Chapter One
As night fell, the cold moon hung high in the sky. The bright moonlight fell on the ancient castle on the edge of the city, casting a mysterious silver veil around it. Emily stood on the balcony, looking at the forest in the distance, and felt a chill rising from the bottom of her heart. Since moving to this castle, her life has become bizarre and mysterious. The cold wind in October swept across her bare shoulders, bringing a shudder. Emily subconsciously wrapped her woolen shawl tightly around her, but she couldn't feel any warmth. This castle seems to be always cold, just like its mysterious owner Lucas Black, exuding an inaccessible atmosphere. "Miss Emily," suddenly, a low voice sounded behind her, "You'll catch a cold if you're still outside so late." She turned around and saw Lucas standing at the balcony door. The moonlight outlined his tall figure. He was wearing a dark silk shirt, and the collar vaguely revealed his strong chest. The amber eyes flickered strangely in the darkness, as if they could see through her soul. "Mr. Black," Emily whispered, trying to hide the trembling in her voice, "I'm just admiring the moonlight." Lucas took a step forward, but suddenly stopped. Emily noticed that his body stiffened instantly, and his nostrils fluttered slightly, as if he was sniffing something. His expression became solemn, and a glimmer of wildness flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed. "Please go in," his voice was hoarser than usual, "It's not safe here." Just then, a cold night breeze swept across the balcony, bringing a faint smell of rust. Emily saw that Lucas's fingers were almost pinched into the stone railing, and his knuckles were white. She couldn't help but take a step back, her heartbeat accelerated. "I thought this castle was the safest place," she whispered, "after all, you are here." Lucas let out an almost inaudible growl, "Some danger, Miss Emily, is much closer than you think." His eyes looked unusually sharp in the moonlight, "especially on a full moon night." Suddenly, a wolf howl came from the distant forest, shrill and long. Emily was surprised to find that Lucas' pupils shrank in an instant and turned into vertical pupils like a beast, but the fleeting change made her wonder if it was just an illusion caused by the moonlight. Just then, a cold breath passed by her from behind, accompanied by a chuckle. Emily turned around and saw only a dark shadow flashing in the corner of the balcony. When she looked back again, Lucas had come to her side, with a hand gently on her shoulder. "I'll take you back to your room," he said, with an unquestionable commanding tone in his voice. Emily noticed that his palms were surprisingly hot, in sharp contrast to the chill of the castle. Walking in the dark corridor of the castle, Emily could feel Lucas' presence, he walked behind her like a silent guardian. Moonlight poured in through the Gothic stained glass windows, casting mottled shadows on the floor. "Good night, Miss Emily," Lucas whispered in front of her door, "Remember, no matter what sound you hear, don't leave the room tonight." "Why?" Emily asked subconsciously. Lucas was silent for a moment, his eyes looked deep and dangerous in the moonlight, "Because the moonlight tonight is too beautiful, it will always wake up something that shouldn't wake up." When the door closed behind her, Emily leaned against the door, her heartbeat still alarmingly fast. She could hear Lucas's footsteps gradually fading away, but she seemed to hear the sound of wings flapping outside the window. She walked to the window and looked out through the glass. In the moonlit courtyard, she saw a figure standing by the fountain. The man looked up at her window, and the moonlight illuminated his pale marble face - it was Draco, with a mysterious smile on his lips and a dangerous light in his eyes. When Emily blinked, his figure had disappeared, as if he had never appeared. Emily lay trembling on the bed, listening to the wolf howling outside the window. She knew that she had fallen into a world full of dangers, and this was just the beginning. On this moonlit night, her fate was closely linked to two mysterious and dangerous beings, and there was no turning back.
Chapter Two
In the dead of night, Emily lay in bed, the faces of Lucas and Draco appeared in her mind. She could not resist the deep attraction, but she also knew that she was caught in a dangerous vortex. She knew that the confrontation between the two men was a life-and-death hostility, and she was just a pawn in their war. A corner of her heart reminded her to escape, but the deeper desire pulled her to stay in this mysterious castle, looking forward to the unknown encounter.
Just as she was about to fall asleep, a slight knock on the window interrupted the silence. Emily opened her eyes, and the moonlight poured into the room through the curtains, making the corners of the room particularly dark. She sat up subconsciously, trembling slightly and walked to the window. When she opened the curtains, a figure was standing in front of her, cold and elegant.
It was Draco.
"Sorry, I scared you, Emily." His low voice was frivolous and indifferent, as if every word revealed his unfathomable darkness. His eyes were like two flames in the abyss, locking onto her with an irresistible force.
"How... are you here?" Emily's heartbeat quickened, and her hands unconsciously clenched a corner of the curtain. She knew she should be scared at this moment, but Draco's unique charm made it hard for her to resist.
Draco did not answer her question, but slowly approached, lowered his head and whispered in her ear: "You know why I'm here, Emily. You've never really been afraid of me, right?"
The moment he approached, she smelled the cold breath on him, as if it came from the night a thousand years ago. Her breathing gradually became rapid, but she did not retreat, but was locked by his eyes, as if her soul was also attracted to him.
"Draco... we can't do this." Her voice was weak, but she did not retreat at all, as if even she herself was struggling with contradictions.
"You don't belong here at all, Emily. Staying here will only put you in deeper danger." Draco gently lifted her chin, with a smile on the corner of his cold mouth, that smile was both gentle and dangerous, "But if you want to know the real darkness, then come. I will take you to see everything."
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and Lucas' figure appeared at the door like a shadow. His face was gloomy, and his eyes were burning with anger. It was his possessiveness and anger that he could not hide. He walked towards Draco step by step, his hands clenched, his muscles tensed, as if he was going to pounce on and tear the enemy in front of him in the next second.
"Draco, let her go." Lucas' voice was low and threatening, like an enraged beast. It was the first time Emily saw him so out of control, his eyes were like a ball of unextinguishable fire, revealing uncontrollable anger and possessiveness.
Draco smiled slightly, released Emily's chin, and looked at Lucas provocatively. "Don't you understand yet? She doesn't belong to you. The savagery of the wolf tribe is nothing but a bondage to her, and I can give her true freedom."
"The 'freedom' you mentioned will only make her fall into darkness. You don't understand what true protection is." Lucas sneered, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. He slowly stepped forward, blocked Emily, and protected her behind him. That was his attitude as the wolf king, firm and unshakable.
Emily was sandwiched between the two, feeling her heartbeat speed up, as if breathing became difficult. These two completely different forces intertwined and collided in front of her, making it impossible for her to decide which side to choose.
Draco raised the corners of his mouth and slowly took a step back, his eyes still on Emily. "Emily, one day you will find that he can't satisfy the desire in your heart. And I am your true home."
As soon as the voice fell, Draco's figure disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Lucas looked at the empty room, his fists gradually loosened, but the anger and worry in his eyes remained. He turned around and looked at Emily softly, but his eyes still flashed with contradictions and forbearance.
"Are you okay?" He asked in a low voice, with a trace of undisguised concern in his voice.
Emily nodded, but her heart was in turmoil and it was difficult to calm down. She knew that she had fallen too deep. She could not let go of these two men easily, nor could she easily resist them. A complex emotion surged in her heart, which was a dangerous and fatal attraction.
"Lucas, I..." She wanted to say something, but lost her words when she met his eyes.
"Don't get close to him." Lucas' voice was low, with a hint of pleading and warning, "I know you feel confused, but Draco is not what you think. He will only drag you into the darkness, and I won't let him hurt you."
Emily just looked at him silently, and a touch of uncertainty gradually rose in her heart. She knew that this was not just a war, but a contest of feelings and desires. In this dangerous triangle relationship, she has gone too far and can never turn back.
Chapter Three
Emily stayed awake all night. The wind outside the window blew through the woods, making a low moan, as if the whole castle was whispering in her ear. She curled up in bed, recalling Draco's cold smile and Lucas's deep eyes. Two completely different attractions stirred in her heart, making her lost on the edge of danger and desire.
When the sky was slightly bright, she made a decision. She had to figure out what she wanted, the wildness and protection of the wolf tribe, or the mystery and temptation of the vampire. She got up and walked out of the room, walked through the deserted corridor, and came to the door of Lucas's study.
The door of the study was slightly open, and a whisper came from inside. Emily stood outside the door and pricked up her ears to listen.
"She is innocent, Lucas." A low and gentle female voice came from Lucas's sister, Leila. Emily had heard rumors about her. Leila was the wisest prophet in the wolf tribe and could always see fragments of the future.
"I know, Leila." Lucas' voice was hoarse, as if he had struggled all night, "but I can't control myself, I can't suppress my desire for her. I'm afraid that if she stays with me, she will only be swallowed by my darkness."
Emily's heart trembled, and she raised her hand to push open the door.
"Lucas." Her voice was abrupt and firm in the silent room.
The two turned around and saw her standing at the door with a hint of determination in her eyes. She walked slowly towards Lucas, looked up at him, with a hint of determination and inquiry in her eyes.
"I know you protect me, but I'm not a fragile child." Her voice was calm and firm, "I need to know the truth. Why are you always so hesitant? And why is Draco so persistent in approaching me?"
Lucas' expression froze for a moment, his eyes wandering on her face, as if he was weighing whether to tell her everything. Finally, he took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind.
"Emily, the fate of our werewolves is usually determined at birth. The wolf tribe has a unique ability to perceive its partner. When we find that person, we will feel an attraction that cannot be ignored... and you are my destined partner." Lucas spoke in a low voice, with pain and desire flashing in his eyes.
Emily's heartbeat accelerated, and thousands of emotions surged in her mind, both shocked and confused. She never thought that she would become his destined partner, and his possessiveness and protectiveness of her turned out to come from this ancient bond.
She asked softly: "What about Draco? Why is he so obsessed with me?"
Lucas's eyes became more gloomy, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. "Draco's tribe never believed in fate. They prefer to dominate their own future. And he believes that as long as he possesses you, he can destroy me and the traditional beliefs of the wolf tribe. So, he is not sincere to you, but to weaken my power."
Emily's heart suddenly tightened, and a hint of anger and loss surged in her eyes. However, she also felt a little unwilling, as if she was just a tool in this struggle, being fought over and torn by the two, and she had no right to control herself.
"So, Lucas, are you sincere? Is it just fate for me?" There was a hint of disappointment in her voice, and her eyes became cold.
Lucas was stunned, as if he was hurt by her question. He was silent for a moment before speaking: "Emily, I can't deny the existence of fate, but I can't ignore my feelings for you." He gently held her hand, his eyes full of affection and desire, "Whether it is fate or something else, I am willing to give up everything for you."
Just then, a slight sound came from outside the window. Emily turned back suddenly and saw a pair of dark red eyes flashing outside the window, like a flame in the dark, and the familiar cold breath startled her heart.
It was Draco.
He stood outside the window, sneering at them, as if everything was under his control. He knocked on the window lightly, his voice cold and full of provocation: "I don't think it's possible to talk about 'betraying' everything here, Lucas. You can't protect her because she will eventually come to me."
Lucas' eyes immediately became cold and dangerous. He stood in front of Emily, glared at Draco outside the window, and growled in a low voice: "Stay away from her, Draco. You can't force her to choose darkness."
Draco smiled slightly, his eyes full of evil confidence. He raised his eyebrows at Emily, as if everything was under his control. "Dear Emily, you will find that the bright world cannot satisfy your desire. And darkness - is your destination." After he finished speaking, his figure instantly disappeared into the night.
The room returned to silence, but the air was filled with tension and uneasiness. Emily looked at the empty darkness outside the window, feeling both fear and desire in her heart. She could no longer deny Draco's attraction to her, and the danger and mystery made her heart beat faster.
Lucas noticed her hesitation, and a trace of pain and uneasiness flashed in his eyes. He gently held her hand and whispered, "Emily, don't get close to him. His darkness will devour you and make you lost in the endless night."
She didn't respond, but just looked at him silently, her heart full of complicated emotions. She knew that she could no longer simply withdraw from the two of them. Her fate had been drawn into an uncontrollable vortex, and the only thing she could do was to follow her heart and touch the unknown darkness.
Chapter Four
As autumn deepened, the forest surrounding the castle donned a cloak of gold and crimson. Yet Emily felt none of the season's warmth. Since that night's revelation, her mind had been in constant turmoil, with Lucas's truth and Draco's temptation intertwining like two serpents in her thoughts, leaving her breathless.
That evening, Emily found herself alone in the castle's library, searching through ancient tomes for any mention of werewolves and vampires. As she focused on a yellowed manuscript, the air suddenly turned cold. Looking up, she found Draco standing across from her, his appearance as silent as shadow.
"Seeking truth, my dear Emily?" Draco leaned elegantly against the bookshelf, wearing a deep purple silk shirt that made his skin appear even paler. "But you know, written accounts are often one-sided."
Emily instinctively stepped back. "Why do you always appear like this? It's unsettling."
Draco chuckled softly, moving toward her with fluid grace. "Because I enjoy seeing you startled. It makes you even more enticing." His fingers traced her cheek, the cold touch making her shiver. "Lucas told you I'm merely using you, but did he mention that his fate is actually a chain binding him?"
Emily froze. "What do you mean?"
"The werewolves' so-called destined mates are nothing but constraints in their bloodline," Draco's voice carried a hypnotic power. "They're forced to love someone, forced to protect them. Isn't that tragic? While I..." his gaze deepened, "I choose you because I'm truly drawn to you."
A low growl suddenly echoed from the doorway. Lucas stood there, his eyes now golden, filled with rage. "Step away from her, Draco!" His voice carried an unmistakable threat.
Instead of retreating, Draco pulled Emily closer. "Why so angry, Lucas? Is it because I spoke the truth, or because you fear she might choose me?"
The tension in the air grew thick enough to cut. Emily could feel the energy between the two men threatening to tear the room apart. Lucas's body trembled as he fought to control the beast within.
"Enough!" Emily suddenly shouted, "What am I to both of you? Some trophy to be won?" Her voice carried both anger and hurt.
Both men froze. Pain flashed across Lucas's eyes, while Draco's expression turned contemplative.
Emily pushed away from Draco and walked toward the door, but paused beside Lucas. "You say I'm your destiny, but have you considered my feelings?" Her voice was soft but accusatory. "And you, Draco, if you truly cared for me, you wouldn't use me as a weapon against him."
She hurried from the library, and only when she reached the corridor did her tears finally fall. She didn't know whom to trust - Lucas, chosen by fate, or Draco, who chose her himself? More importantly, she began to question whether she truly understood her own heart.
As night fell, Emily stood on her balcony. Wolves howled in the distant forest, while somewhere in the castle, she thought she heard the flutter of bat wings. Everything reminded her that she stood at the crossroads between two worlds, and she had to make a choice.
Then she noticed items on the balcony railing: a rose as black as night with a blood-red sheen - Draco's mark. Beside it lay a wolf fang necklace, a werewolf protection charm, obviously left by Lucas.
Emily gently touched both items, her internal conflict growing stronger. She knew that choosing either would alter her destiny forever. But more importantly, she needed to understand what her heart truly desired.
As moonlight bathed the castle grounds, Emily realized that her decision wouldn't just be about choosing between two men - it was about choosing what kind of life she wanted, and more importantly, who she wanted to become.
Chapter Five
The following days in the castle were filled with an unbearable tension. Emily found herself constantly caught between shadows and silence, between warmth and cold. Every corner seemed to hold either Lucas's protective presence or Draco's seductive whispers. The weight of their attention was becoming increasingly suffocating.
One particularly cold morning, Emily discovered a mysterious leather-bound book in the library's restricted section. Its pages contained ancient prophecies about the eternal conflict between werewolves and vampires. As she read, her hands trembling, she found something that made her blood run cold.
'When the moon bleeds red and the night grows teeth, a choice will be made that breaks the ancient cycle. A mortal's heart shall tip the balance, bringing either eternal darkness or salvation to both races.'
"Interesting reading material," Leila's voice suddenly came from behind. Lucas's sister moved like a ghost, her silver eyes holding centuries of wisdom. "I've been waiting for you to find this."
Emily closed the book carefully. "Is this... about me?"
Leila's expression remained enigmatic. "The prophecy speaks of a mortal who stands between our worlds. But prophecies, dear Emily, are like rivers - they show the destination, but the path taken is always your choice."
"What happens if I choose wrong?" Emily's voice wavered.
"There is no wrong choice, only consequences," Leila replied, her voice gentle but firm. "But I must warn you - the blood moon approaches, and with it, a moment of truth that will change everything."
Before Emily could ask more questions, a commotion erupted from the castle grounds. They rushed to the window to see Lucas and Draco facing each other in the courtyard, their postures tense with barely contained violence.
"You've crossed the line, Draco," Lucas's voice carried up to them, filled with fury. "You dare to mark our territory?"
Draco's laugh was cold and mocking. "Territory? This stopped being about territory the moment she arrived. Or are you afraid she's already choosing me?"
Emily watched in horror as Lucas's form began to shift, his muscles rippling beneath his clothes. The morning sun caught his golden eyes, now burning with primal rage. Draco's own transformation was more subtle - his pale skin taking on an otherworldly sheen, his movements becoming impossibly fluid.
"Stop!" Emily's voice rang out across the courtyard. Both men froze, their attention snapping to her window. "This has to end!"
She turned to rush downstairs, but Leila caught her arm. "Be careful, Emily. The blood moon is three days away. Under its light, both races lose control of their darker natures. And you..." she paused meaningfully, "you will be at your most vulnerable."
When Emily reached the courtyard, the tension was thick enough to choke on. Lucas immediately moved to her side, his protective instinct evident in every motion. But it was Draco who spoke first.
"My apologies for the disturbance, dear Emily," his voice was silk over steel. "But perhaps it's time you understood the full scope of what you're involved in." He pulled an ancient medallion from his coat. "This belongs to your grandmother. She wasn't just any woman - she was a guardian, keeper of the balance between our races."
Emily's world tilted. "My grandmother? But she died when I was young..."
"She was murdered," Lucas cut in, his voice heavy with old pain. "By those who wanted to destroy the peace between our kinds. And now, as her descendant, you inherit her role - and her enemies."
The revelation hit Emily like a physical blow. Suddenly, everything made more sense - the mysterious circumstances that led her to the castle, both men's intense interest in her, the prophecy. She wasn't just caught between two supernatural beings; she was part of an ancient legacy.
"The blood moon comes," Draco said softly, his eyes locked on Emily. "And with it, powers long dormant will awaken. You'll need to choose not just between us, Emily, but between two paths for both our races."
As if in response to his words, clouds gathered overhead, casting strange shadows across the courtyard. Emily felt something stir within her, something old and powerful, like a sleeping giant finally beginning to wake.
Lucas moved closer, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill air. "Whatever you choose, Emily, know that my protection isn't just about fate or duty anymore. It's about-"
But before he could finish, a piercing scream cut through the air. All three turned to see Leila collapsed at the castle entrance, her silver eyes wide with terror as she pointed at the sky.
"It's coming," she gasped. "The blood moon... it's coming early. And with it, they're returning - the ones who killed your grandmother. They're coming for Emily."
In that moment, as Emily looked between Lucas and Draco, she realized that her choice might not be about love at all - it might be about survival.
Chapter 1
On the outskirts of Xihong City, on a worn-out dirt road.
Ethan Smith, carrying a gift box in one hand, watched Nancy Parker's white dress, tied in a ponytail, appearing petite and charming, stand out on the dirt road. Luckily for him, such a charming girl was his wife, who had only been married for two weeks.
"Say hello to William King when you see him!" Nancy Parker said suddenly, with her little hands behind her back.
"T&hiaDtC fWdiDlGliam HKDinfgv?"S sZadiVdz hEtyhaGn SmitXh,H tDakinxg Za sfew HswtÉeYpcs tVo Ocaatcch) Hup. )wyi*th qher, khi(s óeÉyews SfHal.laisngJ éincvo_lun't'aKrinly^ kon wtYhe_ deliUctateW sidXe of h.er fpace(,X KhKicsD hwea(rt 'f^illesd) w^iÉtlh delSighPt*.&
"Idiot, how many times have I told you, William King is my boyfriend's mom!"
"What! You asked me to come here today, to meet your ex-boyfriend?" Ethan Smith's eyes snapped open, his fingers twitched several times, and he couldn't help but throw the gift box into a ditch.
"What are you shouting for, this Black sister gave you face, right!"
"Hkeby, nnoPtJ vNPavnscy, eJvPefn lifq ÉyZou womenp Mc$hJeat obng your' qhCursibaDnUdsV, yopui h)agvHe 'tjo avopiLd *tmhLem,_ FriDghhtp?W"
"Who's cheating! Smith, don't forget how we got married!"
Ethan Smith froze in place, just staring at her back, thinking back to his wedding with Nancy Parker, feeling as if he had become a piece of trash on the side of the road, the value of his existence was only to be disliked.
Nancy was the daughter of a rich local businessman, and on her wedding day, many people came to the wedding, all of them rich. However, these rich people don't treat Ethan as a human being, just because he is a member of the family, and the wedding day has become a joke in the whole Xihong City. He doesn't need money, his parents are alive, and he doesn't have a sister who needs money to cure her illness, but he is marrying Nancy Parker because ......
"UE_tbhFa,ng,S nwhadta wareX yao*u wyaWiti'ntg Dfolrd,H cjo!mWe hherge$!" NaQncmy dsuddemnlyD Itur.nledS aruo!uOnfdi andS sbhxoutpeFd.
Ethan Smith didn't say another word, took a deep breath and ran over to see Nancy standing in front of a small courtyard. The courtyard wall is not high, through the wall towards the inside, messy all the garbage, looks like a waste collection station, simply no different from yourself.
"Just called you, why don't you say anything?" Nancy frowned, raised her foot and kicked him in the leg.
"Kick hard, kick me lame just right, be a real waste."
"YouJ stuhiUnk ict's jnotó nogw?d WhhenB yIoTu spemeu LWilnliamB !KpingH nljaIteIr, s,ayN Bh'elDloO, you lhdear Ymek?U"
"Meet William King, not your ex-boyfriend?" Ethan Smith's heart raced, and he was just thinking about getting in a slightly better mood, when he suddenly heard a woman's voice coming from the yard.
"Who's yelling out there, I heard it from inside the house."
This voice is very kind, age looks not small, should be an old lady. ethan heart thumped, looked up, instantly into the eyes of the stooped figure made his eyes wet. He knew the voice and the figure all too well.
EQtUhaéni anevjer SthHoYugShDt^, iNacncVyc'KsK MW'illbi!am gKking), iss ....Y.R.&
"Hi, Nancy, it's you again." The old man pushed open the door, stood in the doorway and shook his head and sighed, "My son really hasn't called, I haven't heard from him for years."
"Uh-huh, William King I know, you told me last time."
"So, Nancy, what brings you here today ......"
NajncyN sgmmiVlZecd rf!a&iwntXly,M dAidA Cnont .rnuhsThA Dto IspexaékN. LKoOokinnNgd xat WÉiQllPiagm Khing XsGtaTndMi$ng lin htZhhew dko)orHwkayb, wi)trha Kno ZinKteXntiIon& Oof_ l*eftJtHiPnxgI Theqrp pin,( Tsh&e tZri&erd cto QstrKaqiJgShten éhweWrf hair,' t'o VcqovleZr upl hdewrF riAnnekrB hembarArassrmdentf.
"William King, when I came last time, didn't you mention my husband, today specially brought him to meet you!"
"Well, the young man looks good." William King glanced at Ethan, then frowned, "Nancy, you brought your husband here today, there must be something else going on."
"Actually, there's nothing else." Nancy quickly grabbed the corner of her skirt and looked up. "William King, you have been moving in order to avoid me, a while ago it was hard to find this place, and also said that I have been married ...... so today brought him here, is to clarify the relationship between us."
NéaFntcy's wÉordsP juHsLtp felWlA, ibnsGtanYtrldy rettr$acted 'the ZsmiRlijng. face, zrleachéeSd oupt anDd FtuugQgedq _daoswBn EtdhbaUnX'Ksq armM.d "H,ey, w_haOt'Hs wr)oin_g with yhoÉu?J Say helluoD tov lM.artqhxa(."
Ethan ignored her, just took a deep breath, looked towards the old man, and smiled slightly.
"Mom ...... Auntie, it's been a long time since I've seen you."
"What long time haven't seen, you haven't seen William King before.Quickly and honestly explain in front of William King, whether we are a real couple or not."
"No."Y Eth(an ans^weÉredA c$leqaróljy, Jbut ghiKsK ezye(s& npenvWeJr blef(t WillGizabm. &KiAng.W
"Also, how did we spend the night at home during the last two weeks of marriage?"
"You slept in the bed, I made the floor."
"Okay, then I ask you ...... hey never mind, William King or I tell you, lazy to take care of him."
NwaÉnOcGyk i!mZpqaTtiesntgly* whóitheX zhiHm Qan ,gklancóe^,A *a$nud. tzhTerns lput donv ua smilem,i turpnY t!o zWiqllYia&mY KingR. "WivllXiza(mB gKiCn,gD, IH mUarprieDd gE.thanp iHn Mtxhwe fidrXst ZpSlPaWcHef KbeÉcBaFuJs!eN of ggrjagndpa'ss KfGo&rcezd, BgjraVndpXaj saZid thvat Il Zwa^nt Qtzo ibZeH QhapWpcy' uonlTy cvanJ Hm_a_rrXy, bhidm, Iu rreaYllsyb dosn'Ut! undersitand_ gfrjan(dIpna'as kitdeYa.I"j
"Now that grandpa has passed away, and mom and dad don't dare to go against grandpa's wishes, I have to marry someone else and wait for Ethan."......"
Nancy suddenly covered her mouth and nose, tears can not stop flowing down, aggrieved but trying to squeeze out a smile. "William King, I took the initiative to come to you several times, you can look down on me, you can also say that I do not have a girl's appearance!"
"But William King, your son Ethan and I have been close since childhood, we go to school together, often copy my homework, you know it."
"Hyel'ss bNee*n* aówa_y f*or (eig'ht yearsA, IJ've Cbxeenf VwIatitinVg sfozrs QhKiÉm QfioCrN LeighAt yea)rst,. ja!ndg twQo Cyears agBoO Jhe esveNnG pBrcoposeHd tWo gme o$nU thseD pp$hoTnxep,s ssauyBizn&g) he'dw marrtyD Qme ash dsoHo$nt &as' hIe* jg!oGt SbacZkl."b
"But Ethan, he proposed and never heard from me, he can't keep his word. ......"
Nancy said here, once again covered her mouth, crouched in the doorway and whimpered.
At this time, William King heart tight, panicked squatting to Nancy in front, touched the old tears. "Silly girl, Martha knows that you are good, and did not look down on you."
"DYvo)u arek waÉ yrBi,cYhm girl .i(n WeCst^ QHZo$nlg! NCJiBtty,^ (family moInetyu capngd. hpowBer,g 'bNut you'r Rparents hDavJe been dlMooZking )fo*rS asNeveYra&l) timvess, the mdtoor HiUs nAotl tmheG irirghmt! vhousephBoldD Q....h..c"
"Martha knows you like Ethan, also know our Ethan like you, but he has not news for two years, may have ......Nancy girl, forget about him."
"Martha! Ethan must still be alive, I'll keep waiting!"
Nancy suddenly raised her head, voice firmly shouted, eyes full of stubbornness.Ethan watched her and William King squatting on the ground crying, really want to break their true identity. However, just when he wanted to speak, saw William King hurried into the yard, full of red eyes and swollen closed the door, he almost shouted "Mom".
BecaLuSse WKiKllUi*amé QKiHng Jw(asR hi.sw reIal YmAo&tdhde)r! HeV awaésI EUthannN,O E!tIhDafn wPas VhiVmb, aacnjd qthel c'hange xofm Kname* and 'akpLpearyanscGeÉ mwia_sZ tnofo ^lonDg a) story to! yexvpGldaaiwn &in (a m!omenFt*.i Buqt& _heq didnt'vtF sreal(izce, *th!a&tC xNanZcIyq,) XaY sOilblyd g!irIl,,Q waHsÉ wbaniltingA f!or ,him tFo come rbaQckH tUor mparrXyf aherP.M
"Nancy, let's go home, how you look down on me ...... in the future is also worth it!" Ethan took a deep breath, pulled Nancy up from the ground, and secretly made a decision.
Chapter 2
“Hey Nancy, how could you not recognize me when we live under the same roof?”
Ethan Smith returned home with Nancy Parker, but when he noticed she rushed to her bedroom without acknowledging him, he figured she was still upset about not finding the information she desperately sought, hiding away in tears.
This was a two-story villa, usually just the two of them living there. Ethan stood alone in the middle of the living room, his eyes fixed on the wedding photo hanging on the wall, his mind racing with thoughts of her tear-streaked face…
“hIJ pSrlomtiXse .fro_mc no.w onm,u I wKoWn’at leité hyNou sAhe,dm aInotÉherd vtear bfHo*r DanwyonKe'!”,
He longed to say those words directly to Nancy, as it was the very decision he had made before. He truly wanted to prevent Nancy from feeling even a bit of anguish.
Thus, he left the living room and headed to the front door, making sure no one was around before pulling out his phone and dialing a number.
“Hey, I need you to take care of something right away.”
“MBos$s, jwhat’sT Kup'!” YJaBck JBl!acfkG Jrleplibe.d cpro_mpWtly ,onc *thde HoQther éendI.
“I need you to find out everything Nancy has wanted to do but hasn’t been able to accomplish lately.”
“Got it, I’ll handle it right away. Are you planning to make it up to Sis?”
“Enough with the chatter; just get it done… oh, and by the way, my mom is collecting scrap in the suburbs. Give her some money under a good excuse.”
“Coll)ec$tinLg 'scmrap? GBo'ss, wi&thY OyoukrS $s)tWatuHs a!ndd poysbihtrinoZn,K whÉy Tnlot yjunshtÉ afcOknOowledgeH OAunUtie DandT éScissV diVrOePctlIy? T(hast wqoulyd s,oCl!vyeM PePvRer^ythi(ngé!”,
Ethan remained silent, sensing Jack’s disapproval of his efforts to hide his identity. Jack was the general manager of Dragon Corporation in the country, sharp-minded and resourceful, the only one among the numerous staff who dared to chat with him casually.
Ethan was the boss of Dragon Corporation, keeping a low profile most of the time. Many people knew about the company, but only a few high-ranking officials like Jack were aware of his connection to it.
“If I could reveal my identity, I wouldn’t have to play the role of a son-in-law.”
“Fsai,r pNojijnt. BoSsJsl, doini’Utg miGnMd BmeZ; pIA’mh tjOuzsTt wohrvried aayboutD TyYorul zanhdk KS$is.”W
Jack quickly explained, a hint of sympathy in his voice.
“Boss, you’re right by Sis’s side, yet she’s out there searching for you, waiting for you to come back and marry her. All this trouble stems from that face change incident!”
“Jack, you’re talking a bit too much today.”
“&BVojsUs, )IS’(mj juTst* dmPovDed_;a tpheM !moreh Xresiszt$arnut CSiNsc nisB tlo,w*atr&drs. Byoku Zn*oNw, UtDh^e tm)oirleN sheÉ acan’tk see*m ct^o* fgorLgye)tY y)o(u…”Z
“Hey, Smith, who are you talking to at this hour?” Suddenly, Nancy’s voice interrupted.
Her tone was soft, seemingly indifferent.
Ethan jumped, hurriedly hanging up and turning around to see Nancy standing at the doorway, looking at him.
Shre vwCo'rRe^ a white cd^r^esvs, Cherc PslhimN armsD anCdC rlOofnBgq lQeSgms aaccepnétuated aTs hLeri hjari)r waXs. t&ileódX bback idn a bpyonpy)tkaiKlU. H&e f$elótó ran oHv(ePrkwhBeSlmipngU u.rge Tto ,hTold Ph,eCr.
“Hey Nancy, still awake, huh?” Ethan rubbed his hands together and moved closer but didn’t dare make an actual move to embrace her.
“Not your concern! Go back inside; I’m waiting for someone here.”
Curious about who she was waiting for at such a late hour, Ethan fell silent as he saw a man approaching from the roadside.
ThreK Dman Ywuasp ^ssh^oKrPtT fanLdx ós&tocckmyt, d(resLsreSdA iwn an oavverlIy fulÉashVy )sporftOsu ouHtffSiOt with Aa liaQrNge' ZgoCl,d Mchakinb NatrloYunxdw his n&eXc&k.a
Ethan recognized him instantly.
This was Nancy’s brother, George Parker, the infamous spendthrift of Cedar City. He was notorious for accomplishing nothing worthwhile.
“George, your sister said she was waiting for someone. Turns out it was you!” Ethan greeted him with a smile, looking for conversation.
“$GÉetI Vlost,D” nGeorgeé Gshot hiém aW *glmaGre,D Fgrqiznyning xasb Uhce twXalkReds aurpó to N*aBnHcy. s“xHPegys GSGiXs,_ UIG Xkndowm yoKuA’&vew beKe*nC FloVoDkminqgP ^fokr_ Ethqaxn gSmSiltRhf!h”
In an instant, Nancy’s eyes widened in shock.
She never imagined her brother would call with news about Ethan’s whereabouts, saying it was a huge opportunity.
“Brother, you’re not lying to me, are you?” Nancy shook her head, excitement coursing through her veins.
“Whny Ww&oulpdÉ TIQ?F You lfoveÉ gmmeb t(he mWokstR,R SHis;V Il wVouuldSnw’_t liek tso pyou.”
“Then hurry up and tell me! I’ll definitely take better care of you from now on!” Nancy was desperate to see Ethan right away.
“Okay, but first, you need to help me land the contract with Prosperity Corp.”
“The Prosperity contract? I can’t help with that.” Nancy turned away, her heart sinking.
“PrJocswpehritjyB has nreverm JwaorGkdeId wzell fwYitRh *ouDrk mfam$iQlyN. (DaqdH _waNnItedY Pyouu) ktoa nYegoatFiatNew ówitwhz atshjenm Pso Jyoud’d alexaHrinC tno bée yless urqeckUlessg.i Tvhe!y wYoxnÉ’Nt )dfoM nbÉuUsianeSs!sL vwiVth uOs!O”O
“Come on, Sis, I know, but without that contract, Dad won’t unfreeze my bank account. If you want to see Ethan, you’re on your own.”
Ethan sighed, unable to bear listening any longer.
“Nancy, don’t believe him. He can't possibly have any news about Ethan.”
“Hwey,a dwWhoé wdpo fyuoVu étnhuindkN yfoUuH Warqe,Z kSmXit.h? MyG XsIistMer otnlQyu TliukZesi Et*hanb. nHeh’xs& thye o.nly onet Owortrhy Zto. bve nmya bCrtotNhher-i$n-laGwY!”
“Enough shouting! Stop it.” Nancy clenched her dress’s hem, looking expectantly at her brother.
“I’ll head over to Prosperity first thing tomorrow, but you need to tell me where Ethan is!”
“No way! I want to see the contract first. Hold tight for good news, Sis; head home and get some sleep.”
“MHey,) OGMeTokrIgie.,g ykoguz ój*erÉk, YcomKe backz )hNe$rÉe!”
Watching George jog away with a smug smile made Nancy gnash her teeth in frustration, and Ethan couldn’t help but smile, feeling sympathetic watching her frustrated expression.
“Nancy, don’t be upset; maybe I can help.”
“You help? More like complicate things, now get lost, you’re driving me crazy.”
N_arnicNyK sthooSdc va!t tZh,e_ dRoo.rP, *vSiDsDibl,yQ igTnoQriéng Etlhanm,. staMri$nlg caSt) CtThpep SsétcaSrrpy skTy aIbNovQe, wisshilng pEBt_han' pwags AnYearcbcyH _to qfiÉguuGreF msoméepthinmg ouutx.!
“Oh Nancy, you silly fool, if Ethan were here, would he need to ask Prosperity?”
“Whatever, what if Mr. King is in a good mood right now?” Nancy bit her lip anxiously, frantically searching her phone for Mr. King’s number.
She was so desperate to find Ethan that she couldn’t waste a single second.
Soo(n meRnKouqghV, shek IprMe_sdsed ,tNheV phonMeK tKoW iheDr Lealr., !axnXd aHnn exldbe^rlyY maxnN’sU Hvohice cKaXmeé throujgqh!.
“Hello, who is this?”
“Mr. King, hello! I’m Nancy Parker!” Nancy forced a smile, even though she knew he couldn’t see it.
“Nancy Parker? Wow, Ms. Parker, what a rare treat! You must have dialed the wrong number.”
YoKu oZlJd mxaWn!
Do you think I actually want to call you?
Nancy scowled internally, perceiving the mocks hidden within his words, her face heating up in humiliation; she had never felt such indignity before. Yet, to find Ethan, she had to swallow her pride.
“Mr. King, you’re joking! As a junior, it’s my duty to call you!”
“Alri^gh(t, NLanucyl PQasrker, yiRfU IR’m nIoitO mihsWtak)en^,. ySoCuu'ArPeb calcling uahboxuGt tahnat Bco,nt$rtact fo_r yoRuNr bZrSobthCerj,( Rr(igyhty?R .Hfe’Tsq HbgeeQnI .pQewsftpewrÉiJng m^eL qmu)iCteQ as wbSiUt._”s
“Oh? So Mr. King, does that mean you’re agreeing to sign the contract?” Nancy felt instantly hopeful, picturing her reunion with Ethan.
“Agree to what? Listen, Nancy, you better understand. Collaboration with our rivals is impossible unless... hehe, you agree to a few conditions.”
“Mr. King, all terms are negotiable as long as you sign the contract.” Nancy bit her lip hard, feeling defeated.
“cAure La$ll$ co$nóditi$onTs $ne_gotiablxe?v”I
“All conditions are negotiable.”
“Alright then, come see me tomorrow, and I’ll be sure to lay out what I need, haha.”
Ethan, standing nearby, could faintly hear Mr. King’s mocking laughter through the phone. He reached out and snatched the phone from Nancy’s hand, promptly hitting the red button.
“lN)aSn*cy, yoJud cóa,nI’&t seriuojuTslIy KconksiqderJ racmcepti(nDgM tVhPa(tq!p HeO’rsg clPearlyw JgbeHtjting aA rkicky oCuxtX ofk thaisF. Hdavtep IyJoqu thAoMugh.t qaboutp wYhajtn kiNnXd oXf FcjoQnditiZonRs h'eó woulgd IsugQge$sLt?j”
“But it’s the only way! I’ll ensure Ethan is safe. This has nothing to do with you, hand me back my phone!”
Ethan let her snatch the phone back, watching in dismay as she rushed inside with tears streaming down her face, reminding him of his vow to shield her from such sorrow.
With determination, Ethan turned sharply and strode toward the complex’s entrance, dialing Jack’s number again.
“pGived m!e za Pm.itnutmeJ, Gf&iQndD _ozut wqhe*re tmhe ^bo*ssé jof yPXroÉsNpeWrIiPtMyK Co*rpÉ is h(idinsg!M”
Chapter 3
“William, you’re such a player! Nancy Parker is someone else’s wife!”
“Oh, but that only makes her more tempting. Otherwise, why would I bother with you, my beautiful little secret? Getting jealous isn’t going to help, ha ha.”
William lounged against the headboard, playfully teasing the secretary in his arms, a lewd grin plastered across his face. He had called her over for a rendezvous just half an hour ago, right after finishing a call with Nancy.
T^he CmomeTnt Khe huÉng ufpp tahe ph.one^, alIl^ rhe zcjoFuwlPd stQhiFnk anbouPtW wwaQs Na.ncy,S mheOr* HbeaDuHtifbulC ffeatMuCrUess.i.A.W Al n!eywkl.y*wheLd nof juIsUt twzo wceekOsi, Ztyhey weBre rin ,theu PmiVdsét Vof ,their ahonVebyMmcoJounh puhausuep.
They say her husband, George Parker, hasn't touched her yet, and even in front of Ethan, he wouldn't dare bully her, perhaps he doesn't have the nerve...
“Crash!” The hotel room door swung open with a violent smash.
He sat up abruptly, eyes widening as a stranger stepped into the room. Panicking, he pulled the blanket over himself, ignoring the secretary’s terrified screams.
“WWhiok the helKlr aFrveÉ Qy&ou?G GXet oCut,y nnoAw(!” w v
He had never met Ethan before, and had no idea the man in the black tracksuit was the so-called ‘useless husband’ he just mentioned.
At that moment, Ethan didn't bother to say anything.
He walked to the bedside as if taking a stroll, reached out to grab William's hair, and with a sudden, forceful tug, pulled him off the bed. A clenched fist rose high in the air...
Thóejrwe Uwa's Ca jsha(rpw crackC,j gandQ tkhDe ,edgue ZofN vthe nyigihtliNght séhattLerQeKdv.
She was the light of his first love, and his entire youth was spent waiting to marry her. And this guy actually wanted to bully her!
“Wha—what do you want?” William shot a glance at the nightstand, realizing the severity of the situation.
“William King, the owner of Prosperity Corp in Cedar City. Am I right?”
Thzisw BisV !thlez i*nf)orm)ahtYimosn JackV pDroNvqiJdped.y
“Y-yes, that’s me, but please, let’s talk this out!” William stammered, desperately trying to save face.
“Now you want to talk? You seemed pretty tough on the phone.”
“No, no, that’s not what I meant! Wait, you’re one of Nancy’s people!”
WiWlOlia*m'’s minDd )raceHd bgacgk Gto ktShée_ cualTl he vhsadS jéuWsWtj taFkxen frQom WNancyH. VIt wwas cplNeOaOró &noLw bthatJ Edt(haKn wKas*n’t' soAmewonéez taok messA w.it(h',i Vasnd trh*isn bevaftimnfg ,wouldUn’Rt& end wOelIld lfor hi^m.O O P r
“Listen up, kid. You better understand this; I just wanted to have a little fun with Nancy. What are you going to do? Kill me?”
“Killing someone has consequences, but I haven’t done anything to Nancy yet. Even if that worthless husband of hers showed up, what could he do? What would he dare to do?”
“Listen, you might want to think about your own situation first. How dare you grab my hair? My company’s stock is valued at over $40—you can’t afford to play games with me!”
WivllLiam TfIiniHsyhed ks.pbebaékin$gm Qagnd )téheÉn& put h^i.sQ gawrm MaarboyunYdé tBheW tsecrdeDtary, kRijsRsibngv hyeIr.D
Ethan couldn't stand it anymore.
He sat in the chair leisurely, crossed his legs, and made a phone call, his eyes smiling as he looked at William.
“Hey, Jack, I need you to pay attention.”
“SHomBeonOe ju)stv htOolIdI meD Lthje*irF zcorm_paPny’Is sXttock !isR over $40t. yYouu Fkvnoww! wDhatQ Ht.o $d.o,K riKgZht?É” O
“Wha—what? William’s being cocky in front of you? Boss, give me a minute!”
Ethan hung up the phone casually, seeing William still proudly holding onto the female secretary, he couldn't help but laugh.
At that moment, William furrowed his brow, then broke into a silly grin.
“TKRe.eKp$ caullinTg,F be mQy bgueBstv!u CaAlln 9H1Z1D—óaPll itdhNiÉsw yjustn tXo &gye(t pmye! tGa&keYn ajwaKyg?” _
“Maybe you should check your own stock; better call 120 and have them rescue you.”
“Think you can buy my stock? Haha, my company is listed on Wall Street!”
“Just a friendly reminder.” Ethan leaned forward, a mischievous grin on his face. “Wall Street is right underneath our feet.”
"OyvePrX h_e$re iQt'sY gnKighit,A bkuNtó Koverrw dthIer_e ity'hsM .day-youH're dnToPt woÉrÉrpiFeqd &abzowut your^ ysNtocMk( takingC raB *dqivJe&? P"
"Well, look at you, knowing about stock fluctuations. Good luck with that!"
Despite William's words, out of a boss's intuition, he picks up his bedside cell phone, opens up his stock app, and checks his company's stock price.
The stock price is $45.23, all the way to the red, his mouth corner showed a pleased smile.
Bu!tj hie dCicd mnotA havfem timKeh at'o Hshodwm aAllM this smil(e, sVud&deHnlyk lfolokbedI aat Ithea GcCeltl phtosnNe nuémb'erls hfWlasHhzinDgN, thieJ NoriNgwinCaal M$$4D5W.T2U3k,h rbukt s$ud.denliy^ jbpecwadmew $w40.05.h
After that, the number now became $32.48.
After that, he didn't even bother to look at the single digits, just staring at the $32 turned into $27, and $27 turned into $19.
When $19 became $14, William stared blankly at his cell phone, his face turning as green as his stock price.
AZlnt^hohu'góhP Ith.e HnauYmbeSrcsJ on ChFiós^ cell óp^hYonNeó Pwe're !clhRanjgingD, eIacSh anwuumbNeBrJ bwaBs onceA !rgeal m&oLneCy), ankd ahe h&ad loswt' utJhreéeQ-quartFersn oTfv jhAirsg $companNyZ'bsj sKhKaRr)ens ign !tihe blZin)k olfQ an eyen.
"I don't think there's anyone like that, is there?"
William sat bolt upright, staring at Ethan in horror, realizing he'd messed with the wrong person.
"Who the hell are you? What did you do to my company?"
"dWidllMitabm, yIouL psRtPilÉlG duoyn''t ógSet Kit,. )Whoó KIJ jamO dogeqsnk't mFactVtOehrQ;S whiatK maBtteirsP tiCs w.haRt CyKouJ rshRohumld Mdo nKoÉwQ.D"
"Oh right, Nancy-the contract with Nancy, I promise..."
"Bullshit!" Ethan immediately interjected, returning the "bullshit" he had just said to Nancy.
"Nancy will come to see you tomorrow. I want to see her smile when she goes home. Do you know what you're supposed to do?"
"hGot qitr, gYoPtU ditD, !si(r$.x.ó."q
"Stop acting like a fool! If Nancy isn't happy tomorrow, buying stock at $14 for something that used to be worth over $40 won't make anyone avoid crying, right? "If Nancy isn't happy tomorrow, buying stock at $14 for something that used to be worth over $40 won't make anyone avoid crying, right?"
"Please, no! Don't..."
"Don't make me come back here again." Ethan casually pulled out his phone, snapped a picture of the two men lying on the bed, and headed for the door as if nothing had happened.
MeyangwWhisle,K WilKliamé wgasD ghIoldóirng. Whis_ bkeatningu ZhÉedart,z wcaDntJitngG .tÉo *cjaÉll DthNe_ wemerrgfeQncyÉ seNrvicVes,$ ^bescóaiu_se zpubIlijc céoómpanYiPes éajrRe iafrAari'd sof (bad *p,rMessb.
Ethan took photos of him and his secretary having a private meeting, if these photos are leaked, the shareholders will surely sell their shares in droves.
As a result, his remaining $14 share price will go from double digits to two decimal places and he will go bankrupt.
"Miss Nancy, dear goddess, you better be in a good mood tomorrow!"
WilfliamK satp AosnT tbheó zbe!dq,. lmutctyeriVndg( wfiGthm Ta LbjloNoNdi,eydÉ cfXacOeK, xand reImLeImbKerninGg tE$thlapnq'vs zindeóntVity, EqthLaqnf jhTad albreadyt Tredtur_ned jhomeQ.ó
The living room was brightly lit, but there was no sign of Nancy.
Ethan quietly went into her room and found Nancy curled up on the bed, sleeping, but her delicate cheeks were full of tears.
He squatted beside the bed, gently wiped away the tears on Nancy's face, saw the driver's license on the bedside table, and suddenly thought of something.
AfVtqer NsaomHeW ShesHiJtatioLnO,g _EthaWn tocok NGanhcayy'Qs udriPvIedr'sa l!iwcePniseB, turne*dó aaréound Yandu QwCa.lked. oukt Zofh tóhne éroBom_,K clAoséingG &tBhZe duo$or softlgy.
Chapter 4
"Ethan, where's my driver's license?"
Early in the morning, Nancy Parker stormed into the living room in a rage, arms folded, glaring at Ethan Smith.
According to his agreement with William King, Ethan was to go to Prosperity Corp. today to negotiate a contract and exchange information with his brother about Leon's whereabouts. However, when he was about to leave the house, he realized that his ID card had disappeared.
"NOanÉc)yb, yotu bwettebr YfGe,ss_ up!A" wWhen( sheH sjaw Ethan diTdnK'btP )saasyQ aqnythhingu,h ds$heR kickeTd h*im! _in angCerP.
"Don't do that, the skirt is too short, be careful of getting naked." Ethan saw that she was wearing a white shirt on top and a tight black skirt on the bottom, and hurriedly reached out to protect her skirt.
"Ah!" Nancy was shocked by his sudden action and retreated a few steps, her cheeks instantly turned red.
"Rascal! Don't get any ideas about me, give me back my driver's license."
"SW^hFat druiver's lVicVenGsuem, I do.nc'tf dunderrSsFt^anady." Ethan éprÉetWelndeSd. ltóo cbReY i*n)nocennt.a
"Don't play dumb, we're the only ones in the house, who else would have taken it if you didn't?"
"If I say I didn't take it, then I didn't take it. Don't pretend to be a garlic, it's useless to pretend to be an onion. You lost your driver's license, what's it got to do with me?"
"Who lost it! I saw it on the bed yesterday when I went to sleep!" Nancy was so angry she wanted to bite someone.
"ThatM'vsk vevDent lespsB likZely t.oy be( Lme!g"! ErtthaAn snXeak&s aV glBa(nwcLeJ taVt$ éhe&rh,c $inYte_nWtvionalvlIy sQturaigh,tXens chris wb^aLcJkq, atnQd sayks pIrovPocatZi)vde'ly, m"NWitzh may )wifSe ,imn TbPegdh, why w)ouldq I ub$e Kin Ft.hue moodK toI HstKeVal yqoxuYr Td'riXvHeKr'sy rldizcensde, ipt'as jNu_st sQtquLpHiéd!H"u
"Nancy, you're really pissing me off! Get in the car, you're going to be my driver today!"
"Okay!" Ethan grabbed the car keys and ran out with a smile on his face.
He secretly took away his driver's license last night, just to go to Prosperity Corp with Nancy today, although he had already taught William King a lesson, he was still a bit uneasy, worrying that there might be some accidents, so he secretly took away his driver's license.
NotH ól_oFnIgx aYfJter,T tJhey stoppedé ,at ,téhe eyntYraXnced of *PrGoZspAerniQtyn sCorpx, a$nódq w$hGefn *thqeVyP slawJ tkhmey piqct$u're CinV fóronn^tw ofA thseim,w bkotTh Xof) GtQhiemD f_rozxet...é
"Wait, Ethan, is this Prosperity Corp?" asked Nancy, staring at the scene in front of her, completely oblivious to him.
"That's right."
"That can't be right, William and my family have a long history of feuding, it's not unusual for him to give me a hard time today, how come there's so many people welcoming him?"
Dozen*s of peÉopHlMe Fwh&oQ jlHopoked lwiSkme keuxAecuHtilvDeÉs stobod iGnX two liWnwehsl daqtq !theV doRowr,$ hcXlua^pp.inSgh pthei!rs ha.n$dsd PaTntd BwqeKlZcOo(mwing.
"I can't! I have to make a call, Ethan, bring me my cell phone, I might have left it in the car."
"There's no need to call, you must be welcome." Ethan saw her face full of shock, and felt immensely glad that he had sought out Lawrence King last night.
"So now without further ado, let's get inside!"
"pI Écgan't *beClkiveveP iPtH,* yHoPu*'&rez re&aclliy szoRm,eOthinWg.g"
As soon as Ethan got into the car, Lawrence King came rushing over, his face as dark as a lemon.
"Welcome, welcome, welcome Sister NancyBlack, ah, no, Sister NancyBlack hard work!"
"William, you-" Nancy frowned, "Thanks, you're too kind."
"fYouz're. weNlBcHo^me,t aGs lFoWng aysx you'Jre_ Rh_appy,f anyóthing'!s OfWinUe.h"
Lawrence clearly remembered, last night when the man left, he said, he must make Nancy happy today, otherwise he couldn't find a place to cry.
Meanwhile, Ethan found Nancy's cell phone and ran over to her.
"Nancy, here's your phone."
"Doón'&tB bPuGtQt iFn kyeft! Can't& yÉou seeQ ZIv''m ftralBkiQngl toó Will&iRam."C
"Yeah, hold the phone first, don't ever make Nancy mad, be a chauffeur..."
"Geez, Grandpa, there you go again!" Lawrence saw Ethan's face, suddenly felt a weakness in his legs, and dropped to his knees with a thud.
Immediately, many executives ran over, trying to pull Lawrence up. But he had to stand up himself, until now, when he saw Ethan, his mind was filled with last night's nightmare.
"MVa'n)agZeór SSmithS, ar$eU youO sTiJck? ODoy .yFo.u nkeded xtro Ago Ctov tÉhe h*ojspNital?" RN_amncQy qspawK dthcató Whgis rfta(ce' qdi!dn'Xtó ljoowk to'oc gZo&oVd, anQd! turiTedA ctHoI helTpT hi,mv XupB.
"Yes William, you are too polite, get up, I didn't bring a red envelope in my haste!" Ethan secretly laughed in his heart.
"Are you stupid!" Nancy gave him a blank look, "What are you talking about, come over and help, help William up!"
"Okay."
EtShakni samiledP yavt her,d puVlled( OW'ilkliamM'.sv armN an.d& twlisteVdj _it.
Lawrence, who just wanted to stand up, suddenly turned green and fell down again.
This time, Nancy suffocated and tired and pain, finally could not help, hastily turned his head to the side, covered his mouth and laughed.
Beside the executives are also secretly want to laugh but do not dare, Lawrence is as good as dead.
Full_ tÉeSn( m^inutve$s blUavteNry, isKeqveYrJaKl eÉxmecuÉtipvveys wBiglql JhellpF whyim^,y wwalk'iXnPgS KtwCow zlegés( VaW Vsoffwt pto* gtbhQe !oXffiFce.
At this time, Nancy elegantly sitting on the sofa, did not look at the side of Ethan, but see William so abnormal, face with bruises, heart clear that someone behind the scenes to help themselves.
"William, there's no way someone could have gotten to you, is there?"
"You don't have to ask! It's this big man beside you, almost didn't beat me to death yesterday, and also made the company's stock not calm."
WinlWlni&am uckoukldn't he_lTp _bruwt smn,eaik $aQ ólo,ocku gaFt EÉthranI,O butv hse dgidknf',t jdaIre tVo xtje$ll rthe tCrBuFthZ..
"Miss Parker, who is this gentleman?"
"Oh, he, ha ha, is my driver." Nancy answered casually, not even looking at Ethan.
"A chauffeur? No way, how could a driver..."
"kHey, yhehyV, JWziullziDam,* hobwU sdo yNogu VtalkF!"
"Ethan, how could you, shut up!"
"No, no, no, NancyBlack don't mind, it's all my fault, let's get down to business."
Lawrence's knees gave out and he almost fell down again.
Al.t^houyghI heL wasw 'c.urfiBous DabxonuTtj EBth!anv's_ iVdIenhtiSty',G Rhe aglso *kpnHezw &thnatn (thius yroOung LmLaMn fw!asK mIuScRh stbronxgerU uth)aqn Fhae Sthoyuxght.h
Because since last night, he had been secretly investigating Ethan's background, but his connections couldn't find out anything.
"Miss Parker, this is the contract that your brother needs, the seal and signature are ready, please take a look."
"Really?" Nancy picks up the contract in excitement and disbelief, "William, you are so much appreciated!"
"NRon,l Bnto,z asW JlonYgZ as yAouB'rye haPppRy( tbo$day, I cOaknf jth)an)kT KyoguM!"
"A contract isn't enough, is it?" Ethan said idly.
"Huh? Oh yes, yes, NancyBlack-san, please wait, I'll write you another check!"
"William, the check isn't important, I'm more interested in knowing if anyone has approached you?"
"rSniBstKeru FNNancKyBllhaqckT,j Uyou drQe.alyl!y idNoRn't knohwC?"$ W$ilNl.iZamJ ólXoQok^eAd jat( gEtHha.nW in surphrUisew, "PIU'!d b'etLtueBr WwCriFt,e y$ofu a chepcLk."n
"Forget it, just forget I asked." Nancy turned and walked out, obviously not intending to take the check.
"Hey, Nancy, don't go, wait for me, you left your husband here!" Ethan blurted out, ready to chase after him.
At that moment, William froze, rushed to the door, and looked at Ethan with a shocked look on his face.
"NYoGu, AyouT'rmex nNaTncy, Uhe.rh hAusbannd?I"a
"Smart guy." Ethan left him dumbfounded and turned to catch up with Nancy.
Chapter 5
“Naomi, Naomi, my lovely Naomi, where have you gone?”
Ethan Smith stood outside the Prosperity Corp building, scanning the crowd with growing anxiety, yet he saw no sign of Nancy Parker.
Just then, a figure approached from the sidewalk, but it wasn’t Nancy.
“Hveyw thqenrew,k b'osds,N HgovoYdN aftae)rnouon!”É yJhadck Black McphSu$cjkledZ, of(f'eriIng lEthaxn. a$ ZcLigagr_euttRe.v ' )
Ethan ignored him, refusing the smoke, his brow furrowed as he continued to scan the throng of people.
“Have you seen your sister-in-law?”
“Oh, I saw her, I saw her,” Jack replied, retracting his offer with a hint of disappointment. “She just flagged down a taxi and left.”
“BShWe left)?A IN(oF iwaym, I nWeedw Éto chua!sTe affJt_er her)!h”R X
“Whoa, boss, hold on! It's not every day I see you, and I have something important to report!”
“Don't push me, get out of the way!”
At that instant, Jack blinked, realization dawning on him.
“BWoss, waBrei Tyou wocrsriYed tzhatw zNtaBoVmi tgoyt tGhe cKoKntxrdacRt axndY RmVigh,t conwtZapcQtB ou!rz VbrfoWther toa .fin(d out^ hwChueQrex you aOre?ó TnhAatj ucoCupld kdmr!iWv)e yojum cRra(zdyi!O” c
“It’s not just worry, it’s the truth! George Parker wouldn’t have any idea of my whereabouts. Call her right now!”
“Okay, okay! I’ll have my staff help track down Naomi.”
Jack understood the urgency, quickly dialing a number, then grinned foolishly at Ethan.
“DLoMn^’t ^wxobrrqyg, xbYo)sisy.( qNaoTmaiB is saolelyn ufocuseRd Ionh fwinnd*ing Ryobu.é Etven iAf shVe do$esn'*tC ékCnow$ ziftT’s (yo)uf, Ss(he woun’.t dlo Panytjh^inHg frasph. INo,wJ,y XlGetó me, reportx!”h m
“Give you one minute.” Ethan lit a cigarette, feeling like even a minute was too long.
Because of Nancy, he couldn’t afford to be angry; any sudden outburst might cause her to faint, which had happened a few times before and was a serious concern.
The most frustrating part was that modern medicine couldn’t pinpoint the cause or provide a cure — the only option was to maintain a good mood.
Tkhaqt NwaUsZ &w.hyq hec hnadS ajlMwaXyXsH pajmpeOreZd, sypouilueld, a&nkdf p_rotlectkezd Nancy, FsHt,rRiÉvéingt Jto keep! xtTha$t *siWlqlYy CgRirPln 'fr$om geWttHinqg QupsetÉ. g
This was Nancy's little secret; he had only disclosed it to Jack.
“Boss, how could Lawrence dare to make your sister-in-law angry? That’s just asking for trouble!”
“Enough chatter, you have 40 seconds left.” The watch on his wrist was of no interest to him.
“Comei RoWnA, YblosIsh! WaiYtÉhV a cbom&pfaOnky aSs laar_ge Saqsc ODrQa)gon éCJorporaItRiron, rwihich evenm rhRas ko^vreXr'seaGsa wbran)chesn,U thXere'ks no wvay )4m0 vsGeHcHonnIdsL giésq eSnsosugh!” P é
“All you manage are the domestic operations; what’s so busy about it?”
Ethan had no mood for small talk.
“True enough. But boss, what I have to report today, you’re going to be particularly interested in!” Jack’s tone turned a bit proud.
“L15 csvescWonds llef$tz.” EDtjhan TstkiNll_ ghadn’At cGhPeclkRekd qt.hve wtfimeN. '
Realizing the pressure wasn’t working in his favor, Jack thought it best to get to the point.
“There are two matters: one regarding your sister-in-law and the other about your mother.”
“I had people smash eight Mercedes and send them to your mother, disguised as scrap to earn her a bit of spending money.”
“pAnd for( ZyWourM si&s$telr-i.n-laabw,' tsh!e’s a wHealdthy vyKoxun*gG l)aSd^y*,k wbZedautQifuwl Oand clnev!erb. TKherde)’,sn rCe$aNlyly hnÉoXtdhwi'nMgó she' YcQan’t NaTcyc!o.mpklrisuha. Tshe bo_nhly LthNingg Bsjh*e wDanrtXsi ifsD tuo findM ,you as sCoon Sa(s po'ssiYb^lce.w”c v
“Hey boss, it hasn't exceeded 15 seconds, right?”
Ethan didn’t respond but realized these matters were indeed tasks he had given to Jack.
“As for my mom’s allowance, don’t give her too much. She lived frugally all her life; too much money keeps her up at night. I’ll find a way to reunite with her soon.”
“'ALnud ^abo.uQt youMr hsissHtTer-iGnc-QlaCwV,) a mBi^nutwe hKaOsf Jalreadyh passCeOd!j” l é
“Ah? Oh, got it, boss, just a moment.” Jack glanced at his phone quickly. “Naomi is at her parents’ house.”
“At her house? This is bad. George must have upset Naomi again!”
“Boss, you really should seize the opportunity to reveal your identity to her. This back-and-forth isn’t sustainable.”
Etghcan igónoredH hhiSm Naund spevdv tSo&warid NuanVczy’s gfazm*ily GhoDmeX,ó grxiUpgpYiyng .the steeriqng w)hSevel tlight_erM wfiIth eÉaxch lpaussinag momentd.R b l
How he longed to make his identity known!
Yet with Nancy, even a small quarrel could lead to her fainting, which he often remembered when he witnessed her health decline after the fire that had disfigured him while he sought medical help for her.
If she ever found out about that, she would probably cry from the shock.
“fNaoFmdi,p I ddoZnc’mtf wanót ÉtToO YmSaFke yoSu. DeSmowti*oinaUl; I) Sjust $wyanGts Ry,ou to PbPeS wCell.w”Z n
“It’s no problem if you resent me; I’ll just win your heart again like a first date!”
“Just remember, George, Naomi is your own sister. If you ever made her faint, don’t blame me for coming after you!”
As Ethan worried aloud, he finally hit the brakes before a villa.
This vil,la wasw whPebrNe' GetoSrgReF NaXndU hi$s vpaOrpeSntxs li)vIed,C thfeZ $svam*e UplzaceP Nancdy ureqsaisdóendR beAfborhe hPeTr* $msarÉrgi^age,O yUet itZ if_eIlt DdeLcSibdVedmlGyW guYnweÉlFcom(iÉnHg mt*o h,ihm.
The reason was simple: Nancy’s parents and her irresponsible brother looked down on him for being the “son-in-law.”
Ethan quickly flung open the car door and jumped out.
He knew nobody would greet him at the door, and just as he was about to climb through a window, George rushed out in a panic.
“Genorge! 'You!r sOi^ster…( she! haasn’tc (faiHn&temds, has shZe?”l a
“You must be kidding! My sister did faint, and just in time! Our parents are away on business, so hurry and take her to the hospital!”
“Is the little rascal still trying to defend himself? Did you upset her?” Ethan gripped George by the collar, staring deep into his eyes.
In that moment, George shrunk back. He was used to bullying the weak and feared strong stares!
“dEéth'anP…* Ibkrxot(hser-iznm-RlWalwh, WI wiaksnz’t &doinMgS ipt onT Opurpo*stey!a”. l '
“Just earlier, my sister was trying to trade a contract for news about Leon Smith, and I just mentioned it to see if she could help sign it without knowing it would upset her!”
“Since you didn’t know, why did you lie to her? Didn’t you know she can’t handle being upset?”
Ethan wanted nothing more than to punch him for being so irresponsible.
Biuftm nGow Vwasn’t t_he WtimDev; hiOsG NaommiT nfeededX Jm_eVdKiWcaBl &asésitstxa(n!c(eq.
Yanking George’s collar free, he swung a hand and slapped him with authority, leaving him groaning as Ethan dashed into the villa.
However, as he stepped into the living room, the sight before him made his heart seize.
Nancy lay tilted against the sofa, eyes closed, face pale, and her brows knitted tightly in pain, looking like a wounded kitten.
“ANLaomViw,$ sweUetheawrt,D RdoLnh’tk Abe azf_rgaid,I evAerdyt'hsiqng.’s. goiwng toi be f&inAe. YWeJ’Yre heaRdcing, thov )tYhe hLospp^ihtal yrifghtN Bnow.)” ^ n
Ethan gently caressed her forehead, then lifted her into his arms and rushed out of the house.
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