to his pisistares, "Make non she dele the photos." Then, he led me out of the fitting roven. Cretat caught up to in and apologized repeatedly, "I''m sorry, Mr. Wood Ich think Mes Cadenas would have such a boy character After that, the gestured for her assistant to take Chapter 270 Tags me, Ms. York Times shoes supposed to with the diess. I didn''t bring them in you earlier. Drook a nce at them and eroldre''t help but feel thrills, Logan saw the smile on my face and chuckled. "What a silly youngdy. A pair of shoes is enough to bribe you" i won when I imalized that Logan startul lossking be. It was a pol thing that Crystal knew how to salvage the situation. Otherwise, Silverwood Enterprises would face difficulties this be if he had left analy (the pintal Noli and i immediately raised my waist. " it nice to have gifts? Look at this Norman sent over to me this morning it "You say that, hati den''s think it manches my outfit. It''s a little tacky" Logan responded calmly. "On" nosis at that. Why was Logan this He was just humming in response. What the heck did it means Igritted en teeth, and continued to take a dig at Norman. Actually, I don''t like diamond watches. They feel inauthentic and lose value over time." Logan pusheds sses a little and looked at me "Really? This watch is probably quite expensive. Are you sure you don''t like it?" agadoi myy to be rature and nodded "Yeah I wouldn''t have batted an eye at it if it weren''t because Norman begged me to forgive him. Anyway, I think I''m going to return this diamond s''a think your mother would like it if I dressed too luxuriously either. "The ue vai got me is much bees Logan elegant and dignified, and it looks more beautiful the longer you stare at it. My face turned red from uttering those lies. Ligan finally nodded in a superior manner. "If the gifts are meant in make up for his actions, then you should ept them. If you don''t like them, you can always keep and disy them at pts he sent you are hideous and that he should stop it" m¨¢m. "Didy, Logan. You''re not going to be upset at Norman anymore, right? 1. Ve te brother, after all slowey pulled auta than Woodrellence, and I felt er forly different Leason residence for a good while, but I didn''t exactly feel j?ng kack then. All thought was that they w were truly the rich among the wealthy and that their vi was the Wood Landly with Logan, I was extremely nervous I noticed a lot ofmpi taring! and the ck iron gate automatically swung opens a household staff member in unitetis came over to weesContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. can the outer walls of the Woodsidence. They even fumidon several dozen floor Lamps that illuminated thewn. The entire vi locked as bright as day. I was sunset, and my nermendem ??tensified The Household stall tender came ovat tuopen the car door, and Logan helped me out of the car I beard him asking in a soft voce, "To we have guests?" The Moteloid wall me desponded softly, Thurs right Max. Wood inted more than ten esteemed guests" see the obvious tamen on Logar''s stopped in my tracks. We agreed on having casual meal with Mrs. Wood. So, why were there sukkenly many people? Chapter 271 Tupter 271 Login sensed my unease andheld my hand protly. "Don''t be scared." Then, he led me and walked leisurely to the grand hall, which had even brighter li lights. I took a deep breath before I follow him. Thest thing I had expected was to walk right into the biggest challenge I had faced ever since I lost my memories. The weldof wealthy and powerful 1. es was a strep and treacherous one, and I was simply to me to foresee it Better Logan and I reached the grand hall, I already saw several guests weaning formal attine the hallway, chatting and chuckling away. I took a look at the grand hall, and the lights in three shone brighter. The wear a lot of people here, and they were all dressed to the nines. There was an exquisite pastry station by the entrance, which was decorated with fresh flowers. Alivet a modder, it felt as if i had just walked into a television diama set in the so 40%, took a look at my outfit and felt relieved that I was dressed appropriately for the asion. If I had -dren, then I might''ve humiliated myself. After all, this was the first time was meeting the members of the Wood family. I could be the rughingstock for the rest of my life if I tried too hard. "You''re finally here. Logan"" Atamilun voice in the at Hooked over and found myself looking at Ruby. When she saw me, Logan nodded at her calmly and intended to bring me inside. her expression became unusual Ruby blocked me off and asked, "What are you doing here?" hint a look at her, and the immediately lowered her voice. "You shouldn''t have beght her here, Logan. Your mother invited Ms. Lancaster today." 1.1 could feel Logan''s arm stiffening, but he quickly asked city, "Really? Why didn''t she let me know about it? Ruby responded in an ingratiating tone. "It just so happens that Ms. Lancaster returned to the country today. Your mother found the timing to be just right. So, she invited her over Then, Baby stared at me hostilely and said sarcastically. "Excuse me, Ms York You might not understand what Logan and 1 are talking about." cuket at Logan, and be said id, "You''re getting bolder as ofte, Ruby Haj should''ve been attaid of maling Logan angry, but she probably got much bolder because Mrs. Wood was here today. She chuckled dryly. "I''m just telling you that out of the kindness of my heart Logan You ought to meet with Ms. Lancaster now that she''s hete York for you. Then, you can greet Ms. LancastThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. I hugged Logan''s arm nervously when I heard what Ruby said, and my palms were covered in sweat. She truly knew how to crush one''s spirit. After all, she intended to i wdinaty gond and ce na und her cale turn me into an That uld''ve wasted Logan''s arrangement for pe the esteemed guests here wouldn''t think much of me either. He cast a sarcastic nce at Ruby, who felt utterly dufident. attered, "Tnd whid for your own good, Logan 1-If My Lancaster nisunderstands you, then your mother will have a hard time Exining Bere Ruby mould sash her sentence, she saw Logan leading me in the grand hall without batting an eye at her. The stepped into the grand hall, I was dazed by the various vibrant lights. The once familiar living had beenpletely transformed. All furniture was armed from the hall, except the long rectangler dining table. It was covered with a white tablecloth featuring embroidered local patterns, and exquisite silverware wasid out on mach seat. Their were delirane bouquets as well. was a protect tend at very different cul Couches and collem katodes i the has a baitpletion, and be hair was as dark as it was beautiful. Her features were delicate, and she had clearly taken good care of h ie ted on winter side of the spacious living room, and I saw Logan''s renowned mother-Vera Medini. ther appearance. It looked like she was in her cos. Chapter 272 Chapter 272 Several pobledies were sitting around Mrs. Wood, chaffing with her enthusiastically. She originated from the southern part of the country. So, she was very elegant and graceful. There wasaboan emerald ne on her neck as well as an emerald bracelet on her wrist.This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. stinctively looked at the emerald ne I was wearing, and I finally understood what they meant when they said that certain people exuded an overwhelming sense of opulent elegance. The ne on Ms. Wood''s neck alone was enough for her to outssevery nobledy in Marins City by andslide. Logan led me forward, and the people around us fell silent as they cast their gazes our way. All of a sudden, the nervousness 1 had been feeling vanished into thin air. Perhaps I was so nerous that my heart became numb to L I noticed Ms. Woodsweeping a quick nce at me before she decidedly dismissed me she rose to her feet with a smile on her face and walked over to Logan gracefully. "You te heir, Logan Mix Woodshopped in front of him and held his hand. Then, she introduced him to her guess. "This is my son, Logan Wood." Praises rose in the all, and Logan grinned in response. He proceeded to shake hands and swap pleasantries with some of the guests he knew in person. Mr. Wood was about to sit him down on the couch, but he suddenly said, "Allow me to introduce, Mum Before Logan could finish, she was already frowning and looking at me. Het youre was ity and barely loud enough for the three of us to hear it. "Don''t be a buzzkill, Logan. I have no interest inking someone who means nothing to us." In the next moment, my mind seemed to go nk. I couldn''t hear anything that was being said after that. The lights intertwined in front of me, bluating my vision, I wanted to hold onto Logan''s arm, but I could hear Huby saying, "Ms. York is with me, te Wood Come on, let''s have a chat at the back." Someone came over todrag me away I wanted to resist, but was gripped tightly by a pair of hands. It was very painful, and I wanted to yell However, spact of my brain hold me back and prevented me from humiliating myself. Logan immediately pulled me to his side and said coldy, "You''re getting naughter, Ruby, She''s my girlfriend Huby decoed a smile and cesponded, "Huh? Come on, Logan. There''s no way that''s true," What should do? Frealized that I couldn''t even utter a single word I couldn''t protect myself. >> 1. Woods voire was by when she said, "Young people these days are more and more uncultivated. They don''t even greet older people when they see them." I looked at Mrs Wood''s affectionate eyes, which wereced with coldness now, as she stared at me. I parted my lips, but I couldn''t say anything Logan held my hand tightly clearly, he was controlling himself it was time for me to say something. I did my best to squeeze a smile on my face and said, "Hi, Mrs. Wood Fo Mrs. Wood puddenly turned around and said to the household staff, "It''s almost time. Ask Mix. Lancaster to get down here," The household stall responded, "Ms. Lancaster is still taking a nap. She''s still adjusting to the time difference" Ms. Wood smiled lovingly "Gee, Ipletely forgot about it not you have to walls het up all the same. Tell her that Logan is here. It''s been a long t is the best opportunity for them to reunite a long time since they''ve met each other. This Then, Mrs. Wood said suggestively, "it''s all my faule really shouldve set them up with each other much earlier. I''ll never understand why ady has to study philosophy." Thetter part of my sentence was back in my throat. As rood behind Logan, I thought I was nothing but a Laughingstock Inwept a frantic nce at the people arounds only to find that the guests were churking and chatting. They were barely aware of my presence, but none of them batted an age at me Chapter 273 Titel betove a searing heat set in. It felt like someone had throws me into an oven before plunging ine into an ke cavern. The Word family''s household statt went away to wake up the aforementioned Mts. Lancaster, Meanwhile, Max Wood turned around and approached the circle of nobledies before resuming I heard Logan''s voice. "Let''s take a seat over there, JulTM I nodded numbly before I moved my sittened feet and followed him to a corner of the liContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. ? living room. I didn''t realize that I had forgotten to breathe until I took a seat on the chair. This was a huge mistake. I shouldn''t havee to this party. Thing my head as tears fell in my diess. The fabric was so smooth that they slid right off and disappeared from sight Logan stood next to me and handed me a piece of tissue quietly. I nced at him to a second before I quickly lowered my head At that moment, someone by the stairs said something. Afigure in white swiftly dated towards She was very slender and graceful, which brought to mind the way a white butterfly glided beautifully in the air. raised my head and found myself staring at ady who was as exquisite as a fairy. She was descending the stats with a spring is her steps, wearing an extraordinarily white dress. Her long hair cascaded over het back messily, seemingly bobbing with a mind of its own atter I got a good look at My. Lancaster''sce, I finally understood what someone with bright eyes and a lovely gare looked like. She smelled like lc, and she possessed an ethereal charm. Ma. Lancaster wout a in dress, and she didn''t touch up her appearance in the slightest. In fact, she even had some freckles on her face and nose. She probably got out of her bed immediately after waking up. Then, she probably didn''t brush her hair or freshen up before she walked right into the party. silenor hung over the spacious hall, and everyone couldn''t resist fiding their gaze on Ms Lancaster. I also couldn''t help but look at her skipping and hopping toward us "Hi, Ms. Wood." Ms. Lancanes preeted Mr. Wood yfully. Her ent sounded strange, almost as if her tongue hadn''t straightened out. It added an air of cuteness and innocence to her Ms. Lancaster pped toward Mrs. Wood with a smile on her face. Then, the disregarded everyone''s paze and squeezed Mrs Wood''s arm "Owe, 1 sure missed you, Mrs Wood'' Her voice was gentle and warm, making us want to smile along with her. Mrs. Wood bald Ms. Lancer back happily. She patted her back and said, "Good grief. You''re wearing a dress and nothing else. Aren''t you cold? That was when I realized that Ms. Linciter''s back waspletely bare. I didn''t notice how revealing her dress was because her hair had covered most of it Me Lancaster used. "Not at all- she started using dialet halfway through her exchange with Mrs. Wood, who also used the same dialect to talk to her. Both of them were so intimate with each other that it was hard not to notice them. sgoed how the guests around cast a loving nce at Ma. Lancaster as if they had known her when she was just a little girl. I lowered my head and suddenly found the whole thing to be God didn''t even grace me with age when I was dressed to the ni e party was instantly captivated by Ms. Lancaster, who was dressed very casually Sts. Lancaster continued today with Max Wood for a while. Then, Mrs Wood gestured at her before pointing at Logan, Her face it up, and she turned around "Logan" As expected, Ma Lancaster ran toward Logan. I not load him frowning ever so slightly, She spoke with a slight up, and it sounded like she was calling him "Loven". However, nobody made fun of her. In fact, no one even found her startled reaction to be undignified Ms. Lancaster sipped in front of Logan and smiled. She was allout to reach out and hug him when he took a step back. Then, he said calmly, "Oh, you''re back" Chapter 274 M?L LANGAIDH DEADd that Logan didn''t want to hug her, and she poured. "Why aren''t you happy to see me, Loven?" chnth, "That''s not in. I''m quite thrilled, but why didn''t you let me know before you returned to the country? Mu Lancaines responded. "I wanted to surple you." Ino idea what Logao was feeling now What did know was that he didn''t seem too keen to carry on with the conve responded indifferently. "Oh I''m surprised" Lancaster finally noticed that something was off about Logan. She frowned. "Are you upset, Loven?" ? nonchnt tone, "I''m not upset Anyway, your outfit is totaling Go back to the room as di That was when M. Lancar serred to be aware of her revealing outfit, she giggled and said, "It''s fine. I''m used to" Then, she trailed off to silence before she sneezed a couple of times. Localmed me aware, purting more distance betwon me and her. Ms. Lancaster raised her head and noticed him holding my hand. It looked like she finally realized my presence, from head to toe. Who is she, Loven?" lerated in closet and suddenly wamed, "Oh, try. What a wonderful necdace!"Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. dows and added, "What an exquisite dress. I mean, it''s just beautifull." I den Ma. Lapicester take a gander at me. As she marveled at my outfit, the party guests turned their gates to me again. led awardly. I had no idea what I should we said. Now that I could look at Ms. Lancaster at a loser distance, I realized she had a small face. With that said, her nose wasn''t tha bedimed, and her Beatures were extracedimarily graceful and refined. ised to find that I actually thought she was exactly the kind of Lady sought after by wealthy men she didn''t need to be striking or beautiful. All she needed was to be graceful, Lysa Lancaster. What''s your name?" Ms. Lancaster Buticed I wasn''t responding to her. So, she took the initiative to extend her hand and say, "Hi, I''m Ly 1 ended my hand sibily. "Hi, I''m Artemia York." Lee was bed for a second. "I think I''ve heard your name before." She corked her twad and asked Login, "Loven, is Ari- * Logan interrupted her and said, "She''s Jonathan''s younger state and my friend" This time. Lysa was utterly dumbfounded. "Wun Do you have a girlfriend already, Loven?" sin dabeled. He wore a coldexpression "Yeah. Didn''t my mom tell you about it?" I noticed Lysa''s eyes tuning red in a matter of a second, and it was my turn to be stunned. At that moment, Mas Wood came over the held Lya''s shoulders and frowned at Log What did you say to Lysie, Logan? Logan''s poured into a grin, and his toe wasced with arcum. "I said what needed to be said. You don''t have to go through this much trouble to hnd me a girlfriend, Mom. I told you a od time agochat I''ve only men loved achy" Logan rast a nce at and dem Min Wood patted Ly''s shoulder,forting Ber, "Don''t listen to his nonsense. This Lady isn''t his girlfriend, and she will never be." Mrs. Wood looked at me and said coldly, "Please remember the bond between our families and stay out of my family''s business, Ms. York." I finally found my voice. "Tapologer for overstepping my boundaries, Mas Wood Mrs. Wood noted he deder and polite I was, and her to softened considerably. "I''m aware that you''re facing some issues Lately, Ms. York. However, that''s none of our concern. If you text wine assistance, then the Wood family will dly lend you a hand. But.." Mrs. Wood churided ate before she continued, "My son is going to marry Lysa. Chapter 275 I couldn''t hear anything Mrs. Woodsaid next. It was as if someone covered my ears, causing everything to sound vague and far away Then, my vision started blurring, and there was a ringing in my ears. It was the first time I had been humiliated in such a thorough and brutal manner ceminded me of the moment when my mom brought me to our neighbor''s house. I was five years old, and I was in the middle of a tooth transition period. However, I couldn''t help but In the end, out neighbor''s so caught me red-handed. It was a simr feeling to what I was experiencing now. They ridiculed me for having no self-respect and bing a thief, stealing something that didn''t belong to me. Theirughter grew louder by the second in my mind It seemed that Logan said something betone di agging me away from the party and taking me home. When we were in the car, I slowly regained myposure. Logan was staring at me with unblinking eyes. I rubbed my eyes and said, "I''m fine, Logan." He let out a long sigh and pulled me into his arms. "I''m sorry" I was actually in the mood to make a joke at his expense. "The great Logan just apologized to me. Now, that''s something you don''t see every day." Logan shook his head. "This isn''t funny, Ari-not one HE" The smile on my face gradually appeared. He was right. It wasn''t funny at all. Nothing about what happened today was funny. If anything, I was the butt of the joke. I''deven go so far alj the joke itsel 1 took off my hairpin quietly and removed my ne before leasing on my seat. Logan''s expression shifted. "What''s the meaning of this, Ari?" shook my head. "It''s nothing I just want to take a breath." Logan observed my expression meticulously and solemnly before he instructed the diver to get into the car and drive us away. looked out the window as the scenery sped past me and slowly shut my weary eyes. Back in the Wood residence, the luxurious party was still going on. The mug was graceful, and the female party guests donned exquisite outs. However, some of the more observant guests noticed that the Lady of the house wasn''t smiling at all At the same time, some esteemed guests didn''t see a person who should be at the party, the CEO of Wood Group-Logan Wood When the partymenced, the Lady of the house merely delivered a brief and formir speech before she disappeared. The esteemed guests lowered their y news in Marina City as they snored the delicious meal voices and discussed the recentN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. All of a sudden, one of the extremely wealthy noble Lathes said in a moderate voice," bet. I did so her. In fact, I saw her today when Mr. Wood brought her to Silverwood Enterprises. She was skinny and had a fairplexion I could tell she was a homewrecker with just a nce Tik, sk, tik I didn''t think it was her, and I almost didn''t recognize Mr. Wood" he held onto it for dear life and wouldn''t even let me touch it " The middle-aged nobledy''s chubby cheeks quivered with rage. "I said I wanted the dress, but Another nobledy who sat next to her asked hesitantly, "Did you really see the young Lady, Mrs. Cardenas? How old is she? che''s not exactly old, but he doesn''t deserve.Wood. Tik, she''s a divoree, and she''s still tangled up with her ex-husband. Women like her probably have unbing characters. I''ve seen too many of her kind. They love making connections with powerful and wealthy men who have a higher social status. Her ex-husband is from the Linden family, and he''s also an heir "Now, they''re already divorced Let me tell you, their divorce is aburring one. You can find their names on gossip news" Mrs. Cardenas was enthusiastically spreading the scandalous news she read in the gossip columns earlier "Women like her are hotheads, and there''s a lot of unfavorable news about her. She sshed liquor on someone during a ceremony. She also jumped from a building and into the ocean. Also, she seemed to have seduced a top management employee of her supplies." "Gosh, is than who she really I "This can''t be possible The Work family is quite reputable, but she has ruined it." The esteemed guests on the side of Mrs Cardenas swapped nces, and they saw a burning interest for gossip in each other''s eyes. The Wood family was one of the wealthiest families among the high society in Marina City. Chapter 276 The Wood family had always been strict and mindful of their reputation. Never was there any scandalous news about them Now, however, an indecentdy clung onto their current her tightly. It was no wonder that Vera didn''t intend to entertain the guests she invited herself Back on the second floor of the Wood residence, Vera was on an overseas phone call with a grim expression. It was a call from Zachariah Wood. A loyal butler had already informed him about what had happened earlier. Zach was on the phone, and his voice was cold when he asked, "How are you going to hand today''s mess?" Vera protested nonchntly. Your son is extremely rebellious, Zachariah Why are you asking me about my way of handling it instead of calling him and ripping into him?" Zachariah responded in a cold and aloof tone, "You have five minutes to exin the situation to me. Vera said calmly. "There''s nothing to exin here Logan can''t marry thatdy. I won''t let that happen, even if she has divorced her ex-husband. Thatdy isn''t even divorced now. I''ve put out the feelers, and she has dime questionable things since long ago on top of that, she has caused the Linden family a great deal of humiliation. "That''s why none of the Lindens keer. How is someone like her supposed to be Logan''s wife, Zachariah? Who''s the one with a screw loose, me or Logan?" Zachariah cesponded nonchntly, "Neither of us has lost our minds, but there is an issue now. I''m only interested in knowing what you''re going to do next" She fell silent for two seconds before she said. The only course of action is to make Logan gradually give up on Ariana." Zachariah seemed to have chuckded on the other side of the phone The calm in Vera''s voice finally began to crack "What do you mean by that? Tell me exactly what''s on your mind and stop ghing me ambiguous responses like that all the time! Zachariah responded calmly, "What I''m saying is that I hope your wishes true. Then, he hung up the phone. Verlooked at the darkened phone seen. She had done her best to hold herself together, but she was starting to lose it. With that said, she quickly pushed her ruined mood aside and walked outside with her head held high Anger and nears had no ce in the we e wealthy and powerful families. Vera had never failed at getting what she wanted if she set her mind to it. That was why she was certain c win this tug-of-war with Logan If Logan was being difficult, then the would tale Ariana out of the picture. She might look exquisite and charming, but it wasn''t hard to see that she was aplete icon, After I arrived at home, Logan stayed back. This was the first time something like this had happened. that she wouldd Meanwhile, i removed my makeup and took the dress the moment I stepped foot into my ce. I took a hot shower and was able to cry my heart out when the hot water fell on me, 1 took a long time in the bathroom. I came out after a long time and dried my hair. Huge wisps of steam rushed outside, and I didn''t notice that Logan was sitting in my room. Just as I was about to take off my towel, he cleared his throat. Logan almost scared the out of me. I clutched my towel and looked more catally. When I was sure that it was him, my face reddened from anger. "What are you doing in my room?" Logan rubbed his cheek. I was worried that something might happen to you in the bathroom. "Why would anything happen to me in there?" I didn''t sound confident at all. After all, I did shower for a long time. Lepan walked over, which caused me to hurriedly take some steps back. Then, he caressed my cheek and asked, "Did you cryContent is property ? N?velDrama.Org. I removed his hand from my face awkwardly. "N-Not at all book a long bath in there. That''s all Water.. No, shampoo pot into my eyes." Chapter 277 I immediately ducked out of Logan''s reach and sat at the dressing table to dry my hair. Talso wrapped myself tightly with a bathrobe.. Logan on the chair next to me and stated at me in silence. Feeling diffident, I didn''t dare to look at him, but my heart was in turmoil. All of a sudden, Logan trek the towell away from me and helped me dry my halt. Twas at a loss for worth. He was being very gentle with it. First, he let the towel absoob droplets from the tips of my hair. Then, he dried my hair with it before getting the hairdryer. "No, I''ll do it myself. "Timmediately took the hairdryer away from his hands. I was worried that I would lose myposure the moment he switched it on.. Logan''s eyes darkened. "It still bothers you very much, Ari" Taveled his gaze. "No, it doesn''t He matched the hairdryer from me and suddenly leaned close to me, forcing me to back up against the dressing table. His eyes seemed sullen, and there was a storm brewing in them. All of a sudden, 1 was disheartened. "What do you want to ask me about? Logan Eited my chin, and I could see my reflection in his eyes. Llooked disheveled and pitiful. Then, I chuckled bitterly Fil you want to ank me about my feelings, I have to say that I''m really in a bad ce now. So, will you spare me the questioning?" My voice sounded choked up. "Going to the Wood dence today has left me feeling silly and naive." I mercilessly smacked my head several times. "I failed to retain the lesson I''ve learned, and I forgot the fact that my reputation is very bad. Why did I put myself in that situation?! deserved it because I''m a moron naive, silly, and idiotic. I''m A kiss put a stop to all the things I wanted to say. This time, the loss was much more passionate and bolder than before Ild feel Logan''s body trembling from his raw emotions, but his agressive kisses gate intre by the second. He held me assertively as he undid the ties on my bathrobe My bathrobe was taken off in the middle of the confusion before falling to the floor. However, I was still wrapped in a thick towel. I thought I heard Logan grunting before he ced me on "Mrgh." A sudden colt in my chest made me take a sharp breath, and my confused mind suddenly sobered up 1cout'' do this, and neither could be I mustered up some courage and teached out, pashing against Logan''s half-expredchest. "No No! We can''t do this." Logan couldn''t stop himself from advancing. He proceeded to my neck and vicles. His breath was so hot that it was searing, and the look on his face made me think that he was going I could feel the carnal passion that he previously suppressed as well as his determination. However, was this the right time for it? Isaw in my mind how Mrs. Wood had grinned at me. She explicitly told me that Logan was set to marry Lysa in the future. I felt a shiver and immediately curled myself up. Logan was interrupted by my reaction, but there was still Just in his eyes. His voice was bourse. "What''s the matter, Ari?" 1 insediately baudot and look into his eyes solemnly. "Tan''t do this, Logan Logan suddenly asked, "Do you think I''m not good enough?" I was stunted. Then, he suddenly leaned in close to me and pinched my chin. He squinted and asked, "are you still bothered by something someone else sal?" I chudded bomerty. "Who could it be? I''m thinking about the attitude your mom showed me However, Logan responded coldly. "Ignore her " Iced to duckle bitterly, "I still have yet to get divorced It''s only natur. that your mom treated me that way. No mother in the world would want her own son to be talked about That was it. i didn''t manter of the uth was dous and that Jovan had released several statements for me. I still hadn''t gone through the legal process and gotten divorced. That meant I ''t have the right to stand in front of Mrs Wood The truth was that I probably still wouldn''t have the right even if I were divorced With that said, I might''ve been able tofort myself that I wasn''t good enough when that time can I looked at Logan. There was no way he couldn''t understand me He calmed down and reached out but his shit again. Then, he took the hairdryer and blew dry my hair, which was still wer I ced into the mitra nud saw that Logan looked utterly troubled.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. Chapter 278 Tsiglet, Teeling both defected and resigned.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. Hino, my hai wandey, and the night pew deep. However, Logan didn''t go back to the guest toren Ichangedtu my pajamas and clutched my nket as I stared at him. uralis, and collected. "Ti dreping here tonight." sident Im a long time. Then, I said. "Tis not a kktanymore., Jar you nude you''re not polig fedo something to me in the middle of the night? pis vesponded. "I won''). "Then, he yed a pillow at the end of the bed to show that he purant lesinees. Lapin sukkah Rashedme a vedle I won'')y a finger on you until you''ve regained you fredom." Laskedagain, "What''s the prem al ucking with it, then"" i sat upright and stared at me intently. "What are you lyingtell me?" I licked at his hall and hurriedlyy down I shut my eyes as I said, "No, I ain''t mean anything by it, I''m tired, and I''m going to sleep now" After I turned off the lights, I mild also feel Logan lying down slowly. It was in the room, but it didn''t seem as scary now that I had someone else keeping mepany I gradually started to feel sleepy, and I became dioway. en, Echuckled bitterly and thought how silly i was tit, Lamed I would suffer insomnia after being humiliated this tragically. "Upsa is not my funci "Lapin''i voler was particrly clear when it case in the emply rooni. Laprised my eyes, fighting against the dowsiness, Frould heat myself asking blos, "Do you love her!" Logan pesponded. Tiden know he that well." "You say that, but Lysa acted as if you two were very low. She even called your nano intimately. Although she had a lisp, she was still very adorable probably triggered Logan because he suddenly got upset. aditable. I don''t love her, and we''re done talking about this" His voice sullenly sounded blood-chilling I wamed to ask him why, but I was so tired that I merely responded, "y." In the next moment, I drifted off into sleep. i suddenly sat upright when I was sleeping. He ced his pillows right next to mine. Then, he looked at my reddened face, even breathing, and my slightly 1 the other Ladies mean noting in me. So, I dm''? say that some otherdy is adorable. I forbidit Logan whispered in try ea uttelille, ? kept dreaming of Mas Wood repeating the same thing to me over and overgan. "Logan is going to marry Lysa in the future." 1 was forced to listen full content times, which left me in a loop of tear and anguish. It was truly terrifying The next day, I wake nigiditate kept n? ?stly bodiod that my bradine and my eyes were en having a dental sleep ded them and realized that they were probably swollen. Also, Thad a headache becausest night''s I propped say chin on my hands and spaced out, thinking about the kit of things I wanted to dodou the whol thest vestiges of sleepiness were all but pune, Someone suddenly poked his Aleeping wider my Market! Also, weren''t you at the end of the bed fast ad?" My started atted Loca the fically used the der " you say, Ms. York! What Isappone daved that I didn''t respondier, she indedly opened the don my nket. When I got a good look and realized it was LogL till hada''s fully woken up. I pressedown on his tightly and said, "Wet out, Lora. I''m fine, trally" tartedly traliand what was going on the immediately roved her. "Alight, okay. I''m leaving now the Terry up and freshen up for breakfast. Mr. Wood is going Ince L manduetalking, thechoed the don and Chapter 279 11 teh like my heart didn''t start beating until the door closed. Thuniedly let prot Logan, worrying that I might''ve smothered him to death Altes i zemoved the pillow, I saw that he was smiling. I got so mad and asked, "What are you grinning at? How did you end up sleeping here when you should''ve been sleeping at the end of the bed Speak Back in the hospital, Logan was the kind of man who controlled his urges and adhered to basic courtesy. He''d even ask the hospital staff to arrange another bed just so he could sleep next to Now, however, Logan actually asked for a mile when I had given hen an inch. He was well-rested from his sleep, and he leisurely rubbed his eyes as he looked at me pouting. He reached out and leaned close to my neck, smelling the sweet scent. When he held me, my entire body became searing 1 squamed, trying to get away from him. to move and the fear of doing so "Stop. I''ll have my way with you if you move." Logan''s voice was house and deep. I immediately went still, caught between the urge to mo "Lie on the bed with me for a little longer." Login requested thad muchoice but to lie down obediently and remain motionless. He pressed his chin against n my head and held my wrist with his lean am. I noticed that his eyes were closed, and his curled eyshes were very defined, Logan had wide shoulders, and his muscles were delicate and fair. I could just see the veins beneath them. Then, there was his sexy Adam''s apple. Logan grunted and tightened his grip on my body. He was acting as if he was afraid of losing me, which gave rise to warmth rising in my chest. It felt as if the humiliation I sufferedst nig wasn''t that unbearable anymOLE. Logan''s breathing was even, and he seemingly dedoft back to sleep. I began to count the number of eyshes ho had. After I was done counting, I felt a shadow obscuring my vision Logan coed my Lace with his palm, "What are you doing? You''re misbehaving "He opened his eyes as he spoke. They were hazy and deep. It took merely a nce to nearly captivate me. A mile slowly spread across Logan''s face in a matter of a second, I was deeply mesmerized by his grin. It wasn''t that I sumbed very easily, but he was simply too seductive. My brain was jan memakan a tonnages''s when it came to this, and I couldn''t have resisted him if I wanted to Logan leaned close and staredanto my eyes. "Your eyes are exquisite, Art" he said softly before he lidssed me passionately again it was more interse thanst night, leaving me feeling dizzy. He pried open my lips with his tongue and by gradually went soft before turning hot and staff. I identally touched Logan''s arm, which was hard and sea ing 1 wanted to push him away, but I came to realize that I was weaker he wasst nicht Actually, I dien''l want to teist Logan. The cralization made me feel ashamed, but the feelingsted less than a second All of a sudden Logen stopped what he was doing heard him whispering in my ear. "We can''t Huh? Was there something wrong with him down there? That probably wasn''t it, though. After all, I could feel him patching a tax, I quickly halted my train of thought, Logan was already forcing himself to u upright. He stared at me with a profounder, and his eyes were a littloodshot Hunched a little "Logan. You."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. He took several deep breaths and gave me a long and intense look before he got out of bed and went away to freshen up, I didn''t dare to look at his half-naked body, and I quickly put on iny pujamas before going out of the room. Lara was setting up the dining table for healdast. She looked Then, Lora ook aage She said as she left, "Dee, I have to leave as soon as I''ve made bast next time " ine with a mile. "Hurry up and grab a bite. I''m going to buy some ingredients. Remember to ask Mr. Wood to eat with you." I could do nothing except stand by the dining table awkwardly. After a while, Logan came out of my room, wearing formal attire. Chapter 280 I didn''t have the habit of leading the local news in the morning. Now that Teri talked about it, 1 immediately tapped on it and browsed. As expected, the same article was tight there I sighed and sent Teri another text, "This is scary. No one has any secrets anymore."This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Taci replied, "Wee the grand, new age of big data. To be honest, I sympathize with you a lot. You still h has been harsh to you, Ari." still have Jocelyn to deal with, and yet God sent another love rival your way, Life No tree words had been spoken. As I read the article, I noticed that the most decorated words were used to describe Lysa, who wore sunsses in the photos. A sense of powerlessness However, I didn''t have any egy tight back now. The only thing left in me was the courage that I had to master. Iced the webpage and asked Teri if she had the time to go to the university with me. She agreed to it immediately. Ever since I took Logan''s advice and had Teri invest in Silverwood Enterprises on my behalf, she had been going to work very diligently. On top of that, I discovered that she had her own unique take on fashion design Right now, Teri had basically quit her jo job at the group''s administrative department. She was learning everything she could from 5 Teri adud in a cunos maner. The semester hasn''t begun. Why are you going to campus this soon?" I sighed and replied to her text, "want to get the list of books to buy so that I ran read ahead first" Teil was surprised "Geez Louise, Ms York You have Logan as your boyfriend Why are you studying at all?". Silverwood Enterprises as she nned out her own studio 1 held any self fi e Ling her about the humiliation I suffered at the Wood residencest night. Instead, I told her I had to study because I was bored. Teri replied, "I can''t say that funderstand it but you''ve earned my respect Chapter 281 liter half an hour, Teri and Latte Marina City hiversity entrance. Tewas speechless at how I was dressed. "Ariana York, are you out of your mind? Why are you dressed like that? Tickle clutched them. "Don''t Trought a coldst night." Teri didn''t believe myme excuse. It wasn''t winter now, and autumns Masa City was scorching hot She pulled them off and was stunned. Then, she let out a strange, mockingugh. Embarrassed, I quickly wnapped myself tightly in my coat. "Thon''tugh What are youughing at? I''ll gauge your eyes out if you continue tough."Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Teil der bugh "Tell me who gave you all these hickeys I didn''t know whether to cry ofugh. "Can you not ask about it? 1-1 went back" 11h so galry and embarrassed that I wanted to run away, but why would Teri let me do that? be grabbed me and pled Tell me Did Mr. Wood bite you We candyst night? I ced at hei, tacitly admitting to it Truthfully, before 1 changed my new clothes and headed out, I didn''t notice the love bites Logan left on my neck and corbone. If it weren''t because we had made prior ns and it ould''ve been weirdid''t show up, I wouldn''t have reported to this desperate measure. to look at it. o wonder Lora ran away after making baldast. I was bold enough to unt Logan''s "marks of victory" after being devoured. Even Loca couldn''t bear to I When I thought about it. I was extremely embarrassed. Twished I could dig a hole and by myself in it. Tritond how turious 1 was and knew not to tease me anymore. hupped my arm. "Let''s go look for the counselor with you. We cars if we can meet a few lecturers to give you tips on self-study. jembarrassment slowly serced as I walked into Marina City Diversity with Teri Marina City University was huge. I would have gotten lost if it weren''t for Ter. We arrived at Marina City University''s School of Arts and Design Teitag me along and found the courdelor in charge. The counselor listened my intentions ofing here and was shocked. "D-Do you love learning that much? Then, be realsed be had misspoken and coughed "h, it''s good to have an affinity for learning Coincidentally, a few lectures are here today. You can meet them, I''m sure they''ll give you a ww, I was the one thorked "Ol, we''re meeting the lecturers Teri quickly tagged my clothes. Then, the counselor brought me to the office §±§â 6. Besitate but just went along with Ter. This was the second time I was here. I was previously recruited to Marina City University with good grades and exceptional academie standing Howrser, graduated with mediocre grades. Ithew away loud year university and, like a hopeless romance, used all my time to pursue Elijah. Everyone at Marina City University knew about this. Many lecturers who saw my potential were so furious that they were speechless Tardy managed to graduate after begging each of them. Howevnt - 1 was so hopeless that after I struggled so badly to graduate, I proposed to Elijah. I felt weak in any kies au thought about the patents Teri descaled. I made a However i take shouldn''t havee here to ask for toote for me teper this. The counselor brought Tell and me to the allice. I perked in and was stunned Tertredia shove me in, but I retreated as if I wanted to escape. "Let''s leavel" I Rugged Tell and was about to leave Terinedly asked, "War''s the malici?" Chapter 282 Theld my chest as my face turned pale. "Tshould''ve checked my horoscope before we headed out" Tel peered inside and noticed the counselor speaking to a white-haired lecturer. She came back and asked me, "What''s the matter? Who did you see? My face wat rifled with reiser. "Tow Lysa Tamuly saw Lysa!" "Lys/Whek that?" Teri couldn''t recall who she was After a long time, I said, "She''s the third daughter of the Lancaster family! I saw her!! Teri was shocked. "Oh my god, what are coincidence! Ha big datae this Lar? Why is she where we arei I Loughed bitterly. "What should we do? Why in the here? Didn''t she just return from overseas? Shouldn''t she have finished her studies overseas?" Teri had no answer to my sant. The counsels approached and said, "na, Mr. Lincolis wants to see you. He said he taught you before." 1ered Ter, and Ten watched empathetically as Twalked away. It dragged my feet as I entered with the counselor. Before arriving before Mr. Lincoln, the man with a full head of white han, i heard a full-bodied, moving volce, "Why, if it isn''t Ms. Ariana York! What an unexpected surprise. After gradusting for many years, she finally membered to visit the lecturers at her alma mater. Are you here to see if we''re still alive?"N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. His statement had sessfully silenced the enormous office. Countless panes looked toward me like slice from tiny des. My face was scarlet. Mr. Lincoln, the associate dean of the School of Arts and Design at Marina City University, was an experienced designer who had won countless awards overseas. At 55, Marina City University rehired him with handsomepensation. Tari told me Mr. Lincoln valued me dearly when I was admitted to Marina City University seven years ago. He even personally wanted to teach my ss Initially, I was serious about learning. Mr. Lincoln admired my inspination and gave me a lot of attention. He even did I kept my grades up, I would have no problempleting my PhD. He even coached me to participate in somepetitive awards onerSUS Steletly speaking. Mr. Lincoln treated me with hopewnmenter. However, I singlehandedly ruined such a great opporty that many students wen''t lucky enough to get. Since I had an obsessive crush on Elijah, I skipped sses, neglected iny assignments, and didn''t participate in design project research. My behavior deeply hurt Mr. Lincoln''s heart During my third year of university, Mr. Lincoln stopped teaching my sses, iming he was ill As a result, my ssmates hated me deeply back then They never expected a roten apple like me to ruin such a fantastic opportunity to Wander Mr. Lincoln I made my way before Mr. Lincoln I stared at the estranged, serious face, trying hard to recall the memories from hack then, but I only drew a nk I apologetically lowried my head. "I''m sorry, Mr. Lincoln. I was wrong" hong? What did you do that was wrong? Didn''t you say we should brave the pur pursuit of a career to men? Women only pursue true love, which is the most beautiful expression of art in the Mr. Lincoln markinglyughed at my stupid statement in the past. What happened seven years ago was biting me in the ass now. My face was pale. "I''m sorry, Mr. Linosi. I made a mistake. I really want to me my learning" "Resume your learning? Ariana York, who do you think you are? You can''t just waltz your way in here as you please. Mr. Lincoln pointed at my nose and reprimanded me, "I won''t ept the of you, a person who doesn''t appreciate her talent and opportunity, as my student. You can sit in for other bebunes, but you can never sit do my lecturns!" Lincoln had said what he needed to His chest head costantly, showing just how angry he was Then, a petele voice miged, "Mr. Lincoln, watch your temper. Take care of your heali?! Ilked said the wake Lys walked over with a d warm water Her eyes were gidening at her body hupg die swayed as the inoved. She looked pure and bubbly Chapter 283 Hooked Lys rely La gave me a friendly smile and extended her hand. "Hello, my name is Lyna. We metst night."" extended my hand hesitantly. "Hello, Ms Lancaster. I never thought you''d be in the School of Arts and Design at Marina City University." Lysa gave a strange smile. "My family and Mr. Lincoln go way back. My dad didn''t want me to waste the next six months, so he asked me to learn a thing or two from Mr. Lincoln. 1ddenly realized-Lysa was a daughter from another wealthy family. Wealthy families need their daughters in two ways. One way was to instill social etiquette in their daughters at a young age, allowing them to explore different interests like musk, literature, and art. Then, they would allow their daughters to win a few awards to build a reputation or send them abroad to "polish" them before they returned. Daughters rained this way had on freedom in marriage and rtionships because their parents nurtured them to marry for business. Even if they didn''t marry for business, they needed to find a capable busmessman with a bright ture to help with the family business. development. They would let her learn anything that tickled her fancy and would support her The second way that wealthy families raised the daughters was like Lys, not restricting her develop financially to travel the world if she enjoyed it, helping her to expand her horizons andwork Families who raised daughters this way didn''t care about marriage; they focused on honing their daughters'' character. Once these daughters reached a level of maturity in their 30s, they would pass a part of the business to them to manage. The parents would not interfere with their daughters'' decision to marry or start their own business Lysa was busy raised following the second method That was why she could study philosophy overseas, something Mas Wood deemed as useless, and return home to learn some practical knowledge from an industry titan like Mr. Lincoln. Lysa was not as bitchy as Jocelyn. Otherwise, she would have mocked me by now. But that didn''t mean she was all that innocent either. After we introduced ourselves, Mr. Lincoln frowned in doute "Do you know each other?" Lysa smiled and said, "Sort of. We only met once. But why are you so angry, Mr. Lincoln Ma York seems eager to learn. You should give her a chance," Mr. Lincoln had not calmed down from his anger. "Give her a chance? Will she appreciate it? 1 hope she doesn''t run off with another man again after a few days."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. He still stack to the impression he had of me when I was pursuing Elijah persistently at Marina City University. I quickly sweece, "Mr. Lincoln, let me attend your lectures. I promise I''ll do my best to learn and finish my assignments" Mr. Lincoln sorted, refaing to agree Lysa suddenly said, "Mr. Lincoln, I''m a transler student and have no one to revise with. Why don''t you let me and Ari study together? Studying with a badly makes everything more efficient. When the said that, Mr. Lincoln and 1 locked at her was shocked, Mr. Lincoln disagreed, "Don''t entangle yourself with her; she''ll only drag you down. Why Why don''t I put you in a group with my research student?" Lysa wanned to say something, but Mr. Lincoln waved his hand. "I don''t trust you, Ariana, so you''ll have to start from the beginning. Once I feel you''re ready, I''ll include you in my group." I was overjoyed and quickly thanked him, "Thank you, Mi Linc! Thank you! Thank you!- thanking Mr. Linc, I uid to Lys, "Thank you, Ms. Lancaster. La cocked her head to the side. She looked at me and sled "Ari, you can call in Lys. After all, I''m just your adorable underssman." My impression of ber grew moreplicated. Did Lyally take me for an enemy? After that, I met with a few other lectures and practers. Some knew me, but some had only heard of me. They expressed their sympathy for me, expressing their mixed emotions when they head was retaking my university course. No matter what, the and nurturing students I received myt of revision books. It was long, especially for Mr. Lincoln''s ss. I wasn''t su s, Le even instructed me to submit a well-study report weekly. My tantummed pale when saw the long that of study Tasks. what, they were teachers, dedicated to educating sure it he was intentionally ponishing me. The books he assigned to me were all in Britons, and Hapter 284 Lysa was envious. "Ali, Mr. Lincoln treats you well asked him to give me a list of reading materials, but he said it wasn''t necessary" I didn''t know whether tough os ry. "It''s because you''re not starting from the basics, but for me. I need to leam basic Britonic." Lysa was shocked. "Hasic Britonic? That means you still have to go through thenguage examinations, right? Arl, is your foundation in thenguage that bad?" Thad nothing to say as I had no recollection of whether Thad a bad foundation at Britonic. I had no choice. I dug this hole for myself and needed to deal with the problem. I wasn''t sine what I would miss out on by the time finished learning all this. No, more appropriately, I wasn''t sure it I had enough time to learn every Suddenly, I remembered the guest student identification the counselor registered for me for the Department of Architecture. My eyes darkened as 1 lett Marina City University in dismay. In the evening, Logan returned for dinner.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. When he saw the list of revision books and heard that Lysa and I were students under the same lectures, he furrowed his Logan looked at me indifferently. "Do you need my help?" Lasked helplessly. "How can you help?" Logan slowly took a piece of beef brisket with his cutlery I can donate a building under your name." My face turned paler "Mr. Lincoln would be even more furious. He''d never let me go." "Why don''t you transder to a different university, then?" Logan continued suggesting a second solution. I shook my head. "Marina City University is the best educational institution in Marina City" and his brows slightly. y y on the dining table, wanting mary, but there Tasked, "Do you have any other suggestions? You must know that i have to learn even the basics of Britonic. Even Lysa can participate in the lecturer''s research group. I feel like an idiot." Logan sipped his chowder and said slowly, "I don''t unless you give up. Otherwise, you''ll have to continue staying there." He paused slightly and suddenly said, "Lysa is conveniently at Marina City University. If you do better than her, perhaps you''ll earn some merit on your intellect with my family." Do better than Lysa? I would rather donate a building I shook my head. "No, I can''t do better than her. She looks smarter than me." I never thought Logan would put on a lock of drain and say, "I the was smart, she wildn''t be calling me Loven all the time. I''ve always hated people with a lisp." Something flickered in m my mind as if I suddenly understood what was going on I carefully probed, "Logan, do you really hate people who have a lisp?" Logan hummed in assent. "I really do." Tasked tentatively, "And it in''t because your mother chose hes and that''s why you don''t like her?" "No."Logan ced his cutlery down and looked at me sternly. "I hate it when people speak with a lisp or intentionally sprak vaguely." He frowned in disgust. "I would''t even meet the person if they were around." Chapter 285 Den you really hate them that much?": Logan evidently did not want to recall the emotional trauma he had toward people with lisps.. He simplifiedi, saying, "I you''ve alligi to peanuts and might even lose your ide from eating them, would ok my beat Tdy axtar away as possible and wouldn''t dare even to look at them." Lagan shinged. "That''s how I feel about Ly This is my answer if you insist have feelings for her." you still eat them?" Ms. Wont must have intricately selected many daughter from wealthy families who was suitable in ago and even spent time and energy to find a match for Logan. the spent nemendous effat tind a daughter-inw with suitable character and looks. Yer, she would have never expected Logan would stay far away from Lysa and wouldn''t look her in Deven thought at whether to give Mrs Wood a heads-up a madwonun if i told someor 1 Logan''s reason tended to conuder how toare Mr. Lincoln, who had a deep die for me, when the semester started. keddenshi. Logan salt. Evan looked for you a few times." I was taken aback. "Why didn''t he call me?" Logan said with deep intention, "He found me though some some. Of course, he probably wanted me to kunt." Log pointed at the food burely touched "1''ll tell you when you finish your food Tinitially didn''t have much appetite, but when I thought about how the days ahead of mod would be a living hell, I suddenly gained my appetite from my fury and are a lot Logen watched as I finished my food and slowly told me why Evan was looking for me. It was Jeremy Lindon, who had yet to appear Evan called Logan this time not to curry favor with him but to ask Logan to take care of me. I said he didn''t want me to be hurt by the Linden again.Content ? copyrighted by N?velDrama.Org. This mat what I was Iteltanurge of warmth in my heart. He was indeed my ponerder Having grown up gether, he still sided with Logan said, "Ma. Well super fessared. Then, a sense Holden shter. you get in touch with remy. But you should bring M. Web and Camden along with them there, no one will manipte you." defeat hiked in My countenance darkened ail asked, "How long does it take to get a divorce? Does it have to dragon for a few more ye Logan nod Lelly. "It should take more years if Elijah refuses to ask how he concluded that, but he didn''t seem to want to say anything else, so I kept my mouth shut I noticed a huge study table when I returned to the room. Where was my skwuting tast 1 paked and the room but didn''t had my dressing table Equirkly seatd and finally and in diessing table in the chakroom Trantologin and asked, "Why did you put my dressing table in the cloakroom? Logan na es at the indifferently It''s tumpand day you wanted to study asked me to finish you too Chapter 286 When I refused to my room, Ewanted to pomyself harda dewilones. 111 had kousen i would bump into Ma, Lincoln whurned to the university, Lunddi''t have gone back even if Ewern in beughed at for Then, Tesimessaped in mi WhatsApp, Lahrriedmyself up and opened a ssdale warteterring to the group shai that i had joinedeadlier. being illiterate. However, it was toote. Lapenied 11, and as expected, I sam Jovelyn''s name. She sent a photoel bei dannd ring observing the damonhung mound her deck linger, I had to admit that it was a sight to ser phatch dined bo. "A beauty like you will always have viitan You diamond ri Jocelyn teplied. "It''s not that expensive. It was a long and, apensation gift from filijali."" jah will had feelings tos Jocelyn and to use mit money to please his mistress. The group semi ballistic when they heard the price. ke TimberLike Jewelty Hone''ster design. Such a huge diamond ring must have i grand for a diamond That scrazy expensive!" cor mommented: "Timbeke Jewelis House''s arms rist at least 20 grand with small diamonds. This is 200 p Another said. "Victor se Burby, Joelen. Elijah trally loves you All the best! Faure you''ll have another baby in the futuve." Jordyn typed a mncholic reply. "Noumount of plicould baby had an undetunate fate and cane at the wrong the My Tirant was tunangan teral her disgusting teply mured me privately, "Ari, I know you''re angry. I ban hold your houses. This woman always creates have. It''s impossible E Elijah bought that ring for her." drd. "How do you know Djab din''t buyin for Ber? Jen replied with disde, You came-to-se replica with merely a few hundred bucks on Amil you want something more realistic, you can get a professional to customize it and nuke an eart replica to you. far as long as I knew, luxury product had always been that. I hardly heard anyone who would get a replica made. However, after Teri tenusdedne, Htook a closer look at pacelya''s photo He tettartions? ta dasond on her sing seemed dightly dull on how authenticate its genueness, bet Tubeke Jewelry House was known for the rate and cuting, so they could mark up the prices of their essories to tenigh for a damnd t was not even a single carat. ent,anted jewelry fuses could only mark the prices to ten thousand dors at most I thought about in anal typed a response in the group that, "Touring is so beautiful, Jocelyn, I went by these one om Timbeke Jewelry House w two days ago, but I heard there wasN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. keriyil Mas deriual? stunted by my mEMAL Carnd with a undling conji and typed, "Coinzideally, my friend gifted me a dad watch a few days aps Products from Timbeke Jewelry House are extravagant but impractical. It''s Chapter 287 What are you talking als The dandorati diansand watch I''m thinking of, it''s that price i pnting to chat will Jocelyar the''s a very jealous person and never allows anyone to be richer than ligs in the group chat. especially sai juara do the utters sity few students should fuss. You can take part in bringingter on oh, by the way, who in this Ted''s right. Dus unterssity may be filled with students of above average background, never simply give suguh hundreds of thousands Turike jewy Home Hindi Boghy, won''t be wearing it to the university," Jurijsad, "11 sublini? tarp, yake a pho and we''vees outy products, I can tall at one nce it it''s real" As expected even in the grip chat went crazy at the message Someone with a cartoon disy picture replied. "I didn''t know you were a richddy, Riril Your filend must be filthy rich, can yes introduce us?This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Another person named Safe Cale unit. "Thope you don''t get scammed. You need to send a photo of such an expensive gift so that we can set its authenticity Jessica Sive replied "Exach! Sendoy a photo so that we can judge 11'' 1 it''s real, Emight as well make up that elegance." Po have the best value. Amber Mitchell from n 30 usd. "Hmently, diamond watches frm Timbeke freely House don''t hold much value in the resell market. Rolex dhas never given her a Rodex?" Amber replied with a pouting emali, uving. "Timbeke Jewelry House is not famous for their watches. There''s no other purpose for gifting a diamond watch except to unt your wealth." Gimene Lively fi mn ss 1 unit, "Hovill and heavy are you, Hirl? What are your measurements? ure a friend Edlike to introduce to you." The group dui was boring with chumer. Finally, focelyn venced, "Hey, let us look at youn diamond watch, Bird Men are so deriving these days. What if you got a fake? You would''ve been scatured" much certainty that 1 was scammed by a man even before seeing the item andhesitation. "I don''t think it''s appropriate to show it off. After, it was a gift; I didn''t buy it showing off doesn''t seem right. Even if it''s a replica, it shows my the group chat tmosphere was set, so carefully arranged a velvet cloth backdrop, snapped a few photos, and sent them in the group chat chan started to admire the photo 1 sent murid. 711 1 so sparkch. Shit, it a beaudul. There are so many damonds. It looks exquisite." hmg Fisht from ss 19 said. "The soap is made of crocodile skin. I can see the pa pattern. Hold on, let me pick up a book and confirm it." with a cartoon disy picture said, "can''t believe an 60-thousand-dor diamond watch could be so darling. There''s even a receipt for it. Rirl, can you take a photo of the back of the watch is transparent, and most replicas can''t achieve the same transparency, see the words carved on the rim of the watch? te''s an ''R", which differs from the letters beside it." they were bull of admiration and praise tning on anything today. I only wanted to break Jocelyn''s defenses. localyti appeated as expected. The damond watch look real, but I''m de an was trying to get induumation about mar. tan appraisal expert Oh, by the way, what does your family do?" watches, but I bought a Rainbow Daytona a while ago. I think in looks tine, but it''s slightly shy bais, sta protesta plors of a Rainbow Daytona from Roden ivately. "Hba, i Kold you find you the limelight. Rainbow Daytona, hahaha! The Rainbow Daytona from Rolex is worth millions, and you may dat i sm about her, t would show it off long ago had a low Dayton Why would the wait until now? This is too phony! I can''t take it anymore. I need to say Gendang sarcastically in the propre, it''s the Haideen Daytorial Why did you only show it to us now send us more photus so that we can feast out eyes usly proud yet puilty "Ughedopory korpentest a while back idi bought this Tablet want it initially, but he insisted on buying it for me. Although this Jos aut trender, Matthe things you go from himdered mutual property within a mage- natally sillegand everyone in the group chaat n a longtis, alyson, "Hey, speak to you understand the follertest He gave these to me willingly. What''s with the mention of mutual p property? Chapter 288 Thappily obliged and took a photo of the back of the watch but intentionally covered the tiny numbers on the rim. Some people could potentially find the watch''s own by investigating the number Jocelyn couldn''t help but pop up. "Wow, Bari, your family seems to be doing well. You even have such an expensive watch. Is this yours?" Treplied, "No." Joochen seemed assured, "So, it''s not yours. I was wondering how a youngdy like you would own such an expensive watch." I said, "h''s one of my brother''s watches in his drawers. It''s thetest model. The rest are quite vintage and not my cup of tea. Jocelyn was rendered speechless. Everyone else stated bombarding the group chat. They started to believe that I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth Many stated popping up, Backing up to me. Then, Testeered the chat came across this photo while scrolling through the inte. Look! Is the influencer wearin The disyed a coge of recropped phom and replied sarcastically, "Jocelyn, I identally c Your Rainbow Daytona? The coge of the photostantly pped Jocelyn across the face. She was livid. "It''s the the angle. The Rainbow Daytona isn''t a limited edition product, afterThis content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. Before she finished, Thai sem another photo that had zoomed in on the serial number of the watch bowlm was embarrassed "-Mine is a second-hand madel." buy a second-hand model for you? The person with the carton dey picture said, "Jocelyn, didn''t you say Mr. Linden gave this watch to you a while ago? Did he bu Joe was furious. The influencer is wearing ake it''s a replica of mis otherwise, how could it be exactly the sa Teri replied sarcastically. "It''s not true, Jocelyn. I watched the influencer''s live broadcast, and she presented many documents. Why don''t you show us your documents?" Jocelyn immediately disappeared. Her diappearance was prood of her pulc Many in the group chat did not utter a word. It looked like they had started doubting Jocelyn''s morous lifestyle. The atmosphere in the up that was weird, and no one was willing to cast the first stone Only the person with the cartoon disy picture did not feel awkward in the atmosph He continued to ask, "Rei, what the do you have to show us? Send some photos!" What else? i had plenty. I remembered the stall mountain from Nom in theatrobe I selected a diamond ne from Timbeke Jewelry House and the Latest Pink Angel essories from get. I had Louis Vuitton and other luxurious brands, but I decided not to send photos of them to prevent mybell from appearing toody As expected, the photos of both jewelry sets attracted praise from the group chat Compared to Jocelyn''s forced pretense, my casually taken photos had more substance. The group chat became liverer. Tautifully, students who pursued art and music were from wealthy backgrounds, but no one could casually show off luxury products this way. Jocelyn was initially the queen of the group chat and was ttered by everyone because Elijah always bought her many expensive gilts the positioned berpendo podes while mafting any of a wealthy background, portraying herself as a woman with second-generation wealth. mint, eini since de expunedhenell as Elijah''s mistress and after a series of maneuvering, her reputation had been declining in the group chat. Me wanted to make let rostence known but never expected to cross paths with Teal and me. Tended up matching all the limelight in the pop chat Howmani, I followed Tent''s advice and kept what i said vague, giving off a mysterious vile. After all, I was in the group handy to pull forelyn down a few notches and enjoy the drama The propriul masinely to a wide, and forelyne apprated again 1 wasn''t sure if she felt guilty because her ropped photos expedit he was ealous of in Jail thought about Tually le mollication on my phone, Boneone had added me as a friend. Chapter 289 I nced at it, and was fovely. Thesitated briefly and epted her request Jocelynbested, "Hi, Biri My name is John, and I''m your senior from ss 17. I went totter mundia to study for five years under the tutge of She sent a string of wood, introducing herself. Her words wereced with pride. Teplied to her dryly, "Hi, Jocelyn" Jocelyn asked, "What does your family do, Bir? How old is your brother?" My brother? I looked at Jocelyn''s question in shock, I couldn''t believe she was asking about my brother After a whole, I answered. "My family is in the ss manufacturing business. My brother, is not that much older than me" Then, 1 quickly sent Teasershot of the conversation. Tereplied to me with three exmation marks er woman to enter this group chat" I quickly asked, "That does she mean? Why did she ask about my brother? I made this up. After all, impersonated another Teri immediately replied. "Tocelyn in such a maniptive bitch She''s interested in your ctitious brother" I don''t know whether toughery, "How could she be to shameless?" Teri maid, "Why not? Women like her will only fleurit she has a few men on her leash. Give it some time. I''m sure she''ll ask for your brother''s number." Helt awkward "But I can''t give my brother''s number in her. My cover will be blown Teri uid, "You can give Logan''s number to her and watch as Mr. Wood puts her in her ce Teri magrested sending Logan''s number to Jocelyn. I shuddered from a chill running through my body. I was bored, not tired of living. If Logan Inew I did this, I would be screwed. My fingers danced across the keyboard. "No, don''t give me these ideas. Help me think of a n Jocelyn is asking me where I stay and even asking me out for coffee, saying she''s interested in being friends." Teri''s fingers also danced across the keyboard "call her for now, Jocelyn, this maniptive bitch is interred in you now I sense her intentions lie elsewhere. Hold on, let me find that Then, the junior contacted me exined to her everything that happened. 1 The juror sent a string of smiling emojis and ryped, "It''s okay. You can tell her about my family background, Ms. York. But my brother is married, so she can''t get his number." I quiddy asked, "What if the insists on having cuffer with you?" The jutor replied, "That''s fine too. I love coffee, but there aren''t many chances to hang out because of my heavy academicmitments. I know it isn''t can share. Feel free to share them with her, Mr. York" That, de sent a dozen photos. Many were beautiful photos taken benad good to show off, but I have a I a lot I Nendets to say, this junior was from a wealthy background All of the dozen photos were taken in different countries Although her poses were exaggerated, the photos had greatposition. Most importantly, they showed her wearing different bags and watches and even disyed cars and everything else. Okay, I would admin-she was a fral woman with second-generation wea I downloaded each to, feeling more confident. wealth. Joelyn sent a few texts asking for the same thing. She wanted my "brother''s" number. I mimicked the janiw''s stater and said hesitantly, "it''s not that you can''t have my brother''s number, but I''ll need to ask him." Then, Iloded for Norman''s number and called ham. I thought Norman would think I had nothing better to da I never thought he would be interested. "Pranking Jocelyn, huh? Sounds good Hold on, let me give you my secondary WhatsApp number Idell odd. "What do you have at your disy picture un your secondary number?Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. Chapter 290 I nced at it, and was fovely. Thesitated briefly and epted her request Jocelynbested, "Hi, Biri My name is John, and I''m your senior from ss 17. I went totter mundia to study for five years under the tutge of She sent a string of wood, introducing herself. Her words wereced with pride. Teplied to her dryly, "Hi, Jocelyn" Jocelyn asked, "What does your family do, Bir? How old is your brother?" My brother?This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org. I looked at Jocelyn''s question in shock, I couldn''t believe she was asking about my brother After a whole, I answered. "My family is in the ss manufacturing business. My brother, is not that much older than me" Then, 1 quickly sent Teasershot of the conversation. Tereplied to me with three exmation marks er woman to enter this group chat" I quickly asked, "That does she mean? Why did she ask about my brother? I made this up. After all, impersonated another Teri immediately replied. "Tocelyn in such a maniptive bitch She''s interested in your ctitious brother" I don''t know whether toughery, "How could she be to shameless?" Teri maid, "Why not? Women like her will only fleurit she has a few men on her leash. Give it some time. I''m sure she''ll ask for your brother''s number." Helt awkward "But I can''t give my brother''s number in her. My cover will be blown Teri uid, "You can give Logan''s number to her and watch as Mr. Wood puts her in her ce Teri magrested sending Logan''s number to Jocelyn. I shuddered from a chill running through my body. I was bored, not tired of living. If Logan Inew I did this, I would be screwed. My fingers danced across the keyboard. "No, don''t give me these ideas. Help me think of a n Jocelyn is asking me where I stay and even asking me out for coffee, saying she''s interested in being friends." Teri''s fingers also danced across the keyboard "call her for now, Jocelyn, this maniptive bitch is interred in you now I sense her intentions lie elsewhere. Hold on, let me find that Then, the junior contacted me exined to her everything that happened. 1 The juror sent a string of smiling emojis and ryped, "It''s okay. You can tell her about my family background, Ms. York. But my brother is married, so she can''t get his number." I quiddy asked, "What if the insists on having cuffer with you?" The jutor replied, "That''s fine too. I love coffee, but there aren''t many chances to hang out because of my heavy academicmitments. I know it isn''t can share. Feel free to share them with her, Mr. York" That, de sent a dozen photos. Many were beautiful photos taken benad good to show off, but I have a I a lot I Nendets to say, this junior was from a wealthy background All of the dozen photos were taken in different countries Although her poses were exaggerated, the photos had greatposition. Most importantly, they showed her wearing different bags and watches and even disyed cars and everything else. Okay, I would admin-she was a fral woman with second-generation wea I downloaded each to, feeling more confident. wealth. Joelyn sent a few texts asking for the same thing. She wanted my "brother''s" number. I mimicked the janiw''s stater and said hesitantly, "it''s not that you can''t have my brother''s number, but I''ll need to ask him." Then, Iloded for Norman''s number and called ham. I thought Norman would think I had nothing better to da I never thought he would be interested. "Pranking Jocelyn, huh? Sounds good Hold on, let me give you my secondary WhatsApp number Idell odd. "What do you have at your disy picture un your secondary number? Chapter 291 was covered in fanning oil Then, he sent a photo of his muscles and another photo of him sunbathing as a yacht. His body wasp I nned in the photos and alment burri me boughing Nauman adetine on Whanupp, "What do you think? Do you think forlyn will be head over heels Tandled my leigh. "I think she fancies handsome men with money to shine off." Normmmmediately replied, "Neproblend Then, he immediately sent a doren photos of him withxasy cats, watches, and diamonds. These photos were simr to those the junior sent When Logan sem mean the male version of a luxury collection nighed so hardthat I pped my thigh Icasually sent a few photos to Jocelyn. "Yeah, this is my brother" As expected. liceben was excited "Bir other is so handsome. Does he have a girlfriend?". Istided myugh. "He doesn""). He loves traveling the world and loves adventure." Lasted like a younger sister feeling for the brother. Jocelyn urged ine to give her my "brothers" number. So, I sent Noeman''s secondary number to her. After everything waspleted, I rolled on the floor Laughing I do know bone Joorlyn would react when the found out who Norman was Immam sure if Jocelyn had met Norman before 1. quickly asked Norman Herly replied. "I''ve not met her, but she knows Ruby. Our cover is safe as long as she doesn''t show by the photos web was selfie so ge would never share the prey she had her eyes on with her best friends. Plus, the and Ruby were not best friends Sacelyn tel m. She met have added Norman''s number and was chairing excitedly with him. I told Teri what happened Like me. Teri Laughed so hard that tears that tears and not were almost streaming down her face. Teriguwed. "What i Norman sessfully wins Jocelyn over, and Jocelyn dumps Elij I thought about it-this might be a posibling Maar was Eljan supposed to do? Well, he could only ept it Tn Dora said, "Mr. ?nasell told me Mr. Wood needs to workte right. He said all the books on your list should arrive by tomorrow. Don''t worry. Ms. York" miled bitterly. What was there for me to worry? I wished the books would neem auide. notice an afternoon had passed. I was so hungry that I went to the dining room to wait for Lora to finish preparing food. Alter duster, I had nothing is dus started reading the information Mr. Webb prepared as well as the materials I was about to study again. download Bar Bour. My cuidence was boosted aller revising a dozen chapters and finishing a stack of worksheets. 1 had lost my memories but hadn''N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. hach'' fougotten the packed "Ms. York, I''m sony to bother you. But it''s only 8: op, so I don''t think it''s toote." Chapter 292 Mr. Linden Sim Laughed on the phone and said, "I called M., Wood, and he suggested we sprz ca docinilon. Mr. Linden Sening soggetted meeting at a restaurant neat my ce to talk. and it was about 8:00 pm wasn''t too earlyte s, the locations selected was great and near my house, I changed my clothes, put on light makrop, and went out. was stunned when i saw the rumored Jeremy Linden, Jeremy looked younger than I imagined. He was roughly in his dos. He had white hair everywhere, but he was in good spirits. He wore veld-tashioned sun and ck shoes with rubber soles. He sat in an elegantly decorated private room and said, "Come, sit Are you used to having tea at night? I shook my head. "I can''t sleep il 1 drink tea" Ma. Linden Setuose smiled. "Then, let''s dedes decal. Don''t worry, you won''t lose sleep." and courteously said. "You''ve asked me out a few times, Mr. Linden Senior. I''m so sorry I wasn''t able to meet you all the previous times." Ma. Linden Seniom shook his head. "It''s not your fault. I had to consider a lot of problems. Thankfully, I thought it was the right thing to contact Mr. Wood" Thet. I realized I didn''t wing M, Webb and Camden with me and hade alone to see him I couldn''t help but feel guilty. Mi Linden Sion was a perceptive man. He chuckled and said, "Don''t worry I wanted to see you today to exin the problem at Linden Group b He continued. "Aren''t you nning to get a divorce from Elijah? I hope you''ll find our chat today helpful.** Tasked, "How helpful?" Mr. Linden Senior spoor at his pare "Remember the 50 million dors you invested? Do you know how much it has grown since Ishook my head. briefly." This was the information that Mr. Webb and his team couldn''t acquire. The divorce was stuck at this point. Linden Group would never agree to anything more, but I would suffer a loss if 1 When Mr. Webb requested Elijah to disclose their internal financial data, Linden Group was unwilling to do so Mr. Linden Senior went straight to the point and told me, "After Linden Group invested and financed the 50 million dors five years ago, it has reached this amount." He drew the number six with finger I was disappointed. "60 million?" Mr Linden Senior stroked his head, unsure whereugh cry. "Silly Al, no wonder Elijah managed to trick you. It''s 600 million dors, silly Ari!" I was shocked Thul was 600 million dors! Liden Group was valued at a hundred million dors, but any mens had grown 60 millis Wate my math skulls bad, or was Mr. Linden Senior folding with Mi Linden Senior caressed his brand and sailed interly "lijah took your one and vested in in Linden Group''s original shares He bought Linden Group''s shares from shareholders who were skeptical about Linden Group. Then, he used part of your money to invest in a popr redevelopment project and gained high return. "Just like that, Linden Group erected. The shareholders who sold their original shares started wallowing in aegret. Some even returned and bought the shares for three times the price Bull Elijah bad leaned to his less After two rounds of financing, le diluted the shares. He even and Linden Group projects as coteral, invested in a few more ventures, and gained profit. Do you get it now? It''spound interest, making money with money I warara loss for words. "Are you saying that I''ve hit the jackpot?" Mr. Linden tenir appeared fly "Yes, you''ve be rich! As long as you prove you nested the 50 million dors, that bastard, Elijah, will have to step down from his position. This is stry, pren lurven''t been able to devote him Elijali will never ve up his shares so easily. It beches them up, he''ll lose the managerial rights to Linden Group. You can request his resignation I suddenly understood why Me Linen ulded me and why Jocelyn uld do anything to tanish my eputationN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. This was toorge of a benefit to give up They were tenible people but even when nontent was at u Lasked uncerely, "Mr. Linden Senior, what do yai think Chapter 293 cumded. "Tater Landen (ung''s bosod meeting 1''contact a fewold, time shareholders to rmend you. Elijah went dare offend us, so he be forced to let you enter the board meeting, Ma. Linden tetrisi took a document from his bag and showed it to me uns chuckled. "Who rest Your still young, II you don''t understand why, ask Mr. Wood. He exin everything" and me, "Troything wit be fine as long as you prepare well We had a hotel,ictess exchange Then, he left at Mankly in the sestarani" Lasted only less than half an hon i''s private room for a while before returning home blurrily. When I returned h I returned home, I realized the ordeal Everything that happened today felt like a dhean Mtyck seemed to hare tuned up after losing my memory.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. wible without love. Previoush, loved thah so much but had picked all the wrong paths, and the rtionship was short-lived. uddenly felt devastated I couldn''t contain the sadness as in oozed out of my heart. When I was wallowing in my sorrows, a text appeared on my phone. I wasn''t sure, but thest part of the test-gave me inexplicable sense of familiarity. The person was silent for a long time, so long that when I thought the person wasn''t going to reply, he did "Yes, please don''t block me. We have a lot to talk about." ractitable feeling nor in my beat. I couldn''t put a finger on it. I felt a hint of disgust, a sense of fear, and a dollop ofment. It felt like a scene like this had been yed countless dagine with I was arguing with Eljah in the past, I would always be putty in his hands when he softened his tee of said something romantic. I would. I was posted traight if you have anything to say, of contact my inwyer." Lijah immediately replied. "You don''t love me anytnote, Aal- My twatt was instantly filled with dust that I didn''t think was there in the first ce I ne right to talk to man about love right now. He must have found out about the shift in the board meeting, which was why he intentionally looked for me. Heit a chill at the thought at this possiblity. The tuning was too coincidental. Fhadjust met Mr. Linden Senior when received a text to Elijah 1 wasn''t a coincidence-it was a scheme. cally turned into digust at this revtion Treplied, "Elpah Linden, you have not to speak to about love. Have you only realized now what love really means? You disgust me! Gurdalely trigonded W are you talking about? Ai, I came with good intentions to talk to you need to be so cude to me? "Tamia dupponieinyou! texts. Iughed in atge. These responses sounded exactly like what he would say thought as lughly of him couldn''t believe I would be so stupid to iply to him so seriously Treplied. "The been dupported in you long ago Ugali Linden, you''re such a hypocrite! I see you in count Chapter 294 Elijah''s best reached me before I could block him. I could tell he was resisting his anger. "Arier''s alkenest time. We were at least husband and wife once." was stern with my answer. " don''t want to."N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. Hi, have you forgotten the good times we had in the past? Even if I''ve wronged you, we were in love once... I was abour to block him when I paced in my actions. My rationality told me to tell him that I had forgotten. However, for an unknown reason, I stayed silent. Alter a long time, Elijah sent an address and time. He seemed confident I would appear and never tested to bother me again. 1 stared at the address and time for a long time. I realized we were approaching the second round of settlement. My heart was filled with disappointment again. Elijah never thought he had wronged me and didn''t feel that it was a shame that our marriage had to end this way. He was using our past to try to guilt-trip me. In the end, he yielded to the promise of profit 1-stated at the message for a long time before giving Mr. Linden Senior a call. Mr. Linden Senior was shocked. "What''s the matter, ALL!" I said, "Mr. Linden Senior, I''m on board with what you suggestedst night. I want to join the Linden Group''s board as soon as possible." 1. Linden Senice was a priceptive man. He asked, "Did Elijah contact you?" Inodded. "Yes. He wants to talk, but I don''t want to Mr Linden Senior Laughed. "As expected, some people on the board still have hopes for him and leaked the news to him. We need to act quickly." 1 said, "I want to join Linden Group. Otherwise, I''ll ask M. Webb to be a property preservation order with the court. By then, it''ll greatly impact Linden Group: I''m sure repercussions, Mr. Linden Senior." you''re aware of aware of the Mr. Linden Group righed. "rou''re an intelligent woman, youngdy. Yes, if you do so, Linden Group will be significantly imp what to do now I''ll call you tentow impacted. The share prices will dramatically drop as well I know what I had sacrificed I ended the call and let out a long alg Elijah was wrong to think I was stupid. Previously, I was blinded by love and allowed him to ruin me during our rtionship Now, I wanted to gain back w I wanted him and these ungrateful bastards to know that I was not a fool! 1 wouldn''t be theughingstock among the second-generation wealthy circle in Marina City I woke up super early in the morning and started memorizing Britonic words After Logan washed up, he was speechless when he saw the book titled "usic in my hand- Lora told him, "Mr. Wood, Ms. York is trying her beat. She woke up at 6:00 am to memorize Buitonic words. She sounds pretty fluent, if you ask me." Logan was drinking mile. When he heard it, he choked and almost spat it out. He tactically wiped his mouth and said calmly. "Lora, I want to eat bacon. Please make some for me." Lora happily went to cook in thechen. Logan walked to me, who was sitting by the window with my almont for hisein. "You''re awake," Tund loudly, forgetting had earphones on warphones. He grazed his long index finger across my book. I didn''t notice someone approaching me. I jumped in shock and Logan took my rai phones off and asked, "Did someone trigger you? Why are you working so hard? He saw through me funnaturally wiped my lobead. "Nothing, 1-I just want to work hard for it." Logan squiued his eyes, and the displeasure in them made me feel even more guilty, I thought about it and decided not to tell him that Elijah had contacted me I slept after meeting with Mr. Linden Seniorst night. Logan only came backte after working overtime. Its slept in the guest too, so I had no time to discuss it with halim. stuntered trying to hide, H-1 just ware to work harder." Logan didn''t pursue theater further and caressed my hair. "Don''t be nervous. You''ll do just fine." I suddenly asked, "Lopes, someone used the past to once you do something you''re willing to do, what would you do?" Chapter 295 Lopestifted his head andasked, "What kind of things! pave some thought "Something like lending money! Lagan smiled. He calmly said, "Tidusnally ask myself if the other person would lend me this amount of money if I were in trouble. If they wouldn''t help me, I would reconsider before I asked. "What would you Logan chuckled and replied. "Either I''d give them the money without expecting them to pay back and never contact them again, or I wouldn''t lend them the money at all. 1/1 Logan looked at me intensely" "Did something happen 1 pondreed for a bit before replying. "Nathing happened. I was just asking " Logan smiled. "Just remember, someone takes abonage of your kindness, it''s not because you''re not good enough-it''s because they don''t deserve it. You should just invest your care in those who truh deserve it." What he said truly made sense. I couldn''t help but nce at him a little longer. Iced that he was truly s ut-always able to see through people easily Sometimes, I wondered it he knew something he wasn''t telling "It''s me toeat" Logan said, paling me up. "You have to fill your stomach if you want to continue working hard. Logan rushed off to work after breakfast limited Mr. Webb and brought him to meet Mr. Linden Senior Linden Beruat looked energetic on our second meeting. He recounted his idea from yesterday, and Mr. Webb nodded in agreement after some contemtion. Str. Webe told me, "Joining Linden Group would be an initiative on your part, Ms. York That way, Elijah wouldn''t dare to manipte the finances. If he did, we could get a third-party deganization to Laundan imestigation on him" nodded. Hestly, I had of these matters. All I was that Mr. Webb wouldn''t ham me ?nce everything was settled. I gave Jonathan a call Lately, I had gotten used to regrly keeping in contact with him-talking about the divorce case and also everything that had happened with the York family after I lost my memories. Although) I wasn''t keen to talk about it, I was persistent enough in adding Ultimately, Learned about the major events that happened to the York Family after I got married to Elijah. Heughed happihr after knowing that I was about to join Linden Group. "That''s great to hear Elijah won''t dare to boss you around anymore once you join thepany" modded and said. "That''s right. How have you been Lately, Jon? Should we invite Garrett over for a meal? Jntan beutaid. "There''s no need ton''t she busy with the art gall as food of Willie. She was beautiful and confident, but she knew how to keep things in check. Although I hadn''t gone to the art gallery as often recently, she constantly called to check up do me. She even Umed me out to join her for shopping and code Although I knew Wille had an ulterior motive, I had to say that her character, looks, arul emotional intelligence made her a good fit to be thedy of the York family. Aher much persuading, ponathan reluctantly agreed to have dinner together. I was so happy that I quickly locked in the time.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. us just like that He walked, "You''d better bot meddle in things outside your control. It''splicated between Wills and me, so you''d better not matchmake us Treplied, "hur Willie is really nice, Jon Why would you still hang out with her it you don''t like her? Wouldn''t it be simpler to just cut ties with her, then?" antertain that jonathan had feelings for Willie so I just couldn''t understand why they weren''t together yet. 000 Jonathan replied with some annoyance, "You don''t understand. Forget it, I''m not exining myself to you. It should be fine if we''re just having dinner together. She''s well-connected and ful of ideas, so there''s no harm for you to spend more time with her. "Let bet galde you for a bit. Maybe he help you getter and you''ll prep letting men take advantage of you." Huld''t help let Lough "Whole would take advantage of me? Surely, it''s not Logan " Jonathan bulted. "TI kill his if he dates. He promised in that he wouldn''t. By the way, I heard that he brought you back to meet his parents. How did it go?" Chapter 296 Teng taken aback at the merken of the unpleasant incident saship pankking after the shock. I wasn''t sure what he halfoundout, but it seemed like fur kiuw nothing at al (but tw food not that close to bet.Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. scho''t she say amething haishy pisha''t she ask about the divorce shot ask. Maybe Legain had aheady exined everything to me! you have to be careful the next time you date the wood family looks down, we shouldn''t clung to them. After all, you ime. Manying Eljah was conskketed settling, but it i mantled Logan, Libe clinging to him that it couldn''t concentrate on reading my book I eventually pulled sell together and wished hall of Basic Deltonic beforepleting a set of mock back tog after seeing my woes. caring at that moment. I nced at the time and saw that it was onreuth 4:30 pm. chathes. To my surprise, it was a message from Jocelyn asking, "Hayot bother ever had a galliend, Ritt?" while to reature that this was and Nouman was patending to be my brother. orongonding. "He med to have one, bet I''m not too sure." with sever al questions about my "brother", mostly to which I had no answers to ko nasa likor my brother, Jocelyn? Did he ask you out?" scelyn only gave a shy Tephrates a pot while it''s not like that, I just want to get to know him better. After all, we can be best friends since we get along well en trading het teply 14 rbeve she even said she wanted to be best friends when she had already asked if he had a girlfriend. Facelyn needed to be surrounded by potential romantic interests to feel secure. replied. "You can keep in touch with them. My brother isn''t seeing anyone at the moment" and asked, "What exactly did you say to fool focelyn?" I was true. I just sent her photos of my cat, my watches, and some extreme sports I did while I was abroad, like skiing and a speechless. shut that wandy impressed? hat do you now an "that you know how much I''ve spent behind all those photos? Do you think an dinary person can even afford to do those things (that he was right to do about it? By the way, hasn''t Jocelyn suspected anything? She must have seen you before Betantud, "Don''t worry. I''ve checked with Ruby Jocelyn hasn''t sa aliogant betarios and asked, "Do you really think she''ll keep your secret?" see me before I''ve also asked Ruby not to send ber my photos. She wouldn''t dare betray m Her family has always been relying on the Wood family to earn some money, and she''s desperate to marry Logan Who do you think she''ll side with me or Jocelyn?s Chapter 297 Upon mentioning that, Neeman asked me about my visit to the Wood residence Estamee stemmerig. ''Judist polon well- Ar a while, Norman said. "Even Login couldn''t handle Mon? That''s weird." Esidinhappily. "Cantre not talk about this?" Norman saddenly asked, "Lep can''t marry, you want to consider marrying me instead, Ari?" Treplied, "Are you many?" Norman''s Jazyichucde could be heard through the call. "You''ve that sport? I''m no esteemed legitimate son, I''m just an illegitimate son, sa my mom''s expertations of me ate pretty low." choice either at least still the second son of the Wood Family by name. Unlike Logan, who''s the There was a subtle self-deprecating humos hidden in his joke 1 was left Both et un sighed at the same time. Nerman suddenhe said, "ocelyn texted me again. She''s asking me out for a meal." Lasked fermmish, "Air you going? Won''t you be exposed?" Tould sense Norman colling his eyes on the other end of the phone call "Why would I go? I told her I was currently skiing in Switzia. Of course, I won''t be going! Besides, do you think I''m that many to ask out 1 can''t just show up without keeping her on edge first That We toa r¨¢sy." He started to mumble, "I''ve already replied to her, saying that I''ll only return aftes a month. Alright. I just sent her a photond her gift. I promised to bring back a Christmas gift for her, and shar''a very happy about it'' Norman mntinued confidently, "Don''t worry, there''s no one can''t win over With working my mage, theN?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. love" act between Elijah and Jocelyn will fall then have ess to front was to the drama that will be unfolding assure you-Jocelyn will dump thah in public. He startedughing after. I was once agam rendered speechless. apart soon enough. We''ll Was this a showdown two and a bitch? It seemed interesting rough I was truly tharidus about the content of the covenation Tasked, "How your injury, Mr. Wood? Do you want me toe check on you?" Norman ungbeduately excised, "Why would youe over? Don''te! Don''te over! I don''t want to be beaten up by Logan again." 1 felt amused. "He should we forgives you by now." horman sounded shale when he replied, he want I have toy low for a while, so don''te ovit and tempt me. You should hurry up and get divorced from Elijah instead. By the way, if t flirt and Joorlys for you, des dunt condut as avenging you Te Treplied wartout besitation Chapter 298 Relieved, Norman caid, "It''s a deal, then I''ll avenge you, and you can put in a good word about me to Logan. I''ll be in the clear unce he agrees to have a meal with me someday." I was surprised. "We you that afraid of him?" Noam was the epitome of a career yboy, seemingly unstaald of anything. Yet here he was, trembling at the mention of his own brother. Thad seen the way he handed thugs and Porter - he won''t a pushions. Why was he such a coward before Logan at part when he beats people up Norman grumbled, "How could not be raid of him when he has beating up since young? Do you know what''s the scariest Tasked curiously. W Hooman was clearly alrad He only continued after indas Levata propile up while they''re rational is the most terrifying. That''s because he has already thought out exactly how much he''s going to but his opponent-whether it''s to after a long pause, "It''s different when he hits pr prople. The angiler he gets the reational he bes. and lefste aking. "Do you disk Logan is pure to domestic violence! n''t confident when he answered, ''T''ho not sure about this amber. Horasan replied Mankly, "I ductyo Twas alzatory. "Tatkowe could poly ko? Just look at my and E-Content is property ? N?velDrama.Org. w it is truly something Otherwise, you have fallen for Elijah and allowed him and forgly to mess with you for for a good live years I actually freddu po Alter a while, Nomar sent me a cut scribor in order to appra me I was to what it was From theertation, Dose jocelyn send a bluu emoji in Horton''s alternate ount. Was Jocelyn about to take the bait now? No, she was already priting hooked. Nimman sent me a sunsses emoji. ¨ª seas.pletely convinced I woke up early the next morning and put on a women''s suit. I even threw on a pair of clear sses for good measure I waited at home nervously. Logan nced at me and smiled peth. "Good luck" I swallowed my saliva before saying, "Stop talking You''re making in even more nervous now Legan stuffed a hand into his pocket and stepped back to size up my out. He then stepped forward to fix my hair, Istammered. "What should I say after I get there? Logan replied catruly, "Less talking more listening Mr Webb and Camden will convey things on your behalf." I grabbed his Land asked, "is this truly alright, Engan?" He remained smiling "Of course. But if you really don''t want to do this, we could take the legal cute against Linden Group. Either way, it''s the same I shook my head. Mr. Webb told me that if I were to apply for asset praevation, it would have a huge impact on Linden Group, but it would affect me in the end My influence would be much greater if I was able to join the board of directors of Linden Group That was because I would no longer be Mrs. Linden but a shareholder of Linden Group, Not bing Mrs. Linden was already my obsession. I had to get rid of this identity, even if I had to do something out of character Alter I was done cordemting, I loood up and saw Logan smiling vaguely as he stared at me. Confused, I asked, "Why are you looking at me like that, Logan? Is something on my face?" Logan stepped closet, garing intently at my eyes. I couldn''t help but feel submissive under his tee it was as if he was scrutinizing me, unwilling to miss a single detail I stammeted, "1.-Lapan, you - He sighed before finished my sentence. I sentence. "I really don''t want any other men sering what you were like just now." grew even more peopled "What do you mean how I was like just now? Earlier, I was just thinking about- My lips were sealed before I could finish speaking My breath waspletely stolen away, and the intense kus left me dazed for a long time. When he released me, I hurried over to check my reflection in the mirror. I was looking flushed, and my lips were red and swollen. I quickly pat on some lipstick and reapplied my foundation. A pair of funds entered my waist tightly from behind me. I said belplessly, "Ton''t mess up my clothes Logan pested his head on my shoulders His gate seemed cold behind has sses. "I''ve changed my mind, How about you skip today and let me handle things with Elijah for you instead? I quickly shook my head. "Edn''t wa say that I''ll handle it myself? Besides, you''ve already allocated Mr. Webb and Camden to me. That''s already a huge help! Logan looked at my reflection and said coldly, "I don''t want to let Elijah see what you were like earlier. Tasked, "What''s wrong with how i warale? His sudden possessiveness caught me off guard Logan didn''t reply to the but kissed me hard again it only let go after he had kissed my lips swollen. He stared at my lips, looding satisfied. "Go ahead, I''ll be waiting for your good news I hurriedly turned around to look at the minor and almost snapped lipstick when I saw how swollen my lips were now How could I still apply lipstick looking like this? Chapter 299 Tigrichly feed my lips before Mi. Weth arrived, bet I didn''t expect them to be even more swollen. I was at a bus for what tad I could only put in a tace mask, hoping that it would get better by the time I reached Linden Gron Mr. Webb, Camden, and I arrived at the Linden Group office building half an hourter. Troth be told, 1 had only been here no more than five times for the past five years I was married to Elijah Of course, Teri was the one who told me about it. Mi. Weld asked me to stay quiet and let them handle things. The one, they did not want Elijah to realize that I had lost my memories Another, they were worried that I might be ced in an anolnward situation due to not knowing how to deal with certain things Lamed on the first flooi with my masks. The receptim¨¦st stopped us and asked us for our visitor''s loitation code. I took out my phone and showed her the VIP invitation code that Mr. die receptionist checked in theputer and shook her head She said, "I''m sorry, but the thire of you are not allowed to enter. towned. Emas suprised to find that we were denied entrytinden Group even with the invitation code sent by Mr. Linden Si cooth checked the clock in the lobby - it was already 0:30 am. The shareholders'' meeting was starting at 10:00 am. We would probably miss it if we were hold up here. imming, I was about to speak up when Camden walked over. He politely said. "Excuse me, miss, I think you might be mistaken. We were specifically invited here by Mr. Jeremy Linden The receptionist nced at me before continuing to check on theputer. She awkwardly said, "I''m sorry, but thisdy isn''t allowed to enter. As for both of you, there should be no issue." at and asked, "Why can''t enter?" serb? pullert me aside and whimpered, "Perhaps your name has been ckinted" uation dewmedion for. We were show our invitation codes and IDs. Of cose, I wasn''t allowed entry if my name and 10 number had been cklisted. Dve Ekjal, k¨¹rt me a long time ago ege of anger welled up within me as strode over to the reception. I said coldly, "Call Mr. Linden for me,N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content. peceptionist pretended to be clueless as she asked, "Which Mr. Linden are you referring to I repledacity, "Vuur presidem. Elijah Linden" The receptionist smiled and said, "I''m sorry, Mr. York. You''ll need an invitation rode if you want to contact Mr. Linden," Dehuraded imidly upon beating what she said. "Tine, I''ll contact himself if you refuse to Pangilly. However, I called Mr. Linden Senior on second tho the ter i Lofty exined the situation at hand, the receptionist a call. The receptionist i chce but to allow us entry office wat sparases and elegantly decorated in die were also the other d Turu baughan was put alder by mers with graying hair and kind faces. They were dressed simrly to him and were talking and Mr. Ludenvaa waned intruding Ben, *This man here is Daniel Coor. This is Hanay Walker, who just came back from Andornia. And this is Paul Weatherford, who just got back from Marked me carefully. Due of them, se had a look of suspicion, and one even started asking me qptions. por back from Goldings City, asked in a booming vulce, "ut the money you invested back then-are you nning to take it out, will you continue to fully matching my expression. Thankfully, had my face mask on, but this wasn''t the time to converse while hiding behind my face mask. 7. "Thansare ile odai reholders in Linden Group wouldn''t approve of it if I were to take it out all at once. So, here''s what d''un thinking - Weidetaka deal ima por delted proposal andndeda copy to each of them. Tily Hipped through the proposal and nodded in agreemail. Isomeone who''s clueless. Het n does a much better juleut securing our interests ** Chapter 300 Camden immediately stepped forward to hand each of them his business card respectfully. to answer them. He said, "All of you are well-known figures in the business would whom I''ve always looked up to. I''m the executive assistant of Mr. Wood from Wood Group. Mr. Wood asked me to apany Ma York today to go over this proposal If any of you have questions, I''m happy All four elderly men started nodding their heads after ncing at the name cad Camden wasn''t just a nobody. On the contrary, he had been with Wood Group for many years. Although his title was "executive assistant", his authority was no less t His presence meant that this proposal was personally ended by Logan, so it was impossible for it to be merely an empty picemise. Esaw the elderly men exchange nces before nodding My heart leaped with glee. It could get these four veteran shareholders to approve of me this quickly, today''s matter would surely be a done deal. At that moment. Mr. Linden Seni roughed and said, "Let''s go It''s almost time for the meeting to start He then said meaningfully, "Wake this time to introduce Ari, the neer, to everyone" Mr. Weatherford Senior chuckled. "Why are you still calling her Ari? You should be addressing bet as ''Ms. York'' soon enough" They all linghed as they brought me up to the conference room. than a general muinage spacious conference room was already packed with people by the time we reached upstairs. As the meeting hadn''t started yet, the room was buzzing with chatter andughter. I suddenly tell nervous. Linden Senice gave me a meaningful look "Are you scared?" was about to reply when Elijah''s surprised voice sounded from behind us. "Ari? Why are you here? He quickly walked over to me, looking shocked and somewhat arodoses. I remained silken Mr. Linden Senior said. "Tacked her toe by did shee today?" Elijah anded, incredulous. "Why did you ask her toe, Great-Grandfather? Why I couldn''t hold back and replied, "I''m here for the shareholders'' meeting Mr. Linden." Exjali''s face fell instantly. "The shareholders eating? How are you even qualified to attend the shareholders'' meeting?" He seemed to steepaber something and grabbed my writ. His forceful grip hurt me. I wanted to shake his hand away out of pain, but he dragged me aside 1. Webb instantly stopped him. "Let her go, Mi Linden. We''re really here to attend the shareholders'' meeting'' Elijah capped. "You have to say here! And you you''re also not a part of ourpany, Mr. Bhave the authority to ask both of you to Aher tut, be pulled me into an offor by the side with a stair expression. you to leave immediately"Content held by N?velDrama.Org. Elijah''i prip was so strong that when he yanked me in, Lalmost stumbled and fell. I quickly caught myself and eximed in anger. "Are you crazy, Elijah? Why are you yanking me around?= He was tuning stente said low voice, "What the hell are you doing. Ariana? Don''t I say that we should tall it out? Why did you bring your then over to mypany instead? Are you trying to embaran Elijah''s gaze was filled with fury. "I''ve been putting up with you for a long time. noliides ing returning you the so million dors that you''ve invested. "Tan what are you trying to do now? Why did you bring your men over to attend the shareholders'' meeHog?" His words were fair and that contagieuse that thest. I would''ve been intimidated by his demeanor if I hadn''t mentally prepared myself before this. I agreed when you said you wanted a divorce, and I''ve also agreed to to give you your share of assets. I''m even me in return, "kien''t you doing juurthur? er disdain and mockery was evident in his eyes. "The al always felt guilty toward you before you show showed up here today. I kept thinking that it wa It was my fault for trusting Jocelyn, causing you no I suppressed my anger and asked. "Do you think I''m here embarrass you ?" "un finally understand what''s going now that you''re here- ringe me toe back to you, aren''t you? kan tapadaldused when I heard Final''s wordi Didter juit say that I showed up at the shareholdene merling to face him toe back to me? Wut de crazylik wardia? Was hearing things? The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 305 Chapter 305 she mmed me against the bed, pinning me firmly beneath him. His face, annoyingly handsome to the point of Logan''s response to my excuse of "cking out" was swift and merciless- being undali, loomed inches from mine "cked out, huh?" His voice dipped low, teasing, with a slight upward lift at the endProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org. The shees weight of his presence was overwhelming. I felteted, utterly defenseless under his piercing gaze "T-yeah,"1 stammered, trying to sound convincing "I don''t remember a thing" Hipcurled into a smick, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Do you want me to help you for your memory?" As his face inched closer, I swallowed hard. "No need Really, no need th, maybe you should, you know, get off me? You''re... kinda heavy..." Before I could finish, his lips crushed against mine, silencing me with a kiss that was as intense as it was unrelenting. It was a brazen, unapologetic im that left me breathless and dazed. When he finally pulled away, he took a deep breath and sat up. I stared at his rigid, well-built back and, despite the situation, couldn''t help but admire how annoyingly perfect he looked Feeling bold, I offered some unsolicited advice. "Why do you do this to yourself?" I teased. "Every time you kiss me, you''re the one who ends up Suffering I didn''t get to finish. Logan turned back, his susia k still intact, and his gaze shut me up faster than words even could. With that, he walked into the bathroom, and soon, I heard the sound of running water. My face burned as 1 threw on a jacket and bolted from the room. Staying in close quarters with Logan was like ying with fire-Eddn''t trust myself not to get burned The aftermath of my new position at Linden Group hit quickly. Soling through Elijah''s Twitter, I stumbled upon a post of him and Jocelyn unting their rtionship for the first time. Thements section was a mess, with people reading them apart. It wasforting to see that mostizens had their moralpass intact. For some reason, Elijah decided to jump into the tray and respond to the criticism himself. His reply read. "The divorce between and is already in court, What''s wrong with being with the person love? She''s moved on too, hasn''t she?" Thements were relentless, "She ended one rtionship before starting another. What about you? Cheating while married and unting it? Disgusting" Elijah shot back, "Disgusting? What''s it got to do with you? Anotherizen replied, both are a scumbag and homewrecker-a match made in hell Please, just stay out of society." Elijah dapped back. Thanks for the Messings. We''ll stay together forever!TM 1 stated at try seen, stunned Elijah''s temper tantrum was uneal. He had to be livid-there was no other reason he''d pick this moment to go public with Jocelyn, argue with strangers ordine, and basically dig his own ve, Was this all to spilte me! "ar''s absolutely to spite you," Willie confirmed over coffee, not missing a bear "Honestly, he''s so immature. Does he really think posting some egy pictures with Jocelyn is going to break your resolve? I mean,e. The guy''s an idioc Tremained silent H Watie sipped her coffee elegantly, then added, "It''s not surprising, though. His reputation''s already in tatters, and he''s out of moves. This is probably hisst-ditch effort to get a reaction put of you Iturned to her. "Do you really think so S* She smiled knowingly. "Men are dumb when ites to emotions. They only have a few tricks up their sleeve, and that''s it. I''ve yet to meet a man who''s truly smooth in handling rtionships I thought for a moment and sently added that Norman was the exception. Thinking of Norman, I shot him a quick message. As expected, his response was calm and nonchnt, "Don''t worry, orry, Ariana. I''ve already got pocelyn handled. Sit right and wait for the show." I peplied, "Handled Really? She and Elijah just went public. It feels like they''ll be announcing a wedding any day now." He sent back aughing emoji, followed by a chat screenshot. I opsed it and stared at the screen, my expression wisting into something between shock and disbelief Jocelyn was venting to Logan in the chat,ining tearfully, "Elijas forced me to go public. I can tell he''s still in love with Ariana. He''s just using me as a pawn. We haven''t men had real feelings for each other in years!TM She went on to say that she felt like nothing more than a tool in Elijah''s scheme. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!