Wendy''s eyes gleamed in the dim light from under the nket, and she suddenly burst intoughter.


    Stanley, his voice hoarse, asked, "What''s so funny?"


    Wendy looked at him, a teasing smile ying on her lips. "Should I say I''m tired, or not tired?"


    The yful, teasing tension hung between them, sparking desire.


    Stanley chuckled, his lips curling into a grin as he leaned down to kiss her again.


    The next day, at the Crone family estate.


    In the bedroom, Liliany contentedly in Harry''s arms, holding onto his neck as


    she yfully scolded, "You were rough earlier. You really hurt me."


    Harry smirked, his thumb gently tracing her jawline. "Are you satisfied now?"


    "Stop it..."


    Jessica had called Harry, and he rushed home, ensuring that Lilian, who had been feeling lonely for so long, was now thoroughly satisfied.


    As he held Lilian, he asked, "Did George really take Wendy away?"


    "Yes," Lilian replied with a smile. "That annoying obstacle is finally gone. Soon, Jessica will be Mrs. Hawk, and you''ll be the father-inw of Hovendale''s wealthiest man."


    Harryughed heartily, clearly thrilled. "Honey, you''ve done great this time."


    Lilian felt a sense of satisfaction. The night was over, and now Wendy was surely George''s ything. No one would ever disturb her happiness again.


    Looking at Harry''s joyful expression, Lilian couldn''t help but smirk inwardly. He would never know who Wendy''s real father was.


    Lilian and Harry left the room and saw Jessica sitting on the couch in the living room, fidgeting with her phone, a look of worry on her face.


    "Jessica, what''s wrong?" Harry asked.


    "Mom, I can''t reach Stanley. He hasn''t answered my calls sincest night. He''s never done this before."


    Jessica''s intuition, sharp as ever, sensed something was off


    Lilian waved it off. "Jessica, Mr. Hawk is very busy. You need to be understanding. You can''t hold onto him too tightly. George has taken Wendy away, so why are you still worrying?"


    As soon as Lilian mentioned it, Jessica''s mood shifted, and she smiled brightly. She link yfully saying "Wendy''s finally gone! You''re the best, Mom."


    r arm with Lilian''s,


    Looking over at Harry, Jessica continued, "Dad, hurry up and fire that secretary. From now on, you can only be good to Mom."


    Harry sat beside Jessica, his eyes filled with affection as he gazed at her smile. "Okay. Whatever you say, dear." Jessica''s lips curled into a satisfied smile, looking every bit the spoiled little princess.


    At that moment, the housekeeper hurried over. "Mrs. Crone, someone is here to see you."


    Lilian looked up, intrigued. "Who?"


    "Mrs. Crone, help!"


    It was George''s voice. He burst in, his body wracked with pain, his face pale from the injuries he had sustained. He staggered into the living room and copsed onto the carpet in a heap.


    Lilian, Jessica, and Harry jumped to their feet in shock, staring at George in disbelief. How did he end up here?


    "George, didn''t you leave with Wendyst night? Why are you back?" Lilian asked.


    Harry demanded, "What happened?"


    George gasped, barely able to catch his breath. "Mr. and Mrs. Crone, I did take Wendy, but Mr. Hawk sealed off all the exits in Hovendale. He came and took Wendy from me!"


    What?


    Stanley?


    Jessica was stunned. "You''re telling me Stanley saved Wendy?"


    They had nned everything so carefully, and everything had been going ording to n. But Stanley had thrown a wrench into it all.


    Stanley had rescued Wendy!


    The excitement they had felt earlier vanished instantly. Jessica suddenly realized


    that Stanley hadn''t been answering her callsst night-was it because he was with Wendy the entire time?


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