Wendy returned to the Hawk family estate, and as soon as she stepped into the living room, her eyesnded on someone someone she would never forget: George.


    Years ago, when Lilian sent her away to the countryside, it was to George''s house. George had been her foster father.


    Now, Glinda and George were seated on the plush sofa in the living room.


    Glinda greeted George warmly. "Wendy grew up in the countryside. Those years would''ve been so tough without you. You raised Wendy so well. Now she''s here, an esteemeddy in the Hawk family."


    George''s left eye was blind, leaving him with a single eye. He was a broad- shouldered man with a rough appearance, someone who had once been known for his drinking and violent behavior toward his wife.


    Sitting on the expensive sofa now, his lone eye roamed around the luxurious decor of the Hawk family mansion, his gaze lingering greedily on the antique paintings scattered around. Yet, in front of Glinda, he yed the humble, simple man.


    "Mrs. Glinda, you tter me. I hope Wendy hasn''t caused any trouble since she married into the Hawk family."


    Glinda was full of praise for Wendy. "Of course not. Wendy''s a perfect angel."


    George seemed to remember something and shed a sly, unsettling smile. "Yes, Wendy is indeed an angel."


    Wendy stood by the door, feeling sick. A wave of nausea hit her, and she could barely keep herself from vomiting.


    Just then, the butler, Freddy, spoke up. "Mrs. Wendy, you''re back?"


    George looked up at the sound of Freddy''s voice and saw Wendy standing there.


    It had been ten years since George had seen her-ten long years.


    Wendy had grown up. The little girl he once knew had transformed into a graceful, slender young woman.


    George''s eyes lingered on Wendy''s face, then dropped lower, scanning her curvaceous figure. He stood up, his gaze never leaving her. "Wendy, you''re back. It''s been ten years. I''ve thought about you every day, night and day."


    Glinda, unaware of any tension, smiled warmly at Wendy. "Wendy, your foster father came all the way to see you."


    Wendy''s eyes locked onto George. This man was a nightmare from her childhood, and even now, seeing him again, a tremor shook her. Her limbs went ice cold.


    But in the next moment, a strong arm draped across her fragile shoulders. Arge, calloused hand gently sped her shoulder, and a deep, maic voice rumbled from above. "Why are you standing here?"


    Wendy looked up, and Stanley''s handsome, regal face filled her vision.


    Stanley was back.


    He looked down at her with his striking, intense eyes. As Wendy looked up, her eyes lost focus for a brief moment, bing hollow, the pupils spinning. She looked fragile and vulnerable.


    The maid took Stanley''s ck suit jacket, and he smiled at her, his lips curling up. "Why are you so cold?"


    He rubbed his warm hand against her shoulder gently.


    Wendy could feel his warmth, his body heat transferring through his palm and easing into her shoulder. He held her close, and her delicate frame melted into his embrace. The warmth of his hold seeped through the thin fabric


    of her clothes, making her feel safe and secure.


    His presence brought an overwhelming sense offort, making her want to lean into him.


    Wendy snapped out of her trance. "Maybe I didn''t dress wannly enough."


    Glinda, ever the gracious host, made the introduction. "Stanley, this is Wendy''s foster father. He came all the way from the countryside to visit her."


    Stanley''s cold, dark eyes turned to George.


    George, ring at the man beside Wendy-so distinguished, somanding in every movement-gritted his teeth in hatred. That little brat had somehow managed to climb her way up to someone like that!